Environmental Studies

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA, BS and BGS, as well as a graduate certificate and a PSM in Environmental Studies. The Environmental Studies program provides students with the tools they need to investigate environmental phenomena, including anything from soil sampling and freshwater ecology to policy-making and social science.

Environmental Studies Department website

Environmental Studies at KU Edwards Campus

Sample of Related Skills

Demonstrate a proficient understanding of the ethical and social dimensions of environmental issues, in a manner consistent with the curriculum of their specific major program
Obtain and use scholarly information related to environmental issues and sustainability
Synthesize and integrate material in an interdisciplinary team-structured project
Understand the natural environment and its relationships with human activities
Acquire practical skills for scientific problem-solving, including familiarity with laboratory and field instrumentation, computer applications, statistical and modeling techniques
Design and evaluate strategies, technologies, and methods for sustainable management of environmental systems and for the remediation or restoration of degraded environments

Popular Career Paths

Fishery and Wildlife Management: Includes the management, preservation and restoration of fish and/or wildlife habitats, population regulation, disease management, and public education.
Forestry/Park Management: Involves the preservation and sustainable management of park and forest lands as well as urban areas. It also includes the maintenance of the ecological health of our parks as well as the management of park visitors and the monitoring of their impact.
Education and Communication: Involves helping the public gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural resources around them. Can include education in a variety of settings, print or broadcast journalism, and advocacy.
Land and Water Conservation/Management: Includes natural resource assessment and management, habitat protection and restoration, preservation of open spaces and natural areas, and protection of cultural resources.
Law: Involves the interpretation and enforcement of the laws in our legal system to minimize, prevent, punish or remedy the actions of individuals which damage or threaten the environment, public health and safety.

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

Environmental Consulting Firms
Environmental Research Laboratories
Farms/Ranches
Federal Government Agencies
Groundwater Firms
Land Trusts/Preserves
Law Firms
Mining Companies
Utility and Timber Companies
Non-Profit Environmental Organizations
Real Estate Development Companies
Research Firms
State/Local Government Agencies
Tourism Agencies and Resorts
Museums
Wildlife Refuges
Zoological Parks and Aquariums

Explore More Career Resources

Cool Works - job and internship opportunities in national parks, conservation organizations, state parks, ranches, and ski resorts

Conservation Job Board - list of jobs related to the environment and biology

Earthworks Jobs - job listings for ecology, hydrology, environmental science, GIS, renewable energy, sustainable development, and related fields (includes international job postings)

Environmental Career - job postings, environmental conference and event listings, and resource center

Environmental Law and Policy Center - employment and internship opportunities with ELPC as well as a job board of additional job and internship listings

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks - employment and volunteer opportunities with KDWP

KU Environmental Studies Department Careers Page - environmental job and internship postings as well as links to additional career resources

Student Conservation Association - hands-on conservation internship and other service opportunities with government agencies as well as non-profit organizations / National Park Service Academ y

The Nature Conservancy - employment and internship opportunities with TNC

The Wildlife Society Career Center - job and internship postings in wildlife and fishery management

Echoing Green - provides a springboard for realizing your contribution to solving the world’s biggest problems

Green Career Guide - information regarding different green career paths

Environmental Consulting Career Advice - questions and answers related to careers in environmental consulting

Green Degrees & Careers - discover environmentally friendly degrees & career options