Most environmental scientists start with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a natural science such as biology, chemistry or geology, and build field and lab experience through internships and summer jobs. Entry roles in consulting firms and government agencies are open to bachelor’s graduates, while a master’s helps for project leadership and research. There is no general license, though some specialties carry their own state or professional credentials.
A realistic picture of the work
Environmental scientists find, measure and fix problems with air, water and soil, and help organizations follow environmental rules. The outdoor part is real, but most weeks include as much writing and data work as fieldwork.
- Fieldwork: collecting soil, water and air samples, logging observations and doing site assessments, sometimes in protective gear.
- Lab and data work: analyzing results, running statistics and mapping findings with GIS.
- Reports: long technical reports for clients and regulators. Writing well is one of the most underrated skills in the field.
- Compliance and permits: helping companies, utilities and builders meet environmental regulations.
- Where they work: environmental consulting firms, state and federal agencies, utilities, laboratories, nonprofits and large companies with environmental health and safety teams.
Education that gets you hired
- Bachelor’s degree: environmental science, biology, chemistry, geology, earth science or environmental engineering. Our guide to what you can do with an environmental science degree shows how wide the options are.
- Courses that matter: chemistry, statistics, GIS, hydrology and technical writing. Employers notice them on a transcript.
- Master’s degree: often preferred for senior consulting roles, specialized work and some agency positions.
- PhD: mainly for university research and lead scientist roles.
A chemistry background is especially valuable for contamination and lab work; see what you can do with a chemistry degree.
Credentials worth knowing about
Most environmental scientist jobs do not require a license, but several credentials come up often. Work on hazardous waste sites usually requires OSHA’s 40-hour hazardous waste operations (HAZWOPER) safety training, which many employers provide. Many states license professional geologists, and some license soil scientists or wetland professionals, which matters if your work falls into those areas. Professional organizations also offer credentials for specialties like hazardous materials management or wetland science. Requirements vary by state and specialty, so check your state licensing board before you plan around one.
Getting there from high school
- Take biology, chemistry, algebra through precalculus, and environmental science if offered.
- Join an environmental club, science fair or local water monitoring project.
- Choose a science major and take statistics and GIS early.
- Work a summer as a field technician or research assistant, and line up internships with a consulting firm or agency.
- Graduate and take an entry role such as field technician, environmental specialist or staff scientist.
- Decide after a few years whether a master’s would move you toward the work you want.
Testing whether this is for you
- Volunteer with a stream monitoring, beach cleanup or citizen science program and see how you feel about data collection in the rain.
- Ask a professor about helping with a research project.
- Set up informational interviews with someone in consulting and someone at a public agency; the pace and pressure differ.
- Take a field course or summer field camp before choosing a specialty.
Who does well, and common reasons to switch
People who do well are curious, careful with data, comfortable outdoors and willing to write a lot. They like knowing their work protects health and natural places, even when progress is incremental. Common reasons for leaving include heavy report writing, travel to field sites, tight consulting deadlines and slow regulatory processes. Many move into environmental policy, sustainability roles, planning, environmental health and safety or teaching. For related paths, see careers for people who like science and careers for people who like working outdoors.
Changing into environmental science
If you already have a science or engineering degree, you may only need a few added courses, a GIS certificate and some field experience. If you do not, a second bachelor’s or a master’s designed for career changers is the usual route. Lab technicians, engineers, teachers and outdoor professionals often bring useful skills. Our guides to changing careers and transferable skills can help. For current pay and job outlook, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor helps a student or young adult explore whether environmental science fits, choose courses that employers value, stay accountable through tough science semesters, apply for internships and first jobs and think through the grad school question. Mentors are not credentialed career counselors, admissions counselors or licensing experts; they help you do the research and the work yourself. Learn about our career and education mentoring and mentoring for college students.
Related
- All career path guides
- How to become a wildlife biologist
- How to become an urban planner
- What you can do with a biology degree
- How to become a dentist
Common questions
What degree do you need to be an environmental scientist?
A bachelor’s in environmental science or a natural science like biology, chemistry or geology is the usual starting point. A master’s helps for advancement and specialized roles.
Is environmental science mostly outdoors?
It is a mix. Field days come in stretches, but much of the job is lab work, data analysis and report writing at a desk.
Do environmental scientists need a license?
Usually not, though professional geologists and some other specialists are licensed by many states. Hazardous waste site work requires specific OSHA safety training.
What is a good first job in environmental science?
Field technician, environmental specialist and staff scientist roles at consulting firms and agencies are common starting points for new graduates.
Get started
Interested in science careers and want help planning your next step? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.