WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Picture of hands planting


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

ManTesting a tool designed by a local farmer cooperator in his Shelbyville high tunnel.

On-farm Biofuel PlotsMeasuring yield of potential alternative biofuel crops at the KSU Research and Demonstration Farm.

   

Temp chartCharting temperature trends and variability reading collected at the KSU Research and Demonstration Farm.

KSU Farm High TunnelHabitat for beneficial insects surrounding a high tunnel at the KSU Research and Demonstration Farm.

   

Soil moisture monitoringMonitoring and recording soil moisture under different mulch treatments at the KSU Research and Demonstration farm.

Datalogger downloadDownloading and analyzing temperature readings collected by a datalogger at the KSU Research and Demonstration Farm.

   

Weed managementWeed management in tomatoes a the KSU Research and Demonstartion Farm.

Earth Day TableWeed management in tomatoes a the KSU Research and Demonstartion Farm.

   

High tunnel mustardsYellow blooms of mustards planted to improve the soil at the KSU Research and Demonstration Farm

ERD Ribbon Cutting High TunnelMembers of KSU’s Board of Regents cut the ribbon to open KSU’s new Campus High Tunnel complex.