Alumni
Inspired by her combined undergraduate and graduate studies at Pace, Environmental Studies and Science alumna Taylor Ganis is a children’s book author and founder of a top environmental podcast.
Academic
What Can You Do With an Environmental Science Degree? Jobs, Salaries, and Next Steps
Clean water. Stable coastlines. Safer cities. Smarter energy use. An environmental science degree directly connects to the problems people encounter every day and to the decisions that shape how communities respond. If you love science and want your work to matter outside a lab or classroom, this degree opens doors across government, business, research, and public service.
Graduates work in the field, in offices, and in policy settings. Some collect data outdoors. Others analyze climate trends, guide land-use decisions, or help organizations meet environmental standards. The common thread is turning scientific knowledge into practical outcomes.
What Is Environmental Science?
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that studies how natural systems work and how human activity affects air, water, land, and living organisms. It draws from biology, chemistry, earth science, and data analysis to understand environmental problems and support informed decisions.
The field focuses on real-world challenges such as climate change, pollution, resource management, and biodiversity protection. Environmental scientists use research, fieldwork, and analysis to help protect ecosystems while supporting public health, economic activity, and long-term sustainability.
What Do You Learn as an Environmental Science Major?
Environmental science degrees are designed to give students a working understanding of natural systems and the tools used to study environmental issues. Coursework blends core sciences with applied learning, enabling graduates to move into fieldwork, analysis, policy, or related roles.
Most programs include foundational study in:
- Biology, chemistry, and environmental systems, which explain how air, water, soil, and living organisms function together
- Ecology and ecosystems, focused on relationships among plants, animals, and their environments
- Climate science, including climate systems, modeling, and climate change impacts
- Environmental chemistry, which examines how pollutants move through air, water, and soil
- Earth systems and geology, covering landforms, soils, wetlands, and natural processes
- Environmental policy and law, showing how scientific research informs regulations and public decisions
- Sustainability practices, such as renewable energy, conservation, and resource management
Many environmental science programs also emphasize learning beyond the classroom. Students often participate in lab research, field studies, internships, or capstone projects tied to real environmental questions. At universities like Pace University, this might include faculty-led research, work with local or regional organizations, or applied projects connected to environmental agencies and nonprofits.
Alongside technical coursework, students build transferable skills used across environmental careers. These include research design, field sampling, data collection, data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication. Writing and collaboration are also often part of the curriculum, since environmental work frequently involves explaining scientific findings to policymakers, organizations, and the public.
Environmental Science Demand and Job Outlook
Environmental science careers grow in response to real pressures. Climate risk, infrastructure needs, public health, and energy systems all require environmental expertise. Labor data shows that demand is steady and tied to long-term priorities rather than short-term trends.
Climate and Energy Are Driving Job Growth
Global workforce data points to environmental skills gaining traction across industries. According to the World Economic Forum, environmental stewardship is now one of the top 10 fastest-growing skills worldwide, reflecting how central climate and sustainability work has become for employers.
Several climate-related forces are shaping hiring decisions:
- Climate-change mitigation and adaptation rank among the most transformative trends for employers, with nearly half expecting these factors to affect their operations within five years
- Green transition roles such as environmental engineers, renewable energy engineers, sustainability specialists, and energy technicians are among the fastest-growing job categories
- Energy generation, storage, and distribution continue to support job growth as organizations invest in cleaner systems
Climate adaptation and mitigation are projected to contribute millions of net new jobs globally by 2030, alongside additional growth tied to clean energy technologies.
U.S. Job Growth Remains Steady
In the United States, environmental science offers consistent employment prospects across sectors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects.
- Four percent growth for environmental scientists and specialists from 2024 to 2034, in line with the national average
- About 8,500 job openings per year, driven by new demand as well as retirements and career changes
Environmental scientists and specialists work in government agencies, consulting firms, research organizations, and private companies. Common areas of focus include environmental compliance, impact assessment, public health protection, and land-use planning.
