What does it take, as in college wise, to become an environmental activist?

Question

I'm a sophmore in high school, I have a 3.3 GPA, and I'm taking 4 years of math, science, english, and 3 years of history.plus 2 years of a foriegn language.As for clubs so far science olympia,and next year i'll be joining natural helpers.

Answer 1

Tying yourself to a tree to protect it does not require much, especially brains.

Answer 2

Oregon State,the college I am attending, has an environmental science program. Other universities do as well but it will take a little research to find them.

I would recommend that you get your basics out of the way at a local community college (if possible) to save yourself some money.

Courses you will need to take include:
1.) as many biology courses as possible
2.) at least two introductory chemistry courses
3.) at least two physics courses
4.) plenty of math. I think the requirement is both calculus and trig.

here is a link to OSU's program: http://envsci.science.oregonstate.edu/

I am currently about to graduate with a degree in natural resources but am still contemplating getting my second BS in environmental science.

In the end, however, a degree doesn't make you an activist. It's what you do and what causes you take up that do that. Many people do not have a degree and are still activists. If you are serious you should consider joining organizations such as the Sierra Club, Forest Guardians, the Nature Conservancy, or any one of the numerous wildlife federations. There is almost always a local environmental group in your area (or at least close by).

Good luck!

Answer 3

You'll want to major in environmental studies.

There are two main environmental majors:
- Environmental studies and enviornmental science
Environmental studies has more to do with the politics of it which is more in line with activism.

It's great you are already getting started within your community. Keep that up and when you get to college there will be many more opportunities to get involved.

Another area you might want to educate yourself as far as environment goes is culture and the environment, a lot of activism surrounds this issue. A book you might like: All Our Relations by Winona LaDuke (a prominent Native American female environmentalist)

Answer 4

There are some good answers here, but I don't think anyone has mentioned that you can actually go to post-secondary specifically for environmentalism. Check out Unity college in Maine, or McGill's School of Environment. That's where I'm headed.

Answer 5

I would suggest starting off as an science major, particularly environmental science, and make sure you are as involved in the cause as you can be. When you get to college, you will be taking required courses and electives; I would take those electives in the types of course that could get you close to professors who are in the field and doing research. Talk to them and see if there is anything you can help them with outside of school, they usually don't want research assistants that young, but they may be willing to take you on if your level of commitment and passion is high enough; you may also have to prove yourself through your grade in their class. If they don't need your help ask them if they could point you in the right direction. Also, if you aren't able to get into a course, then approach that teacher outside of the classroom(not literally) and talk to them then. You can do this by finding their information through the school and either send them an e-mail or leave a voice message on their office phone. Professors have very little office time, usually before or after a class they teach, so see if you can find a current syllabus to see what their office hours are and then meet them there and ask if you can make an appointment to talk them about what you want to talk to them about. They may have time on their hands to talk about it right then, but don't assume that.

Also, use your school's resources, like the placement programs(for internships, research projects, etc..), and get into something outside of the school as soon as it's possible for you to do so. As a matter of fact, I would suggest internships and research projects to anyone in any major because they look so good on your resume out of school, you may also be able to get a good recommendation through one of them for a new employer, or you may actually stay on with your internship after school and become an employee. A degree isn't what it used to be, you need more.

Answer 6

Two quick thoughts:

(a) Study something like biology or earth science, coupled with business or political science. A double major in this manner should provide solid background/knowledge to help see potential changes for business or legal strategy ... plus the enviro knowledge to serve as a savvy advocate.

(b) Study those then go to law school. Envorinmental law is going to continue as an important bridge to change.

Final thought: seek relevant internships in the summers, like with a park ranger position or in an ecology lab or even with an organization (try something less off the charts than Greenpeace, if you want to maximize your credibility).

Best wishes! Make us proud. *wink*

Answer 7

I don't think there is an actual course "requirement" as such, and you are certainly on the right track already. For supplementing/rounding out your relevant education, I would consider Logic, Public Speaking, Geography, Psychology and a few Civics/Government/Political Science.

Good luck!!

Answer 8

all it takes is being passionate about it and having the initiative to do something about it. join a couple of facebook groups having to do with environmentalism. just get involved.

Answer 9

studying science especially biology & botany will be a good background for you.

Then you need also to study physics & chemistry especially those related to environment

Answer 10

to be an activist, it takes no college. just a willingness to listen to mindless drivel that special interest groups will feed to you.

a word of advice though- if you actually TAKE earth sciences, and biology and such, and actually LEARN from them (Rather than just listen to the talking heads), you may learn that there is no need to become an environmental activist, and you can learn something even more important and focus on that.