UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS | 3 MIN READ
We were always taught that any little bit of concern for the environment can make a difference. For example, drinking from reusable water containers, forgoing straws, and taking shorter showers. While these are great, they are not enough to make a difference.
Real progress in conserving the environment and reducing climate change cannot be achieved by individual actions alone. It requires policy shifts, organized environmental advocacy, mass education and policy changes.
Understanding the science and politics behind climate changes is crucial if you are interested in this level of environmental involvement. The best way to turn your ideas into a scientific foundation, is to study concepts in biology, chemistry and geology.
Many universities and colleges that offer an environmental studies degree offer an interdisciplinary curriculum. This includes courses in environmental science, government, economics as well as ethics and communication. A formal program will give you the opportunity to network with other students and professors who share your vision.
Your classmates and I will discuss ecological systems, energy cycles, sustainability goals, and energy cycles. You will be able to develop practical solutions and go beyond understanding the issues. You’ll be able to conduct laboratory experiments and field research. You’ll also learn how to find the right professional path that suits your values.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Over the next decade, jobs related to the environment will grow by 8%.
There are many ways to be an environmental advocate. A degree in environmental studies opens doors to careers that focus on conservation, alternative energy sources and policy-making.
You can find environmental advocates in academia, non-profits, government, and the private sector. They can be field workers, researchers, policymakers, communication specialists, and field workers. They work for places like the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Park Service.
There are several popular routes to environmental activism, including:
- Conservation of national resource:Restoring and cultivating forests and grasslands, wetlands, and watersheds; Land-use regulation, ecological reclamation, and ecological restoration
- Alternative energy:Different fuels and energy systems are being studied, including bioenergy and sustainable engineering. Also, the national climate change discussion will be examining renewable energy policies.
- Environmental engineering:Reducing the impact of technology and engineering upon the natural and built environments and applying ethical principles for water purification, waste disposal and sustainable manufacturing
- Oceanic and atmospheric sciencesIn collaboration with government agencies, consultancies, and aviation companies to preserve the health of the atmosphere and oceans
Whatever field you choose to enter, you’ll share with colleagues an abiding sense stewardship of the earth.
Learn more about Environmental Advocacy at a University Setting
Do you want to pursue research or make a career in environmental advocacy and/or policy? Elmhurst University offers a bachelor’s degree program in Environmental Studies that delves into both science and policy. Contact us today for more information!
