Your degree in Environmental Sciences

While studying environmental sciences, you’re learning to use interdisciplinary skills to analyse issues impacting the earth. You’ll develop important skills to explore how people can live in a more sustainable way, from a scientific perspective.

These skills may include:

  • Apply a systems 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 academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. See the job titles below for ideas, but note that 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

Journalist

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 understanding of 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 for these roles.

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.

Environmental mentorship program
Find a mentor through the Connecting Environmental Professionals organization.

Tips for launching your environmental career
Explore advice on developing your professional skills for your career.

Make connections

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 exploring job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

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.

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