Studies & Degrees in Environmental Sciences
Environmental Sciences Study Programs
Environmental sciences study how the natural environment works and how human activity changes it. The field joins several sciences, mainly biology, chemistry, geology and physics, with law, economics and management, because an environmental problem such as polluted water or a degraded habitat has both a scientific and a social side. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) sums up the work of environmental scientists as conducting research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.
The name varies. "Environmental science" usually means a science degree with laboratory and field work; "environmental studies" gives more room to policy and the social sciences; "environmental engineering" concentrates on the technology for preventing and treating pollution.
What students learn
The bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences (grado en Ciencias Ambientales) of the Universidad de Salamanca shows a typical structure. Its subjects are grouped in nine modules: basic sciences; sciences of the natural environment; social, economic and legal sciences; environmental technology; environmental management and quality; conservation, planning and management of the environment; instrumental subjects; work placements; and a final degree project. The university recommends prior knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and geology.
BLS likewise notes that coursework often includes chemistry, geology and physics, and that specialised courses in hydrology, waste management or environmental policy and regulation are useful. Field work and placements are a regular part of the training: at the University of Southern Maine, all students of the Department of Environmental Science and Policy must complete an internship.
Qualifications and levels
- Vocational training. In Spain there are two higher vocational qualifications (FP de grado superior) of 2,000 hours in the Safety and Environment family: Técnico Superior en Educación y Control Ambiental and Técnico Superior en Química y Salud Ambiental. In the United States, environmental science and protection technicians typically need at least an associate's degree, according to BLS.
- Bachelor's degree. In Spain the grado has 240 ECTS credits over four years. At the Universidad de Salamanca there are no special entrance tests for this degree; the general state admission rules apply. In the United States and Canada the subject is a four-year major, sometimes offered in more than one faculty: McGill University's Bieler School of Environment offers programmes in four undergraduate degrees in three faculties.
- Master's degree. Official master's degrees in Spain have 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits. The master's degree in Environmental Engineering of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) has 90 ECTS credits over one and a half academic years, starts in September and February and is taught in Spanish; it covers technologies for identifying, preventing, managing and treating pollution.
- Doctorate. Research careers in universities and public research bodies require a PhD.
Business schools and training centres also offer master's programmes and courses in environmental management. Ask the school what recognition the qualification has before enrolling.
Where to study environmental sciences
SpainExchange lists 27 active schools for this subject: 13 in the United States, four in Spain, two in Canada and one each in Australia, Ireland, China, Bermuda, Colombia, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Germany. Among them are Purdue University, the University of California San Diego, McGill University, the Universidad de Antioquia in Medellín, the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, the Universidade Federal do Ceará and Technological University Dublin. In Spain the list includes the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and private schools such as the business school EUDE in Madrid and IUSC in Barcelona, a centre that started with environmental programmes; ask each of them which environmental courses it currently runs.
The language of instruction is normally that of the country: English in the United States, Canada, Ireland and Australia, Spanish in Spain and Colombia, Portuguese in Brazil. Location matters more than in many subjects, because field work uses the surrounding ecosystems: coast, mountains, forest or city.
Careers
Graduates work in environmental consultancies, industry, water and waste companies, public administration, protected areas, laboratories, environmental education and research. The Universidad de Salamanca links its degree to the profession of environmental scientist (ambientólogo) in fields such as conservation and management of natural resources, land-use planning, environmental management and quality in companies and public bodies, environmental health, and environmental communication and education.
For the United States, BLS projects that employment of environmental scientists and specialists will grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 7,300 openings a year. For environmental science and protection technicians it projects growth of 7 percent. The typical entry requirement for environmental scientists is a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a degree in environmental sciences take?
In Spain the grado has 240 ECTS credits and takes four years. A master's degree adds 60 to 120 ECTS credits; the UPC master's degree in Environmental Engineering, for example, has 90.
Which school subjects do I need?
Science subjects. The Universidad de Salamanca recommends knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and geology for its degree in Environmental Sciences.
What is the difference between environmental sciences and environmental engineering?
Environmental sciences analyse how natural systems work and how they are affected; environmental engineering designs the technical solutions, such as treatment plants and pollution control.
Is there a vocational route?
Yes. In Spain, two higher vocational qualifications of 2,000 hours lead to work in environmental education, environmental control and environmental health. In the United States, technicians typically need an associate's degree.