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Masters in Environmental studies: Admission, Careers and Salary

Environmental science encompasses the study of the planet’s physical, chemical, and biological processes, as well as the social, political, and cultural processes that affect it. As an environmental science student, you’ll use a variety of disciplines to try to comprehend the intricate relationships between humans and the environment. Keep reading for comprehensive info on masters in environmental studies.

What are the topics covered by environmental studies degrees?

Environmental studies degrees need students to blend skills and knowledge from a range of professions, making them very much a ‘interdisciplinary’ subject. This could include biology, chemistry, physics, geography, Earth and marine sciences, as well as social sciences. The goal is to bring together diverse viewpoints and data sources in order to gain a better understanding of natural and human surroundings.

Most environmental science degrees include fieldwork, which often includes excursions to a range of various countries and geographic regions, allowing students the opportunity to learn about varied habitats, climates, land formations, and societies. You can also anticipate spending a significant amount of time in the lab learning how to conduct various tests and analyses. Furthermore, students frequently volunteer in an environment-related capacity, gaining essential experience that will help them prepare for future employment in environmental research.

Environmental studies degrees have entry criteria.

As with any discipline, different universities will have varying admittance criteria. Those seeking an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree in environmental science, on the other hand, should expect to be asked for a secondary school diploma, as well as good grades in at least one of the following related subjects: biology, chemistry, economics, geography, geology, mathematics, or physics. You must have completed a relevant bachelor’s degree, either in environmental sciences or in one of the topics listed above, to be considered for a master’s degree. Depending on national standards, certain colleges may require applicants to attend a face-to-face interview and/or take an entrance exam.

Specialization

Ecology of the soil

Soil ecology is an example of a subject at the ‘up close’ end of the environmental science spectrum, focusing on the different processes that can change soil and how this might affect natural ecosystems as well as human needs such as agricultural productivity. The spread of infections (such as viruses and bacteria), the influence of pesticides and other pollutants, and soil porosity might all be investigated (spaces between grains).

Marine/aquatic biology

Aquatic biology and marine biology are closely related fields. Freshwater ecosystems such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands are studied by aquatic biology, whereas saltwater environments such as the oceans and brackish bodies of water are studied by marine biology. In each case, you’ll learn about numerous elements of life in these ecosystems, including conservation, resource usage, and economic ramifications, as well as unique habitats and interactions.

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Earth’s natural systems

The field of Earth systems, on the other hand, focuses on large-scale changes in the Earth and its atmosphere, as well as the environmental systems that affect the entire globe. Geomorphology (understanding land formations and anticipating future changes), weather systems, climate change, ice ages, and oceanic systems are examples of environmental science topics you might study here.

Conservation of the environment and biological diversity

Studying different groups of creatures – such as birds, animals, and insects – and their natural habitats as part of an environmental and biological conservation specialization will focus on understanding the survival problems they confront and the conservation approaches that may be applied. Those that concentrate in this discipline will be well prepared for future employment in environmental science that focus on conservation, helping to safeguard various species and reduce the risk of extinction.

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Climate change and energy

Climate change is one of the most contentious and important concerns of the twenty-first century. Students that specialize in this topic will be able to comprehend the potential causes of climate change, the present evidence for change, future projections, and viable solutions. Students may choose to concentrate on more ecologically friendly ways to energy generation and use, which is a subject with a high demand for graduates.

Management of water resources

This concentration focuses on the management of available water resources for human requirements like drinking, sanitation, agriculture, recreation, and industry. Students will examine alternative techniques to balancing supply and demand, as well as related environmental, economic, and legal concerns, to learn about various water resource management challenges encountered by communities around the world.

Pollution abatement and prevention

This section focuses on human contamination of the natural environment, introducing students to many types of pollutants as well as how to measure pollution’s scope and repercussions. Students will also study about pollution prevention and remediation tactics, including how to prevent pollution and mitigate its negative effects. This could be useful training for employment in environmental science, including not only pollution control but also waste reduction and disposal.

Information on Certification

The American Academy of Environmental Engineers offers board certification, which is a peer-recommended process. A minimum of eight years of professional experience and passing written and oral exams are required to become a board certified environmental engineer. A graduate degree can be used to reduce the number of years of professional experience required. Certification tests assess ethical behavior, professional judgment, and technical knowledge in a certain field.

