Careers in Environmental Studies

Career opportunities in the field of environmental studies have grown, thanks to public concern about protecting the environment and environmentally conscious politicians. This environmental awareness has increased opportunities in specialties such as pollution prevention, resource conservation and environmental restoration, environmental stewardship, and newly emerging fields such as energy management technology and biodiversity preservation. Individuals studying in this field are trained to provide both public and private environmental services in a variety of settings: private business, consulting services and government agencies. The employment outlook for careers in this field is excellent. According to the California Employment Development Department, for Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, the huge growth rate for the period 2002-2012 is expected to be 40%, and for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, the growth rate by 2012 is expected to be an impressive 25.3% (Source: Labor Market Info www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov).

Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success
Most positions in environmental studies balance an understanding of policy and practice. Duties may require on-site inspections and investigations, so employees need to be able to carefully observe and understand environmental conditions, ecological systems and processes; to apply logic to solve problems; and to have the ability to create reports that illustrate their findings. Workers in environmental studies should also be prepared to provide educational and consultation services in their field. This may involve speaking to groups of business professionals or raising community awareness about environmental health issues through education.

General Info About the Program
De Anza College's Environmental Studies program integrates physical, biological, human, socioeconomic and political principles. This creates a scientific foundation, an understanding of social and economic concepts, and an awareness of the behaviors that protect or damage the earth and its plant and animal resources. Highly qualified faculty and experienced students make this a rich learning opportunity.

Environmental Studies Certificate and Degree Programs

The following links open in .pdf.

Certificates of Achievement:

• Biodiversity Specialist
• Energy Management and Climate Policy
• Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention
• Wildlife Corridor Technician

Certificates of Achievement-Advanced:

• Biodiversity Specialist
• Energy Management and Climate Policy
• Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention
• Environmental Stewardship

Associate Degrees (A.A.):

• Biodiversity Specialist
• Energy Management and Climate Policy
• Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention
• Environmental Stewardship

For more information contact the Environmental Studies Department
Biological, Health, and Environmental Sciences Division
De Anza's Kirsch Center
(408) 864-8628 or 8655
http://environmentalstudies.deanza.edu/es/