Environmental science is a very diverse research field that incorporates aspects of ecology, biology, chemistry, and geology, among a number of other physical and Earth sciences. Professionals study the history of the Earth and its atmosphere, determine the environmental effects of pollution and human activity, and advocate protection and sustainability. An individual who wants to get a quality environmental science education should choose an accredited, respectable university, meet with advisers and professors to develop an academic plan, pursue internships and assistant positions, and dedicate years to mastering their skills on the job.
An individual can begin receiving an environmental science education while still in high school. Many secondary schools offer courses in environmental science, allowing students to become familiar with historical findings, recent research, field and laboratory techniques, the benefits of conservation, and environmental protection. Many students interested in environmental science enroll in math, chemistry, and biology courses to learn more about research design, statistics, and the physical and chemical makeup of living and nonliving matter. High school students usually begin researching potential universities in their junior and senior years. Most individuals have the opportunity to meet with guidance counselors and academic advisors, who can help them acquire resources and organize applications materials.
High school students and individuals who are returning to school should apply at colleges with reputable science departments. Most people start their formal environmental science education in four-year bachelor's degree programs. Undergraduates attend classroom lectures that cover topics such as geology, geography, and hydrology, as well as laboratory courses that provide hands-on research experience. Many students supplement their environmental science education with practical internships at their universities or private research institutions, where they assist established scientists and professors. Some are able to find entry-level work after obtaining bachelor's degrees, though the majority of students choose to continue their environmental science education by applying to master's and doctoral programs.
Postgraduate environmental science students usually take many detailed courses in a specialty, such as atmospheric studies or hydrology. They often work closely on research projects with other students and university faculty to gain valuable experience and fulfill graduation requirements. Upon graduation, these postgrads usually pursue fellowships at universities, research facilities, or government offices to begin their careers. After a professional has worked for one to two years and proven his or her proficiency for the job, he or she may be allowed to start designing research studies and publishing independent papers. Most professionals continue their environmental science education throughout their careers, reviewing books and articles and attending conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest findings and technological advancements in the field.
