Majors in environmental science and conservation focus on protecting the environment in general and finding solutions for current environmental problems. Students take a variety of classes to increase their understanding of the environment, such as biology, chemistry and geosciences. Environmental science majors usually have several subcategories such as sustainable design, environmental research, resource management, ecology and sociology. Students can choose an emphasis in their area of interest while working toward a degree.
Wildlife majors concentrate on the preservation and sustainability of wildlife areas and their native plants and animals. There is a heavy focus on the sciences, including biology, chemistry and earth science. Students learn about different types of ecosystems, threats they face and potential solutions to conserve natural resources. Wildlife conservation students might choose to focus on a specific area of study, such as ornithology or horticulture, within the wider focus of the major.
Forestry majors focus on management of forests on public and private land, preparing students to become forestry professionals. Areas of study include forest biology, ecology, watershed management and economics. Forestry majors train students on management of woodland resources, sustainable lumber practices, soil science, biometrics and fire protection, among other skills. Students who graduate with a forestry degree usually pursue careers with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, or they work as private consultants in their specialty.
Marine Science majors encompass many fields of study dealing with water resources and wildlife. Marine biology, oceanography, geology and marine physics fall under this category. Students learn about water conservation, flood control, wastewater management, marine life, water pollution and management of wetlands. Training in this discipline helps students toward careers as marine scientists, environmental engineers and marine consultants.