Is environmental science a good degree to pursue?
I'm about off to college, and am getting a bachelors of science degree so in the next two years I'll need to pick a major. I'm really torn on psychology or environmental science. Is a bachelors in environmental science a good degree to pursue? I have a passion for science mostly in the field of biology and ecology, so this fits like a glove. I'm just really having a hard time deciding, so if anyone could offer information and advice that would be great. Thanks.
How good is the environmental field in Canada?
Hii , Canada is a very nice place for environmental sciences. The area is much into Environmental pacts and policies. Environmental and ecological problems are of increasing concern to Canadians. In northern British Columbia, the concerns are especially acute in resource based economies.As one of the four Environmental degrees at UNBC, Environmental Science seeks to train scientists who will understand how the environment functions, and how to mitigate effects on the environment when functions and processes are disrupted.The Environmental Science Bachelor of Science degree is an interdisciplinary degree in which students take a core curriculum along with an area of specialization. The core curriculum is designed to provide students with knowledge of the fundamental biological, chemical, physical and applied aspects integral to the field of environmental science. In addition, students receive exposure to many of the human dimensions that underlie environmental issues. This approach ensures a uniform preparation among students and allows for the development of a diversity of expertise necessary to address the complexity of present environmental problems and future unanticipated ones.The degree has been designed in part to address educational components of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Environmental Employment set out by Environmental Careers Organization (ECO Canada). The NOS forms the basis of the Canadian Certified Environmental Practitioner (CCEP) accreditation process of the Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB).
What jobs can you get with an Environmental Science degree?
There are many jobs you can get with an environmental science degree but I think these are the most common (and the ones that I have considered for my future)Research: The most obvious is likely research since we still have so much to learn about the environment that could greatly help us in understanding how to safely and sustainably interact with our world.Sustainability Consultant: This job is popping up in every corner of the economy because with the green movement becoming more mainstream, companies appear more conscientious just by having this position on their payroll. Responsibilities would include mostly finding ways to take common company practices and find innovative or even simple ways to make them more eco-friendly.Conservation Management: Many governmental bodies have teams dedicated to conservation in areas like national parks where the focus would be more on policy and enforcement of policy designed to conserve natural habitats.Entrepreneur!: While it seems ironic for an environmentalist to participate in and exploit the capitalist economy, I believe there is something to be said for finding a niche within the existing system. With the knowledge gained through enviro-sci, you’ll learn that there are myriad different ways in which consumer goods and services could be provided in much more eco-friendly manner.
Is environmental science a worthwhile major?
It depends what you do with the major. You can get a B.A/B.S in Environmental Science and then go to Law School, get you J.D and become an Environmental Lawyer. You can become a Park Ranger at a National Park like Yosemite in California. You can become a teacher, and teach Environmental Science. Environmental Science is a really broad major, and since you have specific careers in mind, like researching how to manage pollution, working to conserve/restore natural resources, or helping develop sustainable agriculture, you should get a major specific to the career you want. If you want to reasearch on how to manage pollution, it would be better to major in something like chemistry, biochemistry, toxicology, or environmental engineering, becasue it is more specific to the job. If you want to work to conserve/restore natural resources, then majoring in something like "Ecological Management and Restoration" (UC Davis has an amazing program!), would be more beneficial than majoring in environmental science. If you want to develop sustainable agricultre, then majoring in "Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems" (again UC Davis has an amazing program!) will be more beneficial, because they teach you exactly what you need for a career in that specific field. I think you should research or atleast have a specific career in mind before you choose your major. Another tip: In college dont be afraid to look for an internship! If you score an internship with a major company or an organisation, you are more likely to get a good job with them once you graduate! Dont be afraid of people who say not to major in env sci, agriculture, etc etc. If you have a specific image in your mind, go for it! People say that it wont be a good investment in your future and waste of money because of the current state of the economy, but when I look into the future I see green jobs on the rise! I see people being more earth conscience, and you'll just be a step ahead of everyone. DO something that you LOVE and are passionate about! If you are interested in environmental science or a related science I highly recommend UC Davis, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, or UC Berekely. They all have amazing programs!!
How do you weigh in on the issue of jobs or the environment? What limits do you set on economic growth?
The same question was asked of the Greeks, Romans and the European monarchies. Which do you want, money or arable land? The environment can be saved if we all went back to an agrarian-based civilization, but the amount of people that would die would be staggering (disease, cancer, heart attacks...all would be 100% fatal almost immediately since there would be no hospitals). The job factor is important to continue to grow and survive as a civilization. Without jobs, there would be no growth in any area of business. The fine line is there. We just need to straddle it by having environmental projects, green technology and consumer buy-in on the ideas. If we give people a choice, they'd go greener that they are now.
What is the difference between environmental, agricultural and bimedical engineers?
See the occupational outlook handbook. The two paragraphs below are from their website. see http://www.bls.gov/oco/ for more Agricultural engineers apply their knowledge of engineering technology and science to agriculture and the efficient use of biological resources. Accordingly, they also are referred to as biological and agricultural engineers. They design agricultural machinery, equipment, sensors, processes, and structures, such as those used for crop storage. Some engineers specialize in areas such as power systems and machinery design, structural and environmental engineering, and food and bioprocess engineering. They develop ways to conserve soil and water and to improve the processing of agricultural products. Agricultural engineers often work in research and development, production, sales, or management. Biomedical engineers develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems by combining their knowledge of biology and medicine with engineering principles and practices. Many do research, along with medical scientists, to develop and evaluate systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses (artificial devices that replace missing body parts), instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems. Biomedical engineers also may design devices used in various medical procedures, imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and devices for automating insulin injections or controlling body functions. Most engineers in this specialty need a sound background in another engineering specialty, such as mechanical or electronics engineering, in addition to specialized biomedical training. Some specialties within biomedical engineering are biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, and orthopedic engineering.
What is the scope of Environmental Engineering in Germany? In terms of internships and job opportunities.
If you decide to chose Germany for your higher studies here are the additional barriers that you have to crossYou have to learn a hard language like German to be viable in the job market. Try it for one year before you decide to come here. Even then you may be asked for a level you don t have—C2 if you have C1. Even for a job that does not need it.You have to settle in a country that has no immigration culture. See the paranoia that some refugees have set off in Germany when refugees are only 0.5 percent of the entire population of the EU.You have to negotiate a system that is designed to send you back. You have to find a job in environmental engineering in the 18 months after you graduate.You have to self sponsor your own job search.There are no clear rules as to what is a job in environmental engineering. You might find a job in a start up that is designing an app that is relevant but you might be send back because your degree is in environmental engineering but not computer science!Even graduates from highly valued courses—RWTH Aachen—who sing praises about German graduate education—-admit that they struggled and that some of them had to search for a job for 18 months! Seriously, have you heard of MIT or Stanford graduates scrambling for jobs?!Those are your odds. Decide on what you want. I have nothing against Germany but if you are a Third Worlder who wants to immigrate you need to know your odds.
How are the job prospects for an environmental engineering graduate in canada?
A search on jobbank does not show a very encouraging situation. The job market is not declining as such, but it is neither too big in terms of number of jobs as some of the other industries.Environmental engineers full-time university permanentEnvironment is a regulatory driven concern in Canada and regulations vary from state to state, so if you are willing to relocate to an area where environmental is booming, then your chances are that much better. What you can do is look for jobs in areas where the environmental industry is doing good, usually in areas of heavy industry.Do remember to upvote!