Although there are many different branches of environmental education, much of the core classes are the same. Biology helps students to understand the makeup and functioning of individual species by studying organs and systems. Ecology teaches about the relationship between different species and their surrounding environment. Other core classes may include botany, zoology and an introduction to environmental studies.
Environmental education classes focus on how to teach others about the environment and human's ability to interact and affect the surrounding ecosystem. Students who study environmental education will also be involved in numerous field studies and field natural history classes. There are also a variety of national and state programs that offer certification courses in teaching experiential curriculum that students can use to teach environmental education. An example of an environmental education school includes Montreat College, which offers a five-year BS and Master's program in Environmental Education.
Environmental science classes tend to focus more on research and field ecology as a way to studying the current state of our surrounding environment. Other courses in this area of study may focus on rebuilding and restoring natural habitats that have been lost due to urban encroachment and pollution. These courses teach a variety of research methods and field sampling techniques, helping to prepare students to enter research-related jobs for environmental protection. An example of this type of school includes the Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Research.
Environmental law deals with how the nation interprets and utilizes public legislation to help govern our country's interactions with the environment. Jobs focusing on environmental law may include working with nonprofits, government agencies, law firms, corporations and trade organizations. Examples of environmental law programs include the University of Southern California and the Lewis and Clark Law School