Although the term "environmental studies" refers to this emerging discipline as a whole, a degree in environmental studies has a specific meaning. It is geared to the relationship between human activity and the world around us. Environmental studies majors typically receive a strong grounding in environmental science, but they also need to be familiar with the sociological, political and economic factors that determine how that science will be applied. The program at Chatham University, for example--Rachel Carson's alma mater--requires a concentration in either policy and advocacy, science or literature and writing.
Environmental science degrees draw on existing programs in science and engineering, so there are many from which to choose. Common majors include environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, environmental biology and environmental management, each of which contains many narrower specialties. Programs combine the fundamentals of a science degree with a concentration in an appropriate selection of environmentally-focused courses. These subjects include water quality, air quality, industrial ecology and computer modeling of complex systems like the atmosphere or microbial growth.
Environmental studies is an expanding field, so career opportunities are plentiful. Graduates might find themselves consulting major companies on regulatory compliance, or in a government agency monitoring the same companies. Others might plan waste and wastewater management for municipalities, monitor air and water quality, or advise policymakers at all levels of government. Some will work for environmentally-oriented non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and some graduates remain in the academic world as researchers or educators. Some of these career paths require a graduate or postgraduate degree.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows environmental engineers earning an average income of $80,750. Environmental scientists and specialists average $67,360, while conservation scientists average $61,180. Soil and plant scientists earn an average of $65,180 and wildlife biologists average $60,670. In each case the upper echelons of the profession earn significantly more, with heads of companies and those in federal service having the highest incomes. All income data is derived from a 2009 survey (see Resources).