Careers
What can I do with a major in Environmental Studies?
The career paths for ES majors are a s varied as the major itself. Indeed, one of the great strengths of the program is its ability to accommodate the wide range of interests demonstrated by today's students. Graduates of the program are currently working in the public service, including federal agencies such as the U.S. Park Service, serving as naturalists, tour guides, and environmental educators. Others are working for state agencies, including the Department of Natural Resources, the Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Health. Still others are pursuing careers in nonprofit or environmental advocacy organizations.
Several recent graduates are working for programs and schools specializing in environmental education. A recent graduate of the program is working in Costa Rica for the School for Field Studies while another is currently serving in the Peace Corps in Russia, specializing in the formation of environmental education programs. Students also have worked for a number of residential environmental learning centers, including the Audubon Center of the Northwoods and the International Wolf Center.
A significant number of students are working in the private sector as well. Companies engaged in land-use planning, for instance, have found ES majors with concentrations in geography and/or Geographic Information systems very attractive. Other companies specializing in areas such as water and air testing, regulatory compliance services, and environmental marketing have all turned to ES majors to satisfy their needs.
Finally, students are using the ES major as a springboard for admission into graduate education and the professions. ES graduates are now attending graduate schools throughout the nation, including the University of Minnesota School of Law, medical schools, and graduate programs in public health and community development.
Click here for a partial list of Environmental Studies graduates and what they are doing today!
For more information on what is possible with an ES major check with
the UST Office of Academic Counseling .
Or, click on one of the links below to investigate other careers in the environmental field :
