Majoring in Environmental Science
The Environmental Science Degree
The environmental science program at Keuka is an interdisciplinary program which combines specialized courses in environmental science with courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. The major-specific courses emphasize ecosystem dynamics, embedded with the essential laboratory and field techniques. Nearby Keuka Lake provides an easily accessible resource for instruction and research. Students also have the opportunity to interact with community groups with interest in the science of the environment (The Keuka Lake Association and Cornell Cooperative Extension). The environmental science program provides preparation for skilled-technical jobs in environmental science or for continuing study.
Learn more about majoring in Environmental Science at Keuka College.
Environmental Science Internships & Field Periods
Students working toward an environmental science degree at Keuka College must complete a 140-hour internship each year—we call this Field Period.
Here's where some of our environmental science students have recently done their Field Periods. All of these organizations have indicated they'd be interested in hosting Keuka students in the future.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- Schenectady, N.Y.
- New York State Park Police
- Seneca Falls, N.Y.
Links for Environmental Science Majors
Find out all you can about majoring in Environmental Science and the careers to which such a degree will lead. Here are some links to professional organizations, job banks, and associations you may find interesting.
Environmental Science Major Skills
What type of skills do Environmental Science majors need to be successful? Here's a sampling.
- Analyze data
- Apply concepts
- Apply knowledge creatively
- Applying logic to problems
- Assess risks
- Attention to details
- Computer literacy
- Define problems
- Evaluate data and results
- Gather information
- Inform and explain
- Maintain precision and accuracy
- Organize and report data
- Perceiving patterns & structures
- Summarize research findings
- Technical writing
- Use laboratory equipment
- Utilizing formulas
What Can I Do with an Environmental Science Degree?
With an Environmental Science degree, you can find a career in the following:
- Agricultural Scientist ♦ Agricultural Technician ♦ Air Pollution Analyst ♦ Air/Water Quality Mgr ♦ Architect ♦ Biochemist ♦ Biologist ♦ Biomedical Engineer ♦ Biotechnologist ♦ Chemist ♦ Chemical Technician ♦ City Planner ♦ Civil Engineer ♦ Conservationist ♦ Conservation Agent ♦ Conservation Systems Analyst ♦ Consumer Safety Inspector ♦ Earth Scientist ♦ Ecologist ♦ Engineering Technician ♦ Environmental Analyst ♦ Environmental Consultant ♦ Environmental Educator ♦ Environmental Engineer ♦ Environmental Health Specialist ♦ Environmental Lawyer ♦ Environmental Lobbyist ♦ Environmental Nurse ♦ Environmental Physician ♦ Environmental Planner ♦ Environmental Scientist ♦ EPA Inspector ♦ EPA Statistician ♦ Fisheries Conservationist ♦ Forester ♦ Forest Ranger ♦ Fund Raiser ♦ Geographer ♦ Geologist ♦ Geophysicist ♦ Hazardous Waste Manager ♦ Hydrologist ♦ Industrial Hygienist ♦ Journalist
- Author ♦ Management Consultant ♦ Meteorologist ♦ Microbiologist ♦ Natural Resource Specialist ♦ Occupational Safety Specialist ♦ Ocean Technician ♦ Oceanographer ♦ Outdoor Trip Leader ♦ Park Ranger ♦ Pharmacy Technician ♦ Photographer ♦ Project Manager ♦ Public Health Veterinarian ♦ Range Manager ♦ Resource Economist ♦ Seismologist ♦ Soil Conservation Technician ♦ Teacher ♦ Urban And Regional Planner ♦ Wildlife Manager ♦ Water/Wastewater Plant Operator ♦ Zoologist
Average Annual Salary
$34,000 (agricultural/natural resources), $32,000 (consulting) National Association of Colleges and Employers, Salary Survey: 2006-2007Field Periods in Environmental Science
Field Period & Internship News
See how exciting a Field Period actually is. Check out these headlines about Keuka students' recent Field Periods & internships.