Related Roles Expand Career Options
Environmental science graduates also move into closely related fields with similar outlooks. Conservation scientists and foresters are projected to increase three percent from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 3,600 openings each year. These professionals manage forests, parks, wetlands, and other natural resources for public agencies, nonprofits, and private landowners.
Employers Are Hiring for Environmental Skills
Hiring data reinforces the value of environmental training. Analysis cited by the World Economic Forum shows that workers with green skills have been hired at a higher rate than the overall labor market in recent years. This trend cuts across industries, from energy and construction to finance, transportation, and public administration.
An environmental science degree supports careers beyond traditional research roles. Graduates also work in law, public policy, consulting, education, planning, and leadership positions within large enterprises and nonprofit organizations.
Top Environmental Science Degree Jobs
Environmental science careers span multiple industries and work settings. Some roles focus on research and data collection. Others center on policy, planning, or business operations. Many blend science with communication and decision-making. The paths below show how environmental science training applies across different career interests.
Environmental Science and Research Jobs
These roles focus on studying environmental systems, collecting data, and applying scientific methods to understand risks and impacts. Work often includes fieldwork, lab analysis, and report writing.
| Environmental Scientist |
|---|
| Environmental scientists investigate environmental conditions to protect ecosystems and human health. Responsibilities may include sampling air, water, or soil, evaluating contamination risks, and supporting regulatory compliance or remediation projects. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related natural science; some roles prefer a master’s degree |
| Helpful experience: Field sampling, data analysis, technical writing, familiarity with environmental regulations |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $65,000–$107,000 |
| Ecologist |
|---|
| Ecologists study relationships between organisms and their environments. Their work supports habitat protection, restoration projects, and environmental planning. Ecologists often collaborate with government agencies, nonprofits, and consulting firms. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree for entry-level roles; master’s degree often required for research or leadership positions |
| Helpful experience: Species monitoring, statistical analysis, GIS, field research |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $72,000–$132,000 |
| Wildlife or Marine Biologist |
|---|
| Wildlife and marine biologists study animal populations, behavior, and habitats on land or in aquatic environments. Roles may involve long-term monitoring, conservation planning, or research tied to environmental impact assessments. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree for technician roles; master’s degree commonly required for independent research |
| Helpful experience: Field research, laboratory methods, data management, species identification |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $100,000–$174,000 |
Environmental Law Jobs
These roles integrate science, regulation, and public decision-making. Professionals in this space use scientific evidence to shape policy, enforce standards, and guide land-use and environmental protection efforts.
| Environmental Lawyer |
|---|
| Environmental lawyers focus on legal issues related to land, air, water, and natural resources. Their work may involve regulatory compliance, litigation, policy advocacy, or advising organizations on environmental risk and governance. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree followed by a Juris Doctor; some pursue additional coursework in environmental or administrative law |
| Helpful experience: Policy analysis, regulatory research, scientific literacy, legal writing |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $99,000–$179,000, depending on sector and experience |
| EPA Inspector |
|---|
| EPA inspectors evaluate compliance with environmental laws and regulations. They conduct site inspections, review documentation, and support enforcement actions related to air quality, water protection, and waste management. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field |
| Helpful experience: Regulatory compliance, field inspections, report writing, familiarity with environmental statutes |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $52,000–$94,000 |
| Environmental Policy Analyst |
|---|
| Policy analysts assess environmental data, research policy impacts, and support decision-making for government agencies, nonprofits, or advocacy organizations. Their work often bridges scientific findings and legislative or administrative action. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree for entry-level roles; master’s degree often preferred for advancement |
| Helpful experience: Policy research, data analysis, writing briefs or reports, stakeholder engagement |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $79,000–$134,000 |
Environmental Analyst Jobs
These roles focus on evaluating data, modeling environmental impacts, and translating technical findings into actionable insights. Work often supports planning, compliance, and long-term risk management.
