Environmental Studies
When exploring possible academic majors, begin by investigating the specific programs at Purchase College. Discover more about the B.A. in Environmental Studies and find out about program requirements, courses and the program faculty.
Want to find out more about a major? Talk to department heads and professors to have your questions answered and to get the inside track on being an Environmental Studies major at Purchase College.
Career Possibilities
The following is a list of some career possibilities that students in this major might find rewarding. Remember, that your major does not necessarily determine your career. Graduates use their academic majors in a variety of professional fields. The options below can be used as a starting point to explore potential career paths, however, you may also want to investigate more using recommended resources to gain a more comprehensive list of careers. Keep in mind that additional education, training, and experiential education beyond your major may be needed to pursue these possibilities.
Acquired Skills
- Observing, collecting, and analyzing data
- Concentration
- Conduct and explain scientific research
- Accuracy and detail
- Problem solving and decision making
- Reading, writing, speaking and memorizing
- Technology skills
- Assess risks
- Define problems
- Apply knowledge creatively
Career Titles
- Camp Director
- Conservation Analyst
- Conservation Scientist
- Conservationist
- Ecologist
- Economist
- Educator
- Environmental Analyst
- Environmental Lawyer
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Technician
- Hazardous Materials/Waste Specialist
- Laboratory Scientist
- Natural Resources Specialist
- Naturalist
- Outdoor Trip Leader
- Park Ranger
- Planning Analyst
- Research Assistant
- Urban Planner
Types of Organizations that Hire
- Environmental Agencies
- Environmental Consulting Firms
- Educational Institutions
- Parks
- Zoos
- Foundations
- Legal Institutions
- Laboratories
- Manufactures
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Camps
- Government Agencies
Career Information and Professional Association Links
Buzzfile - Employers of Environmental Studies majors
American Association for the Advancement of Science
National Association of Environmental Professionals
EnviroLink - The online Environmental Community
The International Ecotourism Society - Resource for conservation, communities & interpretation in travel
American Planning Association- promoting the health, safety, and economic well-being of communities
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education - Resources to measure sustainability performance.
International Community for Ecopsychology - Community for the reflection of the relationship between humans & the earth
The New York Academy of Sciences - Resources, Courses, Webinars
New York Academy of Sciences - Science Alliance - Committed to advancing the careers of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Environmental Science - Information on Environmental Science careers
Occupational Outlook Handbook Online - Job descriptions, growth forecasts & salary
Job Search Links
Career Development Center - Log into Purchase JobScore to access jobs posted for Purchase students and alumni
American Planning Association - Job seekers board
Green Jobs Network - Job boards for environmental jobs and social impact jobs.
Environmental Career Opportunities - Environmental Jobs & Careers
Environmental Career - job board
Earthworks - Environmental jobs
US Environmental Protection Agency - Jobs with the EPA
ScienceJobs - Science recruitment
Nature Careers - Life and physical science jobs
Nature Jobs
iHireEnvironmental
Land Trust Alliance
New Scientists Jobs - Database of hundreds of science jobs
Energy.Gov - internships with US Department of Energy
US Department of Energy - Office of Science - workforce development for teachers and scientists
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) with the U.S. Department of Energy
Earthjustice