Environmental studies majors walk away from college and right into some of the hottest job markets on the planet. Employers recruit people who understand sustainability, climate solutions and policy. People with these skills command good wages.

These graduates are positioning themselves at the center of the most important conversation of our time. They're finding purpose, financial success and the opportunity to save the world.

What makes an environmental studies major so powerful?

An environmental studies major doesn't just study trees and recycling bins. Their courses span social and natural sciences, and the humanities. They develop a broad set of skills.

Other majors can squeeze students into narrow career paths. These graduates possess a broad range of knowledge. They understand policy, science, how people relate to the environment and can communicate complex ideas. Companies want these well-rounded problem-solvers.

Environmental studies jobs are exploding

Environmental studies majors walk into a seller's market where employers compete for them. From 2023-24, clean energy jobs grew globally at a 11.6% rate while the pool of qualified candidates only grew by 5.6%. Projected demand will require the talent pool to double by 2050.

Here are some of the jobs working directly on the issue:

• Analyst – These strategists work to study climate impacts and develop adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Biologist – They study ecosystems and conservation, often working in national parks, research institutions or wildlife organizations.
• Consultant – These well-paid professionals help businesses navigate regulations and develop sustainable practices.
• Scientist – They're managing protected areas and working to preserve natural resources for the future.
• Sustainability manager – These people lead major companies' environmental initiatives, developing a company’s business and investment strategies, and implementing sustainability programs that save money while protecting the planet.

Majors for a diverse job market

The beauty of jobs for environmental studies majors lies in their incredible diversity. They work in multiple roles across multiple industries. They might work as scientists or in government, higher education or at non-profits. That's the power of interdisciplinary education – it opens a wide variety of doors.

Here are just some of the other incredible paths these graduates are taking:

• Policy Analyst – They shape policies that balance conservation with business needs. They work directly with legislators and government agencies to create real change.
• Journalist – Communicating critical environmental stories to the public through newspapers, magazines, documentaries and digital media platforms.
• Educator – These graduates inspire through museums, nature centers, schools and nonprofits.
• Entrepreneur – Starting companies that develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges, from renewable energy to waste reduction technologies.
• Attorney – Using legal expertise to fight for environmental protection, representing communities affected by pollution, and helping companies navigate environmental law.

Jobs that pay well

Let's talk money, because jobs in sustainability are not just feel-good careers – they're financially rewarding too. Organizations value these skills and will put their money behind them.

• Environmental sustainability positions can earn $106,878.
• Lawyers specializing in the environment can earn $87,705.
• Scientists net an average of $73,321.
• Ecologists earn an average of $45,149.

These lucrative careers prove you don't have to choose between doing good and doing well financially.

Three of the 10-fastest growing fields in 2024 included three focuses on sustainability. Environmental Health safety manager and sustainability analyst were among them. When sustainability roles are dominating the fastest-growing job lists, students know they're picking a winner.

The government wants them, corporations need them

Awareness of climate change and a desire for change by employees and customers for change is driving this demand.

Most organizations need someone who understands environmental challenges and can help them navigate this new reality. People who offer these skills can build careers across diverse sectors.

Government agencies hire environmental studies graduates for regulatory roles, policy development and program management. Corporations bring them in as sustainability coordinators and environmental compliance specialists. Nonprofits recruit them as program directors, grant writers and community organizers. Research institutions hire them as scientists, analysts and project coordinators.

A degree that is future proof

Environmental studies majors build versatile careers in a most future-proof field. Climate change is the new normal. Sustainability isn't a trend. Demand for environmental professionals will continue to rise to meet new, urgent challenges.

The question isn't whether an environmental studies degree leads to good jobs. The question is which amazing opportunity these graduates will choose first.

Study environmental studies at CMU

Central Michigan University doesn't just offer an environmental studies program. The university recently took its program across multiple colleges, pairing science with policy making. CMU's new Sustainability, Environment and Society major allows students an interdisciplinary experience.

CMU students can also get hands-on experience in Central Sustainability. While working in that award-winning program, students can help make the university more sustainable.