Information on Salary

As of May 2020, the median annual compensation for environmental engineers was $92,120, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Architectural and engineering and allied services, consulting services, and state governments were the industries with the highest employment of environmental engineers. The average annual salary in these industries was $87,670-$98,920. Environmental engineers made the most money in the aerospace oil and gas extraction industry, with an average compensation of $118,360.

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Environmental engineering can be a personally and financially rewarding job, so it might be right for you. If you already work as an environmental engineer, you might want to explore getting your master’s degree in environmental engineering to enhance your career.

Environmental studies master’s degree programs are available at the following universities.

Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam

Cities that are smart and resilient are critical for addressing the growing threat of climate change and promoting sustainability. This master’s track examines various analytical and practical techniques for incorporating resilience and environmental sustainability in metropolitan places around the world. Students will be exposed to the most recent trends and advancements in the field of smart and resilient cities. The influence of nature-based solutions, climate mitigation and adaptation, sustainable energy, water and transportation initiatives, and smart city innovations are all important themes to discuss.

University of Eastern Finland

MSc European Forestry (MSc EF) is an Erasmus+: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Program (EMJMD) in forest sciences that is taught at a high level. The European Commission recognized the quality of our program by awarding the MSc European Forestry Erasmus Mundus status for the years 2004–2014 and 2016–2019.

The University of Groningen is located in Groningen, the Netherlands.

Global environmental and sustainability concerns are enormous, and they can only be solved through an interdisciplinary approach. Specialization is necessary since it is impossible to address all of these topics equally in a Master’s degree program. – Bolzano Free University

The two-year practice-oriented and transdisciplinary master’s program is an educational framework for designers who want to help create more sustainable, resilient, and fair futures, both locally and globally.

Sapienza University of Rome

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation provides a strong technical foundation for careers in environmental engineering, particularly in consulting, planning, design, and management of actions, structures, and infrastructures for climate change mitigation and improvement.

Lulea University of Technology, Sweden

This curriculum will give students cutting-edge knowledge in exploration and mining geology, which is used by earth scientists who work in metals and mineral exploration and mining. The program covers everything a geoscientist needs to know about the environment. The curriculum is taught in English, and students can choose between two specializations: exploration and environmental geosciences.

Why should you study Environmental Studies Master’s Degree ?

Environmental engineers come up with new strategies to save people’s lives.

Environmental engineers are already helping to improve and save people’s lives. They create water management and waste systems, for example, which clean our water and eliminate harmful germs and viruses.

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But the work isn’t done yet. Environmental engineers can use new knowledge to come up with innovative strategies to improve our lives. For example, Stanford University researchers revealed that offshore wind turbines might be used to interrupt hurricanes, reducing peak wind speeds and storm surge, and regulating its overall force before it reaches land.

Environmental Engineering degrees are available from prestigious universities.

Universities and colleges have begun to offer and develop Environmental Engineering programs as the impact of environmental concerns has become more obvious. The goal is to provide future engineers with the information they need to investigate and develop novel ways and systems to safeguard the environment and human cultures.

Environmental engineers earn a lot of money.

While money isn’t everything, we live in a society where it is required to purchase the items we require or desire, as well as to travel or invest in our passions. If you want to work as an environmental engineer to safeguard the environment and design long-term development plans, it’s only fair that your pay reflects the value of your work.

In the United States, for example, the median annual compensation for environmental engineers in 2019 was roughly 88,860 USD. This is based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States.

Engineers who work with the environment have a lot of obligations.

We all want to work in occupations that are meaningful, gratifying, and fulfilling to us. It’s not always simple to locate such a position, but environmental engineering appears to be a good fit.

Humans have a strong desire to be useful, to collaborate, and to assist others. Environmental engineers bear significant obligations, but they may rest easier at night knowing that their work has a significant impact on society and the environment.

Is it worthwhile to pursue a master’s degree in environmental studies?

We believe it is apparent that environmental science is a fantastic major. Earning a degree with an environmental focus demonstrates your commitment to making a difference and assisting others, especially those yet to be born.

People who can gather facts, communicate knowledge, and assist others down the right path are needed in the world. Environmental science majors are in high demand across a wide range of fields.

Individuals with a thorough understanding of environmental sciences are needed in government roles, enterprises, and societal repercussions, among other things.

We looked into studies from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to offer you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your future. Examine the job titles, daily responsibilities, required abilities, and career prospects for environmental science management and leadership positions to see if this is the educational path for you.