What can students learn from the Environmental Science Degree?
The second industrial revolution greatly promoted the progress of development, but it also brought along environmental problems. In the second half of the 19th century, scholars from various disciplines began to explore solutions to environmental problems. The subject of Environmental Science was established in school as an elective and did not become a formal major until the 1960s. In 1962, ‘Silent Spring’ written by Rachel Carson was published and the book triggered an environmental movement for people to care for the environment. Since then, major universities have set up this major one after another, and a series of courses was set up according to the needs of the current pressing environmental problems.
Undergraduate curriculum in an Environmental Science Degree
Since environmental science major is an interdisciplinary subject which involves physical, biological and information sciences, having a strong grasp of these different subjects is essential. Studying environmental science at the undergraduate level may deepen the student’s level of interest even more. Students will learn the components of atmospheric sciences, ecology, environmental chemistry and geosciences. Lecturers will also provide insights into future employment directions.
Each university has its own set of advantages and limitations. Students should do their research, such as teaching style and location, before accepting a school. Studying for an environmental science degree requires students to have strong learning ability and practical ability.
Postgraduate courses in an Environmental Science Degree
At the postgraduate level, students dive into literature readings, learning experimental operations, improving their scientific research ability and practical operation ability. Whether this is for further studies or work, learning critical analysis and evaluation at this level brings students’ thinking into the next level.
Doctoral degree courses in an Environmental Science Degree
Students at the doctoral level basically have great scientific research capabilities. The courses at this stage mainly consist of various types of lectures, cutting-edge scientific research and some professional skills courses. More time is dedicated for students to do their own research.
Requirements for applying to Environmental Science
No matter what major you are applying for, the bottom line is to at least pass each subject. As more and more students are applying to environmental science degrees, SAT and related test scores have become one of the baselines for admissions officers for selecting students. Many well-known universities in the United States have enrolled students with SAT scores of at least 1400. It can be seen that qualified professional results and standardized tests are minimum requirements.
The environmental science major consists of professionals who possess dedication and responsibility to protect and improve the environment. Students applying for environmental sciences all have the intention to “recreate the blue sea and blue sky”. Although admissions officers can see your determination in the application process, having relevant practical experience is more convincing. A portfolio with relevant environmental science experience or a related research paper will likely garner more attention.
Universities that rank highly in Environmental Science
According to QS World University Ranking, Stanford University ranks top in the list of environmental sciences. All students regardless of their majors have the opportunity to take part in a one-credit introduction class. For students who major in Environmental science, they have access to advanced computational geoscience lessons and research facilities. Students can further engage in field learning on all 7 continents.
MIT ranks first in multiple disciplines. What is interesting is that these disciplines are related to environmental science, especially in physics and chemistry. A huge number of scholars major in environmental science majors, with strong teaching and scientific research capabilities. There are energy laboratories and Lincoln laboratories in the college to provide students with a superior experimental environment.
Another university that ranks highly in Environmental Science is ETH Zürich. The school has carried out a large number of basic and forward-looking research in the research fields of water quality, chemical oxidation process, generation of disinfection by-products and removal of trace pollutants, and has achieved fruitful results. Scholars in ETH Zürich had published a lot of papers in science and environment.
The employment opportunities of this major is understandably different according to the level of education. Bachelor and master students are mainly engaged in professional work in some environmental protection companies and agencies. Most of the students at doctoral level will be engaged in scientific research in research institutes or universities in the future to develop new methods for environmental protection.
Next, you may be interested in one of our student’s mentorship program in environmental studies.
