Environmental Science
An interdisciplinary program with real-world impact with diverse careers in sustainability, climate, and more.
Environmental Science, B.S.
Located at the intersection of science, technology, and the social sciences, careers in Environmental Science span a myriad of job descriptions and represent an endless array of new, and exciting challenges. Depending on their interests, students can pursue the timely topics of water quality, climate change adaptation and mitigation, recycling, solid waste management, and natural hazards management. Housed in the Department of Geosciences, the interdisciplinary Environmental Science program is invaluable in today's world with the numerous environmental challenges we face.
A student pursuing a degree in Environmental Science soon realizes one of the real joys of the profession — every day on the job is a day spent making a difference in the world by improving our soils, air, and water resources, and making our nation and planet a better and a healthier place for all The Environmental Science major is an interdisciplinary degree that integrates knowledge from various scientific fields. It features a strong foundation in geosciences with support courses in chemistry, physics, biology, and math. Coursework includes such topics as environmental issues and impacts, energy resources and recovery, climate and climate change, and geographic information systems. Students can find career opportunities within both the private and public sectors. Typical employment opportunities exist in various local, regional, and national government agencies, and as environmental consultants in air and water quality oversight, pollution control and mitigation, environmental analysis and resource assessment, and hazardous and sanitary waste management. The degree program includes a capstone experience with opportunities for academic research, study abroad, field courses to various locations, or an internship in local government or industry. Students can choose the best fit for their career goals with the guidance of their faculty mentor. The Environmental Science major only has one concentration, but there are plenty of options within the major requirements to tailor the degree to that interests you! Environmental scientists work in a variety of careers across all sectors of the economy. Given the challenges of climate change and the need for more environmentally sustainable ways of life, the work of environmental scientists is more important than ever before. The combination of knowledge from geosciences, chemistry, biology, and geospatial technologies positions graduates for careers in a variety of federal, state, and local government positions dealing with the environment, planning, and sustainability. In the private field, many companies large and small need environmental consulting to help improve their sustainability and reduce their carbon footprints. Federal predictions show a much faster level of growth for these kinds of jobs compared to the overall job growth rate for the next decade.
If you live in one of these states: AR; you may be able to attend MTSU at in-state rates under the Academic Common Market program.
News Briefs
A job that satisfies...
A student pursuing a degree in Environmental Health and Safety soon realizes one of the real joys of the profession — every day on the job is a day spent making things safer and improving the health and future health of others, be they coworkers, neighbors, or complete strangers. This makes the field satisfying in a way one usually associates with medical occupations. It also makes every day different and every challenge new. "I know that the work I do every day keeps the men and women I work with safe and healthy and able to go home to their families every night," says Eva Wright, a recent graduate of the program who now works for Antea Group in Seattle, Washington.
Using energy wisely
Established in 1999, MTSU's Center for Energy Efficiency (CEE) develops, implements, and advances sound energy management practices for the University and the community. The center provides additional opportunities for students pursuing a concentration in Energy Technology to become involved in projects and initiatives implemented on the campus and beyond. Among its services, the CEE manages the University's recycling program and offers certification seminars, training opportunities, and leadership in achieving energy management and efficiency goals.
News Briefs
A job that satisfies...
A student pursuing a degree in Environmental Health and Safety soon realizes one of the real joys of the profession — every day on the job is a day spent making things safer and improving the health and future health of others, be they coworkers, neighbors, or complete strangers. This makes the field satisfying in a way one usually associates with medical occupations. It also makes every day different and every challenge new. "I know that the work I do every day keeps the men and women I work with safe and healthy and able to go home to their families every night," says Eva Wright, a recent graduate of the program who now works for Antea Group in Seattle, Washington.
Using energy wisely
Established in 1999, MTSU's Center for Energy Efficiency (CEE) develops, implements, and advances sound energy management practices for the University and the community. The center provides additional opportunities for students pursuing a concentration in Energy Technology to become involved in projects and initiatives implemented on the campus and beyond. Among its services, the CEE manages the University's recycling program and offers certification seminars, training opportunities, and leadership in achieving energy management and efficiency goals.
Environmental Science, B.S.
The interaction between the environment and human activities represents a continuously expanding field of career opportunities. Examples include:
- Ecologist
- Environmental analyst
- Environmental compliance and sustainability manager
- Environmental educator
- Environmental health and safety manager
- Environmental planner
- Environmental technologist
- Hazardous materials administrator
- Regulatory compliance and sustainability specialist
- Streams and watershed specialist
- And many other careers!
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Alcoa
- Amazon
- American Red Cross
- Arnold Air
- City of Smyrna
- Coca Cola
- EHS lab
- Firestone
- Goodrich
- Johnson Electric
- Microsoft
- Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperative
- Middle Tennessee State University
- Murfreesboro Water and Sewer
- Murfreesboro Electric Service
- Nissan
- Nucore
- Rutherford County Government
- Select Services
- TVA
- Vanderbilt Medical
- Veterans Affairs
- ViJon
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Located squarely at the intersection of the environment and human activity Environmental Science spans myriad job descriptions and represent an endless array of new, exciting challenges. Depending on their interests, students can pursue the very timely topics of water quality, sustainability, environmental safety, and many others through addressing specific environmental issues and broader environmental monitoring and planning. Housed in the Department of Geosciences, the interdisciplinary Environmental Science program is invaluable in today’s world with the numerous environmental challenges we face.
To learn more about the Department of Geosciences, check out our full website!
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