What to Do With Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science?

Environmental science is the field of study that involves the use of biology and chemistry to protect the environment and repair damage that has already been done, especially via pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. A bachelor's degree in environmental science is a four-year undergraduate degree that is sufficient for some jobs in the field.

Types

Jobs for people with a bachelor's degree in environmental science may include consulting, education or research.

Function

As an environmental consultant, environmental scientists with a bachelor's degree work with companies to identify and correct practices that can negatively impact the environment. Consultants may work for federal or state government agencies, for consulting firms, or directly for a particular company.

Features

With a bachelors degree, environmental scientists are able to assist biologists, chemists and environmental scientists with experiments and field studies that concern ecology and conservation. Education jobs with a bachelor's environmental science typically require receiving a teaching credential from your state that enables you to teach science in secondary school.

Compensation

In November 2009, the average entry-level salary for people with a bachelor's degree in environmental science was $38,365, according to Payscale.com.

Considerations

For research or independent work in the field of environmental science, a masters degree or PhD is usually required, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These degrees typically take between two and eight years to complete after you receive your bachelor's degree.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Payscale.com: Environmental Science
• What to do with an Environmental Science Major