Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary degree formed from a combination of courses in ecological and earth sciences. Environmental scientists use their knowledge of physical and life sciences to protect, conserve, and manage natural resources and the environment, and assess health risks found in the environment. Environmental scientists are employed in both the public (federal, state, and municipal government agencies) and private sectors (non-profits and environmental consulting firms) to manage resources, protect the environment, and minimize human health hazards.
Most jobs for environmental scientists involve a combination of office, lab, and field work. Specific job duties may include collecting and analyzing data for reports and surveys; developing land management plans; collecting soil, water, or plant samples for analysis; developing plans for restoring polluted air, water, or land or plans to prevent pollution; giving presentations that guide natural resource managers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, government officials, businesses, or the public at large; and assessing health threats found in the environment.
Environmental science majors have the option to earn a concentration in natural resources and ecosystem conservation. This concentration allows students that are specifically interested in natural resources management to follow a more narrowly focused curriculum.