Environmental Science, B.S.

This field involves studying crop production, food safety, and agricultural systems to improve yield and quality. Professionals solve issues like pest control, soil health, and sustainable farming. Work takes place in labs, greenhouses, processing facilities, and agricultural fields.

This field applies engineering principles to agriculture, including machinery design, irrigation, and environmental sustainability. Professionals solve problems such as crop efficiency, soil management, and energy use on farms. Work environments range from offices and labs to agricultural fields and manufacturing sites.

Professionals in this field study weather, climate systems, and atmospheric phenomena. They forecast weather, analyze climate data, and help communities prepare for environmental hazards. They solve problems like storm prediction, drought planning, and air quality monitoring. Work occurs in offices, labs, and field stations, often with irregular hours.

This field explores the properties and behavior of substances to develop new materials and chemical products. Professionals solve problems related to durability, reactivity, and composition in everything from batteries to medications. Work is typically in labs, manufacturing facilities, or R&D divisions.

Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They solve problems involving structural integrity, environmental sustainability, and public safety. Work environments include engineering offices, construction sites, and government agencies, often requiring field inspections and coordination with contractors.

Conservation scientists and foresters manage natural resources, focusing on the sustainable use of forests, parks, and rangelands. They solve environmental challenges such as habitat loss, wildfire risk, and land degradation. Work takes place outdoors in forests or parks, as well as in offices or government agencies.

Environmental engineers use engineering principles to solve environmental problems such as pollution control, waste management, and water treatment. They work to improve public health and sustainability through infrastructure design and regulatory compliance. The job involves office-based planning, lab testing, and site assessments in both urban and rural environments.

Environmental scientists study natural systems and human impact on the environment. They analyze pollution, climate change, and ecological disruption, developing solutions for sustainability. Work is split between fieldwork, labs, and offices, often involving regulatory or consulting roles.

Forensic scientists collect, analyze, and interpret evidence for criminal investigations. They solve crimes by examining DNA, trace materials, and digital or chemical evidence. Work occurs in labs, crime scenes, and courtrooms, with a focus on precision and legal integrity.

Geographers study the spatial relationships between people, places, and environments. They solve problems related to urban planning, disaster response, and cultural patterns. Their work includes mapping, spatial analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS), typically in academic, governmental, or consulting settings.

Geoscientists examine Earth’s structure, materials, and processes to understand natural phenomena and resource distribution. They solve problems such as earthquake risk, groundwater contamination, and mineral exploration. Work involves a mix of field research, lab analysis, and computer modeling.

Professionals in this field develop systems and procedures to prevent injuries, illnesses, and property damage in workplaces. They solve problems related to hazard identification, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. Work environments include manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and corporate offices, often in collaboration with regulatory bodies.

Hydrologists study how water moves through the environment, from precipitation to groundwater and surface runoff. They solve problems like water scarcity, flood risk, and contamination. Their work informs infrastructure planning, environmental protection, and resource management. Work settings include government agencies, consulting firms, labs, and field sites.

Industrial engineers optimize systems, processes, and organizations to improve efficiency, quality, and safety. They address challenges in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and service industries by reducing waste and improving workflows. Work is commonly office-based, with regular visits to production lines, warehouses, or service environments.

This field focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of ships, submarines, and offshore platforms. Marine engineers work on propulsion and onboard systems, while naval architects focus on vessel structure and stability. Work occurs in shipyards, engineering firms, naval bases, and at sea during inspections or trials.

Professionals in this field develop methods to extract minerals safely and efficiently while minimizing environmental impact. They solve problems involving geologic formations, safety standards, and site sustainability. Work is conducted in remote field locations, mines, and offices, often in collaboration with geologists and environmental engineers.

Nuclear engineers research and develop processes, instruments, and systems involving nuclear energy and radiation. They solve problems related to energy production, medical treatments, and nuclear waste management. Work environments include power plants, research labs, and regulatory agencies, often with strict safety protocols.

Petroleum engineers design and implement methods for extracting oil and gas from beneath the Earth’s surface. They solve technical challenges related to drilling, reservoir management, and production efficiency. Work occurs in offices, laboratories, and remote field locations such as drilling rigs or offshore platforms.

Professionals source goods and services for organizations, negotiating contracts and ensuring cost-effective purchasing. They address challenges like supply chain disruptions, budget constraints, and vendor reliability. Work typically takes place in offices, but can involve supplier site visits and logistics coordination.

Surveyors measure land and map property boundaries for construction, legal, and developmental use. They solve problems related to land ownership, construction planning, and infrastructure projects. Work involves both office-based data analysis and extensive fieldwork with specialized equipment.

Urban planners design land use strategies to manage growth, infrastructure, and community development. They solve problems involving zoning, transportation, housing, and sustainability. Planners work in government, consulting, and nonprofit sectors, often balancing stakeholder interests.

Professionals in this field study animal behavior, physiology, and ecosystems. They address issues like species conservation, habitat protection, and wildlife management. Work involves field research, lab analysis, and environmental monitoring, often in partnership with government agencies or conservation groups.