With an ever-increasing trend of “save our planet,” there come to the surface four distinct degrees that touch on various facets of preserving our natural habitat.
- Environmental Engineering
- Natural Science Managers
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Policy
Our article below covers some details of what is typically required to obtain such careers; what their earning capacity is at entry-level; and what the particular platforms are which prove more employment-friendly for job seekers.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineering is one exploding career path as it integrates the sciences of engineering, biology, physics, chemistry and water management with a focus on improving the environment. This entails cleaning up, maintaining and developing solutions to environmental problems that involve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.
In 2012, the annual median pay was $80,890 USD that averaged out to an hourly median rate of $38.89. Entry-level positions typically required a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree; however, in some sectors, an associate’s degree in environmental studies can make lower-paying entry-level jobs available to you.
Natural Science Manager
Supervising the detailed work of chemists, physicists, geologists and biologists across various platforms, as well as research and development are the concentrated focuses of Natural Science Managers. Responsible for coordinating activities such as testing, quality control, and production, they mostly work within the confines of office walls and labs.
In 2012, the annual median pay was $115,730 with a median average $55 hourly wage. Entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences or a related field of study such as science, engineering or mathematics.
Chemical Engineer
Designing chemical plant equipment and developing processes that convert raw materials applicable for gasoline, rubber, plastic, detergent, cement and paper production are the primary focuses of a chemical engineer. Related course studies require a strong concentration in areas such as chemistry, mathematics and other sciences.
With a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, salaries sometimes reach up to $103,000 including bonuses and profit sharing.
Environmental Policy
For those who are interested in not only the environment, but in shaping the policies that govern the improvement of the environment, a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sciences and Policy is now available at many universities, both online and on-site.
For instance, many quality educational institutions offer students a broad range of curriculum studies in various environmental issues. The Bachelor of Arts in Geology degree is particularly suited for environmental policy making. Remember that a superior level of oral, verbal, and written communication skills in general is a must for this field.
Environmental policy workers help to form official cultural, social, economic, scientific and governmental policies across several platforms that include environmental consulting, research, publishing and the development of educational curriculum. The salary range for those pursuing this career ranges from $63,000 to $75,000 annually.
Four-year degree environmental career choices seem, like health care, to be without limits. Even with applicable two-year associate degree programs, candidates can hope to enter into more advancement opportunities with higher earning potentials. However, at the bachelor degree level, the potentials explode to optimal levels for future opportunities.
Written by guest contributor Anica Oaks
