In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental concerns, the demand for professionals in various environmental careers is on the rise. From communications to engineering to education, there are a multitude of sectors seeking recent graduates in the environmental field.  

In this blog post, we’ll explore different environmental career pathways and related majors at UF that can help you develop your skills and achieve your professional goals. Please note this is not an exhaustive list of majors and environmental career pathways. Through resume-building, you can enter the environmental professional space without having a bachelor’s degree that directly falls within a traditional definition of environmental science.  

The Sciences

This pathway involves studying, researching, and managing different aspects of our environment. This pathway leads to careers with the government, non–profits, and academic institutions. Majors to consider include: 

• Botany provides a broad background in the biology of plants, from the molecular to the whole-plant level. 

• Biology delves into the life sciences and includes fields like ecology, conservation biology, and wildlife management. 

• Data Science combines computer science and statistical methodology. Data scientists work in many areas, including business, economics, agriculture, environmental sciences, and all aspects of government. 

• Entomology and Nematology include the study of insects, mites, ticks, spiders, and nematodes. These creatures can have both helpful and harmful effects on food, environment, and health. 

• Environmental Science covers the fundamental principles of environmental science, climate change, ecology, and sustainability. 

• Statistics, the science of learning from data, has become increasingly important as scientists, businesses, and governments rely more and more on data-driven decision-making.  

• Geology involves an understanding of climate change, sustainability of the Earth’s resources, and the close interplay between human activity and the environment. 

• Geography is the science of place, space, and environment. 

• Geomatics includes collecting, managing, and analyzing geospatial data through ground surveying, photogrammetry, remote sensing, satellite positioning, inertial measurements, echo-sounding, and laser scanning.  

• Marine Sciences include oceanography, statistics, fisheries and aquatic sciences, and invertebrate biodiversity. Students can focus elective courses on ecology, organismal biology, economics, human dimensions, and/or quantitative or professional skills. 

• Plant Science includes working with foods, fibers, fuel, flowers, pharmaceuticals, urban forests, soil health, plant pests, and natural ecosystems to sustain and improve the current and future world. 

• Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences include managing land and water resources across a wide range of ecosystems, including agricultural, forested, range, urban, and wetlands. 

Environmental Management

Working to preserve ecosystems and protect wildlife, this pathway requires an understanding of ecology and conservation. Majors to consider include: 

• Forestry Resources and Conservation covers the sustainable management of forest ecosystems and natural resources.  

• Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Interdisciplinary Studies integrates and communicates the diverse environmental issues associated with urban, agricultural, and natural ecosystems. 

• Natural Resource Conservation verses students in natural resource economics and communications. Natural Resource Conservation students are equipped with strong analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. 

• Wildlife Ecology and Conservation focuses on the study of ecosystems, species interactions, and conservation biology. 

Engineering and Development

Environmental engineers design solutions to address environmental challenges, such as pollution control and resource conservation. Majors to consider include: 

• Environmental Engineering focuses on designing and implementing systems for sustainable environmental practices. 

• Biological Engineering applies engineering principles to protect natural resources and to produce food, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and other biobased products.  

• Civil Engineering can be applied to infrastructure projects related to water resources, environmental remediation, and sustainable construction.  

• Chemical Engineering can be applied to environmental chemistry and process engineering. 

• Sustainability and the Built Environment explores creative solutions for the planning, design, and construction of human structures and settlements. 

Renewable Energy and Green Technology

This pathway is dedicated to the development and implementation of clean energy solutions. Majors to consider include: 

• Electrical Engineering can be applied to renewable energy systems, grid integration, and electric vehicle technology. 

• Materials Science and Engineering are relevant for the development of advanced materials for clean energy technologies. 

Environmental Education and Outreach

This pathway involves educating and engaging communities, schools, and organizations in environmental awareness and action. Majors to consider include: 

• Agricultural Education and Communication empowers communities to gain a balanced understanding of food systems, natural resources, and related sciences. 

• Education Sciences promote an understanding of education and learning systems, policy, and outcomes in traditional and non-traditional contexts.  

Environmental Communications

Environmental communication is any form of communication that is concerned with environmental affairs and issues. Majors to consider include: 

• Journalism includes the art of reporting and storytelling. Students learn core skills in interviewing, writing, multimedia/visuals, broadcast, and public records, as well as legal and ethical principles and practices.  

• Media Production, Management, and Technology prepares students for careers in program creation, writing, and the creative applications of video and audio technology. 

Environmental Law and Policy

Professionals in this field influence environmental regulations and advocate for sustainable practices. Majors to consider include: 

• Food and Resource Economics includes the analysis of complex situations such as the allocation of natural resources to meet the needs of people in local, state, national, and global communities. 

• Political Science offers a broader background in policy and law that can be applied to environmental issues. 

• Sustainability Studies focuses on environmental, social, and economic sustainability, providing a well-rounded understanding of sustainable practices. 

Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Professionals in this field work within organizations to promote sustainability practices and ethical business practices. Majors to consider include: 

• Business Administration – General Studies provides a broad overview of the functional areas of business with a selected area of specialization.  

• Business Administration-Management provides a broad overview of the functional areas of business with an emphasis on management.  

• Marketing teaches students how to manage customer relationships in ways that benefit organizations and their stakeholders. 

 

When choosing a major, it’s important to consider your personal interests and career goals. Remember that interdisciplinary majors and double majors are often options for combining multiple areas of interest. Make an appointment with an undergraduate advisor in your college to learn more about different major options.  

The world needs more dedicated professionals to address pressing environmental issues. By choosing a major that aligns with your passion and values, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding career.