Choosing what to study at university can often be confusing. With so many different courses and subjects to choose from, it can often be hard to know the difference between them. If you like the subjects of Biology, Geography and Development and you want a career that makes a difference to the world, environmental science or environmental management could be the right choice for you. We’ve got two professors to explain the difference between Environmental Science and Environmental Management. Enjoy!
Environmental Science and Environmental Studies, by Professor Kayhan Ostovar
The problems society will confront in the coming years are daunting. By the year 2050, scientists have predicted that human energy demands will be at least three times what they are now. Furthermore, human population growth is predicted to expand to between nine and twelve billion people.
Such increases will result in severe pressure on natural ecosystems as well as challenge our ability to maintain, let alone improve, our standard of living. It will take intelligent and creative people with an in-depth understanding of the complex interactions of the Earth’s ecosystems and deep vision to address these issues.
Environmental Scientists collect data and perform experiments to provide real insight into complex environmental problems in industry, environmental management and natural resource conservation.
Graduates will find career opportunities in a variety of areas that include:
- Soil Ecologists
- Forest Service Biologists
- Wildlife Biologists
- Rangers
- Watershed Management
- And water quality managers for cities.
In addition, many students go on to pursue graduate degrees in related fields. The interdisciplinary nature of Environmental Science and Studies allows students the ability to explore various options during their college career and specialise in a number of different areas. Environmental Science and Environmental Studies courses emphasise studies in the field with a broad range of hands-on experiences. Many environmental programmes include excursions to forests, jungles, deserts and volcanic regions – many of these being overnight or week-long.
Theory and lab research are necessary, but researching ecosystems in the outdoors is fundamental.
Environmental Management and Policy, by Professor Karen Beiser
Environmental Management and Policy (EMP) provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills future leaders will need to address the pressing challenges of creating and maintaining a sustainable world.
- Climate change
- Scarce resource administration
- Pollution and waste management
- Environmental design
- And explosive population growth
These are just a few of the demanding issues executives all over the world must currently address. EMP students concentrate on a core foundation in natural and social sciences, business, economics and humanities. Students will develop their particular interests as well, with environmentally-focused coursework in any or all of these areas.
EMP majors will be prepared for careers in extensive and diverse fields, including:
- Corporate and industrial environmental compliance
- Environmental consulting
- Non-governmental environmental advocacy
- Public safety and regulation
- And, should students want a legal career, EMP is an excellent precursor to law school.
Graduates with degrees in Environmental Management and Policy will be able to face and resolve crucial issues by demonstrating in-depth knowledge of scientific, political, legal and economic processes associated with decision-making and strategy formation. They will also be well educated in ethical administration and will completely understand the implications of their decisions on environmental matters and which course of action to take.
Article provided by Rocky Mountain College (USA)
