Five Environmentally Friendly Degrees

In order to make a lasting change that affects the condition of our planet, it will take the help of all its citizens. Some may choose to start small by recycling or using a car that is more energy efficient. However, others may be so passionate about improving the condition of our planet they wish to make a career of protecting it. If this is your goal, then you will need the right degree suited to you. There are several degrees that will put you on this path. Many of the options tend to be science related or require you to take several science classes. Below is a list from which you may gather information about some of these degrees:

1. Environmental Studies Degree

Perhaps this is one of the most obvious choices. However, there are schools that gear their environmental studies programs, more so than others, toward how to better protect the environment as well as how to create a sustainable one. These degrees are sometimes called green programs. The State University of New York in Syracuse takes care of 25,000 acres of land and has programs for fishery science and forest ecology as well as paper and bioprocess engineering. Middlebury College has long been a pioneer in green programs and offers environmental studies focused on areas such as environmental policy and conservation science.

2. Ecology Degree

A degree in ecology will prepare you to become an ecologist. By definition an ecologist is a biologist that studies how organisms relate to their environment. It is because of this that a degree of this nature requires you to take many life science courses. Most ecologists conduct research on how changes to an environment will affect the wildlife within that particular environment. The change may be manmade or it could be a natural change.

3. Hydrology Degree

A hydrologist is actually a geologist that is trained in hydrology. They study water systems and their respective environment. Many times they are the expert consultant when professionals such as engineers or other scientists need information about a body of water. In order to become a hydrologist you will need a master’s degree in hydrogeology. If you wish to pursue a hydrogeology degree, a bachelor’s degree in physics, chemistry or a water science is necessary.

4. Environmental Law

A law degree requires you to first complete a bachelor’s degree. If you are certain you want to be an environmental lawyer, consider majoring in one of the life sciences such as biology or ecology. After completing both your undergraduate studies and a law degree, you will need to get a graduate degree in environmental law.

5. Environmental Engineering

In order to understand what an environmental engineer does you should try and think of them as the ones finding practical solutions to environmental issues such as water or air pollution. In general, you will study some of the life science as well as math. This is an excellent choice if you have a strong background in math and science, and you love learning how things work from the inside out.

When choosing the right degree for you, it is important to incorporate a passion for the environment with an area in which you have natural ability. If you are not good at math but great at science, then do not choose engineering. Passion for your work is important, but you will only find frustration if you pursue a degree in a field where you lack natural ability. This will end up hindering you from your original goal of making a positive change in the environment. There is always a give and take when choosing a degree and you must carefully weigh your options.

Carey Cruz is a chief writer at bestessay.com with a background in the field of education including seven years of teaching experience. Core interests: e-learning, social media and postmodern literature.