WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Environmental studies is the interdisciplinary study of interactions between humans
and their environment. It links various subject areas, including ecology, economics,
geography, agricultural science, politics and sociology. “Environment” is defined
as everything that surrounds us, including natural environments, as well as built,
social, and organizational environments.
What skills will I learn while completing a degree in Environmental Studies?
|
| Summarize research findings |
Analyze data |
Report data |
| Perceive patterns |
Apply logic to problems |
Pay attention to details |
| Apply concepts |
Utilize formulas |
Gather information |
| Apply knowledge creatively |
Define problems |
Assess risks |
| Use laboratory equipment |
Evaluate data and results |
Inform and explain |
| Read and write technical material |
Work with diverse teams |
Plan and conduct field studies |
| Apply knowledge across disciplines |
Understand causes of environmental problems |
Propose / evaluate solutions to environmental problems |
What jobs are available for those with a degree in Environmental Studies?
|
The table below summarizes areas of employment and potential employers of graduates
of Environmental Studies programs. A more detailed table (pdf) has been compiled by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University
of Tennessee, to suggest specific career paths within the broad areas listed below,
and propose strategies for securing employment.
| Areas |
Employers |
| Planning |
Federal, state, regional, and local government |
| Environmental Education and Communication |
Public and private elementary, middle, and high schools |
| Waste Management |
Colleges and Universities |
| Air Quality Management |
Consulting firms |
| Water Quality Management |
Nonprofit organizations |
| Land and Water Conservation |
Waste management firms |
| Fishery and Wildlife Management |
Indian nations |
| Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
Timber companies |
| Agriculture |
National Park Service |
| Forestry |
Agricultural supply companies |
 Testing a tool designed by a local farmer cooperator in his Shelbyville high tunnel. |
 Measuring yield of potential alternative biofuel crops at the KSU Research and Demonstration
Farm. |
| |
|
 Charting temperature trends and variability reading collected at the KSU Research
and Demonstration Farm. |
 Habitat for beneficial insects surrounding a high tunnel at the KSU Research and Demonstration
Farm. |
| |
|
 Monitoring and recording soil moisture under different mulch treatments at the KSU
Research and Demonstration farm. |
 Downloading and analyzing temperature readings collected by a datalogger at the KSU
Research and Demonstration Farm. |
| |
|
 Weed management in tomatoes a the KSU Research and Demonstartion Farm. |
 Weed management in tomatoes a the KSU Research and Demonstartion Farm. |
| |
|
 Yellow blooms of mustards planted to improve the soil at the KSU Research and Demonstration
Farm |
 Members of KSU’s Board of Regents cut the ribbon to open KSU’s new Campus High Tunnel
complex. |
