Louise Said:

What do I need to learn prior to an Environmental Science degree?

We Answered:

Don't worry. As long as you've had basic math and sciences in high school (chemistry, physics, algebra, earth science, etc) you'll be fine. Since you were accepted into the university, then you already have the requirements and have learned what you need to know before starting your degree. The first classes you will take in college will be very basic and fundamental anyway. The purpose of lower-level freshman and sophomore classes is to prepare you for more rigorous and detailed courses later on.

Willard Said:

can i be a geoscientist with an environmental science degree?

We Answered:

It's very doubtful you could become an accredited professional geoscientist without a relevant degree/courses.

Oscar Said:

How much Chemistry is involved in an Environmental Science degree course?

We Answered:

There is a lot of Chemistry, about 8 units in General Chem.
8 units in organic Chem. 8 units in Analytical Chem , 4 units in Environmental Chem.

Edward Said:

IS THERE WORK FOR SOMEONE WITH AN EARTH ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE DEGREE?

We Answered:

Yes, it counts as a "natural sciences BS" in recruiter-speak and doubles for several other degrees. In the States it doubles for a geology degree for the purpose of taking the Professional Geologist examination. Don't confuse it with the "Earth Science" education degree, which should be avoided.

I have a similar degree and have worked in several environmental areas, primarily dealing with water and air pollution issues. Work is everywhere, as experienced people are scarce. The employers generally pay to send you to specialized training and help you get necessary certifications.

The Federal, state, and local government environmental administrations will hire you quickly for research and enforcement positions. I hesitate to predict salaries, but you'll certainly do well.

By the way, it's tons of fun, especially if you like fieldwork. On one of my recent jobs I got to handle boats at sea and use geophysical equipment few people know exist.

Aaron Said:

Can I get a job in conservation or forestry with an environmental science bachelor's degree?

We Answered:

Sure you can. If you are going to work in conservation it will be very important that you have a strong scientific background, and environmental science sounds like the right field. It will definitely depend on what kind of job you want to get; conservation jobs are getting more and more specific, as are conservation majors. Do you want to work with alternative technologies and alternative energy? Then maybe you should look at a more technical degree, maybe offered through your local colloge of technology. Do you want to work in wildlife conservation? If so, maybe wildlife biology would be a better major for you.

I would suggest that you keep your major broad in your first years of college. As you take more classes and learn more about your field of study, you will learn more about how you want to contribute to the conservation community. Then you can narrow your focus down to what you want to do for a job.

I am majoring in resource conservation, and I wasn't sure what kind of job I wanted three years ago. I knew I wanted to work on the community level and work with members of the community to conserve community resources and help people grow an appreciation for their resources. I just took whatever classes were under the umbrella of my major, but were of interest to me. I ended up taking a lot of classes that deal with food and agriculture as related to conservation issues. Now I am nearing the end of my educational path and I have decided I would like to return to my community to start a non-profit organic farm that can doante food to low income people.

If you are more interested in forestry, I can tell you that the Forest Service is pretty general when it comes to education requirements. My boyfriend has been working for the forest service for two years, and he got the job based on his one year of education in forestry-related classes, and two years of expereince on trail crews.

I think you will be fine if you just go for what you think is interesting and relevant. Your prospective employers will see the value in these things if you can explain it to them.