Training in environmental management is growing as citizens in modern society place stronger emphasis on taking full advantage of the natural environment without eventually destroying it. This is the concept of sustainability. Private-sector companies and the government are investigating ways to lessen the environmental effect of global warming, diminishing world oil supplies and other related issues. Training in this critical field prepares students to take leadership roles that help develop and implement sustainable technologies. These programs teach students about green building and design techniques as well as alternative sources of energy and sustainable waste management.
Individuals who are interested in environmental management can pursue master's degree programs in this field, which also are available online. To get into these types of two-year programs, students typically need a bachelor's degree and a competitive grade-point average. They also might have to pass placement tests or complete pre-requisite courses. Harvard University offers a master's degree in sustainability and environmental management that features nine to 11 courses and also gives students the chance to complete a research thesis. A four-year bachelor's degree in a field such as natural resource management, rangeland management, agricultural science or environmental science also can prepare individuals for work in environmental management. In addition, these programs might include field experiences. A doctorate in this field can lead to research and teaching opportunities.
Many colleges also offer environmental management courses that are available online or can be downloaded for free, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Utah State University, according to Education-Portal.com. These types of certificate training courses focus on various areas such as avalanche and snow dynamics, agricultural science, tropical ecology and climate change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Association of Local Government Environmental Professionals also offer online courses on topics such as watershed management training, air pollution control and smart growth for clean water. These types of courses usually feature text materials, lectures, case studies, slides, graphics, assignments, quizzes and exams.
Courses in an environmental management degree program cover topics such as introduction to sustainable development, fundamentals of ecology and human impacts on marine communities. Students also might study strategies for environmental management as well as environmental ethics and land management. Other courses include chemistry and biology. Degree programs focus on management methods and structures along with environmental politics.
With training in environmental management, students can become environmental scientists, environmental consultants or conservation scientists. These professionals can work in laboratories or offices, or they can do a lot of traveling and work mostly in the field. Some environmental scientists also help create environmental protection laws. Employment of conservation scientists is projected to climb by 12 percent through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average salaries for environmental managers in 2010 were $76,000, according to Indeed.com.