| Climate Change Analyst |
|---|
| Climate change analysts study climate data to assess risks, model future conditions, and support adaptation or mitigation planning. Their work informs government agencies, utilities, nonprofits, and private organizations. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, climate science, or a related field; some roles prefer a master’s degree |
| Helpful experience: Data analysis, climate modeling, research methods, technical reporting |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $88,000–$146,000 |
| Environmental Consultant |
|---|
| Environmental consultants advise organizations on compliance, site assessments, remediation, and sustainability planning. The role often combines fieldwork, analysis, and client-facing communication. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field |
| Helpful experience: Environmental sampling, regulatory knowledge, report writing, project coordination |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $85,000–$147,000 |
| Geographic Information Systems Specialist |
|---|
| GIS specialists use spatial data to map environmental conditions, assess land use, and support planning decisions. GIS skills are widely used in conservation, infrastructure, and climate-related work. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree with coursework or certification in GIS |
| Helpful experience: GIS software, data visualization, spatial analysis, database management |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $66,000–$102,000 |
Environmental Enterprise Jobs
These roles apply environmental science within organizations to manage risk, improve operations, and meet regulatory or sustainability goals.
| Environmental Manager |
|---|
| Environmental managers oversee compliance with environmental regulations and guide organizational strategies related to waste, emissions, and resource use. They often coordinate across departments and with external partners. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree often preferred for leadership roles |
| Helpful experience: Regulatory compliance, project management, sustainability reporting |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $90,000–$159,000 |
| Environmental Engineer |
|---|
| Environmental engineers design systems and processes that reduce environmental impact. Projects may involve water treatment, waste management, or pollution control. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related engineering field |
| Helpful experience: Engineering design, permitting processes, technical analysis |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $97,000–$160,000 |
| Waste Management Officer |
|---|
| Waste management officers develop and oversee programs related to waste reduction, recycling, and disposal. Their work supports regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field |
| Helpful experience: Waste audits, compliance oversight, vendor coordination |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $82,000–$145,000 |
Environmental Community Jobs
These careers focus on public health, education, planning, and community engagement. Many combine technical knowledge with communication and advocacy.
| Environmental Health Officer |
|---|
| Environmental health officers monitor environmental conditions that affect public health, such as water quality, air pollution, and food safety. They often work for government agencies. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or public health |
| Helpful experience: Inspections, regulatory enforcement, data reporting |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $78,000–$141,000 |
| Professor or Instructor |
|---|
| Environmental science educators teach at colleges or universities and may conduct research alongside their teaching responsibilities. |
| Typical education: Master’s degree for some teaching roles; PhD often required for tenure-track positions |
| Helpful experience: Research, academic writing, teaching or mentoring |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $111,000–$188,000 |
| Land Use or Urban Planner |
|---|
| Urban and land-use planners evaluate how land development affects communities and natural resources. Environmental science training supports planning decisions tied to sustainability and resilience. |
| Typical education: Bachelor’s degree; master’s degree in planning often preferred |
| Helpful experience: Zoning analysis, GIS, policy research, community engagement |
| Estimated salary range (New York City): $76,000–$132,000 |
Note: Salary information reflects Glassdoor estimates as of January 2026. Compensation can vary based on employer, role scope, location within the New York metro area, and individual experience level.
How to Pursue a Career in Environmental Science
Environmental science careers reward preparation that blends education, experience, and an understanding of how the field operates. While paths vary by role and sector, most follow a similar progression from academic training to hands-on work.
Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related natural resource field. This level of training qualifies graduates for roles in field research, environmental monitoring, compliance support, conservation work, and analyst positions.
Career goals often shape the next step. Some roles benefit from advanced study, especially those tied to leadership, policy, or specialization. A master’s degree in environmental science or a related field can support advancement, while degrees in areas such as public administration, law, business, or communication can open doors to policy, management, and advocacy roles.
