Environmental
Science Emphasis Area
FAQ's
What is environmental
science?
Environmental scientists
study the relationship between the environment and organisms, and the impact of
anthropogenic
influences on organisms and the environment.
What types of jobs can I
do?
With a bachelor's degree,
you can work as a technician collecting a variety of environmental data on
water, soil, air, and vegetation
quality for example. Or, you could assist
with restoration projects. But, many students
interested in pursuing environmental
studies go to graduate school where they
earn the degrees that enable them to conduct research by designing and leading
projects.
You can find out more information concerning job
prospects in environmental science at the bureau of labor statistics web site:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos050.htm.
What is the difference
between ecology and environmental science?
Ecologists study the
relationships between organisms and the environment and many times, the impact
of anthropogenic
disturbance on the these relationships. So, often, there
is little difference between the two fields except there is one important
difference. Typically, ecologists have gone to graduate school where they
learned how to design and conduct investigations.
These investigations can
be basic or applied research and theoretical or empirical research.
What do I need to do to
become an environmental scientist or an ecologist?
If you want to work as a
technician, then you need to keep a high GPA in your science classes and
participate in an internship.
If you want to go to
graduate school then you need to keep a high GPA, participate in an internship,
but more importantly you need
to participate in research.
When should I participate in
an internship or research program?
The earlier the better, but
probably during your junior year.
How do I find available
internships or get involved in research?
You can look for
opportunities on the web by searching for environmental science internships or
ecology internships.
You can also go these web pages:
If you want
to participate in research with one of the scientists on campus, then you need
to explore the possibility with the scientist
with which you are are interested
in working. Check out the faculty research web page to get an idea
of the types of research
projects that are ongoing at CSU.
When do I start looking for
a graduate program?
Now... but, definitely
during your junior year
When do I apply to graduate
school?
You need to apply during
your senior year to begin graduate school in the fall semester. Remember,
you will have to take the GRE
and maybe the biology subject test. So, it's
important to plan early...
Are there any organizations
on campus that support environmental science and/or ecology?
Yes, it's a good idea to get
involved in the CSU
SEEDS chapter and/or the CSSA.
Who is the environmental
science emphasis area advisor?