02/26/2025
What Is Environmental Science?
Environmental science studies environmental problems and the way that humans impact the environment. It explores ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resource management.
Environmental science differs from environmental studies, which, according to the National Environmental Studies Association, emphasizes the human relationship with the environment and the social and political dimensions.
Environmental science became more mainstream in the 1960s and 1970s when public awareness and concerns developed around social, political and scientific developments to "study the effects of human actions on the environment" like toxins and chemicals.
Environmental science professionals may specialize in:
- Determining data collection needs for research and investigations
- Gathering data samples for analysis
- Analyzing data and samples to understand the possible source of environmental pollutants or hazards
- Creating plans to prevent and address environmental issues
- Consulting to nonprofit organizations or government agencies on possible environmental hazards or risks
What Is Environmental Engineering?
Environmental engineering is described as "the development of processes and infrastructure for the supply of water, the disposal of waste, and the control of pollution of all kinds." It's a field that draws on chemistry, ecology, geology, mathematics and more. Traditionally, it was a more specialized area within civil engineering, called "sanitary engineering" until the 1960s.
Environmental engineering may combine the expertise of environmental engineers and scientists to develop sustainable environmental solutions, like renewable energy systems and more efficient waste management.
Environmental engineers may:
- Design systems and technologies to tackle pollution
- Manage waste
- Analyze data
- Complete quality control checks
- Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations
- Advise corporations or government agencies on environmental issues and ways to remediate contaminated sites
How Environmental Careers Address Global Challenges
Global Environmental Challenges
Environmental issues are "problems facing Earth and its natural systems ... that result from a combination of natural causes and human impact."
While weather events and natural disasters occur on a regular basis, "human activities can create circumstance in which they happen with greater frequency or intensity." These problems are complex and may require different approaches to develop solutions that could come from both areas of environmental science and solutions from environmental engineering.
A few global and complex environmental issues and challenges that may impact the planet include:
- Global warming from fossil fuels
- Food waste
- Biodiversity loss
- Plastic pollution
- Deforestation
- Air pollution
- Melting ice caps and sea level rise
- Ocean acidification
- Food and water insecurity
Proper environmental management may ensure the possibility of sustainable resources, the hope for safeguards against public health crises, and the potential for economic growth through more sustainable development practices.
Professionals educated in environmental science and other environmental engineering programs are uniquely positioned to take on these and other challenges over those in other specialities, depending on many factors like education background, professional experience and familiarity with the variety of complex environmental problems.
Addressing environmental challenges like these may require the understanding of the different types of natural systems and human influence on the natural world.
Education and Career Opportunities
Environmental Science Degrees
Environmental science degrees may come with different levels of study and specific focus areas.
- Associate degree: This two-year entry-level degree may provide foundational knowledge of biology, chemistry or environmental policy.
- Bachelor's degree: This four-year degree may offer a more comprehensive experience for environmental science majors to learn about environmental systems, ecology, pollution, global climate change and sustainable solutions.
- A bachelor of arts (BA) in environmental science explores social and natural sciences. Some core courses may include environmental law or public policy.
- A bachelor of science (BS) in environmental science explores the technical and more science-focused areas like ecological principles, environmental science research or general biology.
- Master’s degree: This degree may take up to two years to complete and allow students to specialize in a specific area of environmental science. Advanced coursework and research opportunities may be available in fields such as environmental engineering, environmental policy, global climate change, ecosystem management, environmental health or renewable energy systems.
- Doctorate degree: This program is typically 3-5 years and is highly-specialized and focused. As a doctoral student, you will likely conduct independent research. Some specialties may include environmental toxicology, environmental research, policy-making, management, climate change science, environmental chemistry, conservation science or environmental economics.
Environmental Engineering Degrees
Environmental engineering degrees may come with different levels of study and specific focus areas.
- A bachelor's degree or bachelor of science degree in environmental engineering: This four-year degree may offer solid experience for environmental engineering majors to learn about water resources, air quality or sustainability initiatives.
- Master’s degree: This degree may take up to two years to complete and may allow students to specialize in a specific area of environmental engineering. Advanced coursework and research opportunities may be available in fields such as environmental modeling, resource recovery, and sustainable energy systems.
- Doctorate degree: This program is typically 3-5 years and is highly-specialized and focused. Doctoral students usually conduct independent research in specialized fields. Some specialties may include environmental conservation, climate change or pollution reduction.
Different Types of Environmental Career Paths
Environmental science and engineering programs may offer specializations in areas like water resources, engineering, hazardous waste management, climate science, or steps to protect the environment.
Both environmental scientists and engineers may find employment in private, nonprofit, and government sectors, depending on their background, career goals, and job responsibilities.
One unique thing about the environmental field is that environmental scientists and environmental engineers may find it more accessible to switch careers depending on their experience and job requirements due to the similar nature of each field. There are many foundational skills that are the same across both disciplines.
Environmental Science Career Opportunities
Environmental scientists may choose to enter the workforce immediately or pursue higher education to conduct extensive research. Graduates may pursue various career paths, such as environmental consulting, research, policy-making support, and management.
Environmental science degrees may offer foundational knowledge applicable to career opportunities in areas such as environmental health and safety, conservation management, and resource sustainability.
Graduates may have opportunities to seek employment within government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or various private industries.
Environmental Engineering Career Opportunities
Numerous career paths may be available for environmental engineering professionals and could include working in offices, labs, but also in government facilities, nonprofit organizations and in field research.
Some common environmental engineering jobs may include water treatment plant operator, environmental compliance specialist, environmental engineering professor, civil engineering supervisor, land surveyor, transportation planner, natural resource specialist, environmental quality consultant, environmental engineer and more.
How To Choose Between an Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering Degree
Consider Your Interests and Skills
When it comes to choosing the right degree program for you, there are many ways to narrow things down. Think about your interests, goals and, in the case of environmental fields, several foundational skills may be transferable across disciplines.
To recap, environmental engineers may apply existing knowledge and engineering principles to solve practical problems in their field, while environmental scientists may research and apply engineering disciplines to environmental issues like waste treatment or pollution control.
Accreditation and Licensure
Accreditation ensures that the program meets high academic standards, supporting students in their pursuit of quality education and professional development in the field. Some key benefits of enrolling in an accredited environmental science or environmental engineering academic area may include:
- High-quality education with rigorous standards
- Qualified faculty members who may be experts in their field
- Academic and professional recognition
- Comprehensive and relevant curriculum
- Research and internship opportunities
Professional certifications and licenses may complement career prospects for environmental science and environmental engineering graduates alike.
Licenses for Environmental Engineering Careers
For environmental engineering programs, search for higher education institutions that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). A "passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam" may also be helpful as well as a professional engineer (PE) license.
Other credentials may be required for environmental engineers, especially those who work in public arenas or have a variety of major project responsibilities.
Career Outlook for Environmental Engineering and Environmental Science
The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 7% increase in employment opportunities for environmental engineers from 2023 to 2033. There are around "3,000 openings for environmental engineers" projected each year on average over the next 10 years. The increase in openings are likely from those who are retiring soon.
The job outlook for environmental scientists is also trending upward, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% increase from 2023 to 2033. There are around "8,500 openings for environmental scientists and specialists" projected each year on average over the next 10 years. These job openings may result from upcoming retirements of environmental professionals.
Take the Next Step
Ready to make an impact in the field of environmental science? Learn more about how to get a degree in environmental science and take the first step today.