Build Experience Through Fieldwork and Community Collaboration
Hands-on experience plays a major role in career readiness. Many environmental science programs emphasize partnerships with local organizations so students can apply classroom learning to real environmental challenges.
Community collaborations often aim to:
- Integrate students into projects at preserves, parks, and conservation sites
- Create internship, externship, and mentorship opportunities
- Share research findings with the public
- Build long-term relationships through ongoing projects and applied research
Examples of the types of organizations students may work with include watershed alliances, land preserves, agricultural nonprofits, and environmental education centers. At Pace, these collaborations have included groups such as Hudson River Watershed Alliance, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, and Teatown Lake Reservation. Work tied to these partnerships has involved field surveys, GIS mapping, ecological sampling, habitat assessment, and community engagement.
Opportunities like internships, research projects, and volunteer roles help students develop technical skills while building professional connections that often lead to employment after graduation.
Look for Roles That Match Your Interests
Environmental science applies across many industries, so job searches work best when focused on a specific interest area. Some graduates seek conservation or field-based roles, while others pursue policy, data analysis, education, or corporate environmental work.
In addition to general job boards, environmental-focused sites can help narrow the search:
- Idealist for nonprofit and public-interest roles
- EnvironmentalCareer.com for science, consulting, and government positions
- EcoJobs for sustainability, conservation, and environmental management roles
Environmental careers tend to reward persistence and flexibility. Many professionals begin in entry-level or project-based roles and move into more specialized or leadership positions as their experience grows.
Majoring in Environmental Science at Pace University
Pace University offers multiple pathways for students interested in environmental careers, depending on academic background and professional goals. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue either a BS in Environmental Science or a BA in Environmental Studies.
The BS in Environmental Science focuses on scientific training, fieldwork, and research. Students build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and environmental systems while gaining hands-on experience through lab work, faculty-led research, and field studies across New York City and the Hudson Valley.
The BA in Environmental Studies takes a broader, interdisciplinary approach. Coursework blends environmental science with policy, ethics, economics, and social systems, preparing students for careers in advocacy, education, planning, journalism, and law-related fields.
For students seeking advanced training or leadership roles, the MS in Environmental Science and Policy connects scientific analysis with policy development and governance. The program emphasizes applied research, advocacy, and real-world problem-solving, with opportunities to specialize in science, policy, or public administration. Graduates are prepared for roles that sit at the intersection of research, regulation, and decision-making.
Across all programs, students benefit from access to diverse ecosystems, government agencies, nonprofits, and professional networks throughout the New York metro area. This combination of academic training and applied experience supports a wide range of environmental career paths.
FAQs
Which are the highest paying jobs in environmental science?
Higher-paying roles often require combining technical expertise with leadership or specialized training. Environmental engineers, environmental managers, environmental lawyers, and climate-focused analysts typically earn higher salaries, especially in major metro areas such as New York. Compensation varies based on education, experience, and sector.
What are the fields of environmental science?
Environmental science includes fields such as ecology, conservation, climate science, environmental chemistry, geology, environmental policy, sustainability, and environmental health. Many professionals work across multiple areas during their careers.
What can you do with an environmental science degree?
Graduates work as environmental scientists, consultants, policy analysts, conservation professionals, planners, educators, and sustainability specialists. Others move into law, public administration, business, or nonprofit leadership roles that rely on environmental expertise.
Is environmental science a good major?
Environmental science offers steady demand, broad career options, and work connected to public health, infrastructure, and natural resource management. The field suits students interested in science, problem-solving, and applied work that supports communities and ecosystems.
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For Ben McDonald ’25, protecting the environment is more than a passion—it’s a mission. In Pace’s MS in Environmental Science and Policy program, he’s gaining hands-on experience with organizations like Riverkeeper and Waterfront Alliance.
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For Michi Yoshikawa ’25, the MS in Environmental Science and Policy program has been the perfect place to explore the connection between policy, advocacy, and real-world change.