Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Environmental Science

Environmental scientists and specialists work to protect the natural environment and preserve human health. Their responsibilities typically include collecting, analyzing, and compiling air, food, soil, and water samples. They also develop and implement solutions to environmental problems, and working with corporations and communities to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of their activities. Environmental scientists can take on specialized roles such as climate change analysts.

Conservation scientists work with farmers, agricultural managers, ranchers, and other stakeholders to improve and maximize land use without endangering or damaging the environment. They implement plans for better forest management, oversee conservation efforts, and monitor the use of cleared land. Foresters design, implement, and monitor reforestation plans, draw up strategies to keep forests disease-free and safe from invasive insect populations and wildfires, and evaluate data on forest and soil quality.

Government and private agencies often consult with environmental engineers regarding follow-up procedures when cleaning contaminated sites. Environmental engineers also inspect commercial and municipal facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, conduct hazardous waste management studies, and design environmental protection projects like pollution control and water reclamation systems. They often collaborate with policymakers to address global concerns such as climate change, environmental sustainability, and unsafe drinking water.

Environmental science and protection technicians fulfill several functions including investigating the sources of contamination and pollution, inspecting establishments to ensure they are environmentally compliant and safe, and creating and maintaining pollution-monitoring equipment. They work with federal and local governments, consulting firms, private and commercial companies, and testing laboratories to identify and solve a range of environmental and public health problems.

Hydrologists study how changes in the environment affect water quality and supply. They often collaborate with stakeholders and policymakers to develop water conservation strategies and evaluate the feasibility of water-related projects, such as dams, irrigation systems, and wastewater treatment facilities. Hydrologists also address the effects of environmental erosion and pollution and devise ways to mitigate and minimize negative impacts.