Environmental Protection Degree: Career Options for Graduates with a Degree in Environmental Protection

Published Aug 11, 2009

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Whether you want to work in conservation, environmental restoration or environmental policy, a degree in Environmental Protection can help you in your career goals. Environmental Protection careers can be found in government agencies, private industry or nonprofit organizations. Although many college degrees can lead to an Environmental Protection career, degrees in environmental science, environmental studies or environmental policy are clear paths to a career in Environmental Protection.

Associate's Degree in Environmental Protection Career Summary

With an Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Science you could work as an Environmental Protection technician, occupational health technician or science technician, testing air and water quality. Many associate-level degrees in Environmental Protection include instruction in how to comply with environmental laws. This can prepare you for an entry-level job in environmental record maintenance or compliance strategy development, says Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Protection Career Summary

Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Protection include a B.S. in Environmental Science or a B.A. in Environmental Studies. Skidmore College says that these degrees can prepare you for a career as an environmental planner, environmental educator, natural resource manager or Environmental Protection specialist. You can also work in industrial recycling and waste disposal, analyzing applicable laws and available pollution-control technologies. Nonprofit organizations that study environmental policy, such as the Nature Conservancy, offer career opportunities from field work to policy analysis for those with a 4-year degree and some experience.

Master's Degree in Environmental Protection Career Summary

With a Master of Science in Environmental Policy you could become a program analyst with the Environmental Protection Agency or start an environmental consulting business. Industries looking for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance managers prefer job candidates with master's degrees in environmental science, according to jobs posted on Environmental Career Opportunities, www.ecojobs.com. Many applied environmental research careers in government agencies require master's level degrees, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov. With an applied degree, such as a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, you could develop air or water pollution control systems. Master's level degrees in environmental leadership can lead you to a career as director of a nonprofit environmental advocacy firm.