Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

The Environmental Science major focuses on the understanding of environmental systems and earth processes, human impact on the envrionment, and connecting sound scientific understanding to environmental policies.

Students in this major will be equipped for the future with opportunities for a wide range of careers and additional education. The environmental industry in the US is a $265 billion annual business involving more than 32,000 individual companies/organizations.

To ensure students at NC State University have access to a contemporary, comprehensive program of study, we revised the B.S. degree in Environmental Sciences to an interdisciplinary academic program of the university. The revised degree now provides students with the opportunity for a rigorous, flexible program of study that engages disciplines from across the campus. The entry point for this major is the Division of Undergraduate Programs (DUAP) and the faculty contact is Dr. William Winner (wewinner@ncsu.edu, 515-5780, 2231 Jordan Hall). The coordinator is Erin Champion (eachampi@ncsu.edu, 513-2520, 2229 Jordan Hall).

Courses include:

Introduction Environmental Sciences, Climate Change and Sustainability, Chemistry, Soil Science, Biology, Energy and the Environment, Earth Systems, Physics, Economics, and Environmental Law and Politics

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of all courses (Environmental Science -Courses are derived from multiple curricula:: BAE, BO, CE, FOR, MEA, NR, CHASS, etc.), and the degree audit shows the curricula requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Management practices
• Field research

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Field Technician	Government agency
Consultant	Private firm
Biologist	Government agency
Educator	Government agency such a Park Service, Nature Park, etc.
Research Technician	University
Communication Outreach/PR	Non-profit organization and Government agency

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Professor
• Researcher
• Director of Government Agency

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 30,000-40,000 starting salary
From Industry Data

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

CFR Council
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Adrianna Kirkman, 515.6191, adrianna_kirkman@ncsu.edu

National Association of Environmental Professionals- Student Chaper
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Bob Bruck, 515.2086, bob_bruck@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

• National Association of Environmental Professionals

Links to Related Resources

• University Career Center
• For more specific information on occupation/job skills, expectations, and salary, go to the Occupational Information Network site and search for a specific job. (hint: for salary info, select a report on one of the jobs and find the wages link at the bottom of the page.)
• The list of available Minors at NC State.
• Experimental Courses Listing (a.k.a. Special Topics)
• Department of Environmental Science
• College of Division of Undergraduate Academic Programs - Environmental Science
• Cooperative Education Program
  

Next Steps

Need more information about this major? Contact the expert on this major,
Coordinator of Advising.

Don't want this major? Continue exploring the available majors.
Still unsure of your major and/or not sure what to do next?
You know you want this major. What do you need to do now?

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Last updated: 8th of September, 2011 at 1:56:11 PM

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