Environmental Science Major
Environmental Science is the interdisciplinary study of the environment and human impact on it. It is a major within Natural Sciences & Math.
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary major that examines how natural systems work and how human activities affect them. Students in this field study questions like how pollution spreads through air and water, what causes climate patterns to shift, how ecosystems support different forms of life, and what strategies might reduce human impact on the environment. The major draws on biology, chemistry, physics, and geology while also incorporating social science perspectives, since understanding environmental issues requires knowing both the natural science behind them and how people, societies, and economies interact with the environment.
Students typically enter this major because they are curious about environmental challenges and want to understand them more deeply. Programs usually begin with foundational courses in chemistry, biology, and earth science, establishing core knowledge about how the natural world functions. As students progress, coursework becomes more specialized and applied, allowing them to focus on particular areas of interest—such as water quality, conservation, pollution, or energy systems—and to engage in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and research projects that connect classroom learning to real-world environmental questions.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Environmental Science program commonly includes topics such as:
- Ecology
- Earth systems
- Environmental chemistry
- Climate science
- Conservation
- Environmental policy
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Environmental Science is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Environmental Science background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Environmental scientist
- Conservation technician
- Sustainability analyst
- Field researcher
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Environmental Science major?
Environmental Science is the interdisciplinary study of the environment and human impact on it. It is part of natural sciences & math, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Environmental Science majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as ecology, earth systems, environmental chemistry, climate science, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Environmental Science major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as environmental scientist, conservation technician, sustainability analyst. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Environmental Science offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.