A SHORT ADVISEMENT GUIDE TO CAREERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
    Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia

    What skills are needed?

    <> A KSU committee investigating careers in environmental science surveyed local and regional firms and agengcies.  All respondents viewed the job market in environmental fields as positive.  Several respondents indicated that the market was competitive and candidates’ success required internships and "hands-on" experiences. Responses tended to fall into 5 general categories ranked here from most important to less important, top to bottom:
    • Professional/Scientific Writing
    • Quantitative skills (statistical analysis and sample design)
    • Public outreach and policy skills
    • Knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial field techniques and taxonomy
    • Knowledge of chemistry, geology, groundwater, soils and toxicology
    According to the Environmental Careers Organization, "the more science-oriented and more specialized your degree, the more competitive you will be" in their placement program.
     

    Where are the jobs?

    Specific trends in the job market for environmental graduates are difficult to predict because the environmental field is  dependent on the current political climate. However, the need for expertise within the environmental field will continue regardless of what drives environmental compliance.  Based on a survey of graduates from environmental programs, no single type of employer for environmental graduates was dominant. Thirty percent were employed by government agencies, 19% by non-profit agencies, 4% by semi-government agencies, 20% by private small business, 12% by corporations/industry, and 13% by science/academia (145 programs providing information on placement).
     

    Resources at KSU

    • ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN THE INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES PROGRAM
       The program offers twe track: “Science” Emphasis "Policy Emphasis".   Contact Ed Chan or Liza Davis in the University College for more information.
    • KSU's Environmental minor
    • Geographical Information Systems certification
    • Environmentally oriented courses: Ecology, Limnology, Aquatic Biodiversity, Earth Watch, and more.
    • Directed Studies and Internships

    Get a feel for yourself; do the research!
     

    • Environmental Jobs and Careers-  A great web site that links you to the employment opportunity pages of 100's of environmental employers. Search by state or type of employer.
    • A GUIDE TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES A nice web site that describes types of jobs in environmental science and strategies for obtaining the job you want.
    • Environmental Career Opportunities A publication listing many current environmental jobs. Also available in hard copy by subscription.
    • A link page for environmental careers . Links to all kinds of environmental career information.
    • Most book stores have books on careers in environmental science.
    page prepared by J. Dirnberger