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Why Environmental Studies?

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Why Environmental Studies?

Infographic that reads "environmental careers" and with illustrations for the labels "advocacy", "green business", "conservation", "sustainable energy", "communication", and "environmental policy"

Environmental Studies prepares you for a wide range of environmental careers.


There is no “typical” environmental job. What is typical of environmental jobs is teamwork. A key skill for environmental professionals is the ability to contribute to teams by working productively with others.

The Environmental Studies T. This is a large blue "T" with white arrows. The top of the T says Cross-Disciplinary Breadth. The stem of the T says Single-Disciplinary Depth.  Under the T it says "T-Shaped" Skills.

That’s why Environmental Studies provides a “T-shaped” skillset: it emphasizes breadth on top of depth. 

 

It gives you in-depth knowledge of environmental topics through:

  • Electives
  • Independent research
  • Maybe a second major or a minor

 

But you also gain the breadth and collaborative skills necessary for environmental careers by:

  • Studying multiple fields
  • Working with students and faculty who take varied approaches to the environment
  • Communicating interdisciplinary solutions to complex environmental problems

You will love this program if you...

Are passionate about: 

  • Climate change 
  • Conservation and biodiversity 
  • Sustainable energy 
  • Protecting natural resources 
  • Environmental policy 
  • Environmental justice

Hope to pursue a career in:  

  • Public service with a government agency 
  • Advocacy with a non-profit or NGO 
  • Green business 
  • Environmental law 
  • City or regional planning 
  • Environmental reporting/communications