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

• Conservation Biologist
• Conservation Officer
• Consultant
• Environmental Educator
• Environmental/Land Use Planner
• Field/Lab Technician
• Fish Hatchery Manager
• Fishery/Wildlife Biologist
• Forester
• Geographic Information Systems Specialist
• Lobbyist
• Naturalist
• Outdoor Education Specialist
• Park Manager/Ranger
• Public Affairs Specialist
• Range Management Specialist
• Recreation Manager
• Refuge Manager
• Researcher
• Restoration Ecologist
• Urban Forester
• Water Quality/Conservation Specialist
• Wetlands Ecologist
• Wildlife Inspector 

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 Academy  

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