Environmental Studies vs Environmental Science vs Environmental Engineering

Probably the most common questions someone interested in becoming an environmental professional is what major to pick.  Most choose either from environmental studies, environmental science, or environmental engineering. The similarity between these majors is probably the reason for the confusion.  So, let me try to break down the differences between these majors and how to maximize your job outlooks.

First, let me quickly go over environmental majors in general. Environmental majors are interdisciplinary, that means you get a wide variety of courses.  Since the environment is composed of the physical and chemical processes in the land, air, and water, and their interaction with humans, most programs will include higher levels of math, physics, chemistry, biology, and social sciences courses.

Another thing to consider is a minor or a concentration along with your major.  A concentration, if you don’t know, is a mini-minor that allows you to concentrate your studies in a specific area but does not require as many credit hours as a minor.  Keep in mind, not all programs have a concentration. A minor or concentration will add to some diversity to your education and make you more versatile in the job market.  Something to keep in mind when you research programs.

Environmental Studies

Environmental studies focuses on how the environment affects humans and vice versa whereas environmental science and engineering focuses more of the physical and chemical processes of the environment.  For instance, an environmental science major may study the mechanics of climate change, while an environmental studies major will study the human impact.

In most programs, environmental studies is a Bachelor of Arts degree.  That means your course work is less focused on math and hard sciences and more focused on humanities and social sciences.  However, don’t expect to escape math or the hard sciences completely, as a lot of programs require you to take some form of advance math such as Calculus I or Statistics along with Chemistry, Biology, and Physics 101s.  By the way, if you had to pick between Calculus and Statistics, I would go with Statistics, much more useful in the long run.

In lieu of hard math and science classes, you will have lots of hard reading and writing classes. So expect to be cranking out 20+ page term papers if you choose this route.  Core classes may include topics on energy and sustainability, environmental law and policy, human geography, and ecosystem management. There will be some environment related math and science classes sprinkled in to maintain scientific literacy but they will not be considered too difficult. So this major is great for anyone who is not a huge fan of math and science.

How to Maximize Job Outlook

If you really want to get the most out of your degree, environmental studies is a great major to double major with or include with another course of study.  Public policy or pre-law with environmental studies are common combination I’ve seen. Since common employers tend to be government agencies, policy groups, and non-profits, another degree that helps you understand the ins and outs of laws and policy is extremely valuable.

Other skills to consider studying in schools are GIS and graphic design.  Just being able to create and analyze maps is a huge plus on any resume. Additionally, graphic design is a great asset to have as a big part of your role will probably include public relations.  A great presentation will do more than a 50 page technical report.. Shoot, if I was any good at photoshop this whole post could have been easily expressed in a single Venn Diagram

Environmental Science

An environmental science major will focus more on the mechanics and processes of the environment.  That is, studying the physical, chemical, geological and biological forces that move and shape the environment. Unlike an environmental studies, environmental science is a Bachelor of Science degree which means you get a healthy dose of math and science courses.  For example, Calculus II or III are prerequisites for many core courses in the major, along with 200 level biology, chemistry, and physics courses.

Environmental science is considered an applied science, so your higher level classes apply sciences into understanding and solving  environmental problems. Higher level courses in the major may include environmental chemistry, groundwater hydrogeology, environmental systems modeling, and advanced GIS and remote sensing.  

How to Maximize Job Outlook

Here is when your minor or concentration can have a huge effect in your future careers.  For example, a minor in geology and you may find yourself working for a consulting company reading soil cores whereas a biology minor and you will find yourself with the public health department trapping mosquitoes to monitor for diseases. Environmental science is a broad subject so feel free to explore your options and find your passion.

Some options I would recommend to minor or concentrate in are chemistry, geology, biology/ecology, energy, sustainability, environmental/public health, and safety.  And as always GIS is a great skill to pick up regardless minor or concentration you choose.

Environmental Engineering

Last but not least is environmental engineering.  Unlike environmental studies, that studies the human/environment interaction, or environmental science that studies the environmental processes, environmental engineering studies the ways to improve the environment or at the very least, improve the human/environment interactions.  That is, building devices and systems to clean or improve the environment.

As the name implies, environmental engineering is an engineering degree and you will receive a Bachelor of Engineering degree.  These programs are only offered through accredited engineering schools and often times are actually located within the schools civil engineering department.  So it is not uncommon that you will receive a dual degree, a civil and environmental engineering degree. And since this is an engineering degree, this is considered the hardest environmental major, however, it also has the highest starting pay out of school.  

Since this an engineering major, expect a healthy dose of hard math and science courses. Your elective courses you may share with environmental studies and science majors such as ecosystem management or sustainability, but your core courses will consist of Statics and Mechanics, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, and a senior project of some sort.  These are the courses where open notes on test will not help you since they want to test your ability to problem solve and not regurgitate answers.

How to Maximize Job Outlook

Unlike with environmental studies and science I would not recommend taking another major or minor with environmental engineering as your course load will be more than enough to handle.  However, there are few skills, if you are able to pick up, that will increase your hireability.

Becoming proficient in a CAD, or Computer Aided Design, software is probably the best skill to learn.  A lot of your work may revolve around designing systems and having that skill on your resume will be like having a big flashing sign that says “HIRE ME!”  Another skill to look into is programming. You will probably have to learn it in one of your courses, but just being literate in a programming language such as C or Python can help you troubleshoot some systems.  

Finally, a very underappreciated skill is just basic mechanic skills.  You will be surprised how many people don’t know how to turn a wrench or use a hammer.  If you are designing a remediation system, for example, then it will be expected that you can do basic troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance.

Others

So don’t assume that you need an environmental major to have an successful career as an environmental professional. You know I mentioned picking a minor or concentration will help you get a job, you could also flip that around and get an environmental minor with a specific major and achieve similar results.

Also don’t feel like you will be stuck once you pick a major. Environmental majors are quite broad so you will have a variety of classes to pick. I was an environmental science major with a concentration in biology. Yet I took one environmental chemistry course and my first environmental job was in an environmental chemistry lab. I’ve known environmental studies majors become environmental engineers after graduate school and environmental engineers that are reviewing policy for a non-profit. The variety of classes allow you to be flexible. Plus there is graduate school and other programs that can help redirect your career.  

My best advice is to reach out and contact the environmental programs at the schools you are interested. Get information about the program, degree requirements, job placement rates, and where alumni ended up. From there then you can pick the right major with the right school and begin your journey in becoming an environmental professional.