Your degree in Environmental Sciences

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Environmental Sciences, you’re learning to use interdisciplinary skills to analyze issues impacting the earth. You’ll develop important scientific skills and perspective to consider how people can live in a more sustainable way.

These skills may include:

Gain a systematic understanding of environmental issues
Field sampling
Data analysis and modeling
Analysis of contaminants and pollutants
Observation and interpretation of data experimental design
Environmental impact assessments and audits
Technical report writing
Technical knowledge using geographic information systems (GIS), statistics, and computer programming

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including climate change and sustainability consulting, research, public health outreach, data science, biodiversity, waste management, air and water quality, food production, resource management, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academic backgrounds, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Agrologist
Agronomist
Air pollution field technician
Biologist
Cartographer
Conservation officer
Ecologist
Environmental consultant
Environmental education consultant
Environmental geologist
Environmental government services manager
Environmental health officer
Environmental impact analyst
Environmental lobbyist

Environmental planner
Environmental science manager
Fish and wildlife officer
Forester
Geographic information systems technician
Landscape architect
Natural resources policy analyst
Non-profit manager
Park naturalist
Scientific writer
Soil scientist
Urban planner
Water and wastewater technician

Make the most of your specialization

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.

Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science clubs
Meet other UBC students with similar interests through events and programs.
UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
Browse on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability.
UBC Science Co-op
Gain work experience in environmental sciences between study terms.
Register as a Professional Geoscientist or Biologist
Understand the courses you’ll need to become certified.
Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
World’s Challenge Challenge
Form a UBC team in term 1 to pitch your solution to a global problem in this student competition.
UBC Centre for Sustainable Food Systems
Check out educational and community-building events at the UBC Farm.
Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions internships
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world settings through climate change mitigation or adaptation projects.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Environmental Sciences graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Science degree.