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Where an Environmental Science Degree Can Take You

A degree in environmental science opens doors to a variety of careers in sustainability, conservation, and policy. Our program prepares students through a combination of coursework and experiential learning. We also offer career-focused courses that provide practical skills and knowledge, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field identification of plants, animals, and rocks and minerals. UNC Asheville equips its students for future success, whether it be in graduate school or working for government, education, consulting, or nonprofit organizations.

$ 78980

Median annual wage

according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

148400

job openings are projected each year, on average

- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

3.5 %

faster growth than the average of all occupations from 2023 to 2033

Projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Preparing you for success:

These are just some of the careers you can choose to pursue with an Environmental Science Degree.

  • Wildlife Biologist

  • Environmental Consultant

  • Public Health Environmentalist

  • Environmental Engineer

  • Sustainability Specialist

  • Climate Change Specialist

  • Environmental Engineer

  • Ecologist

  • Hydrologist

Alumni Spotlight

After graduating UNCA in 2017, I spent six months in Costa Rica working as a naturalist and am now working with The Nature Conservancy NC fire team…My UNCA ecology degree helped me get here by teaching me forest ecology and management skills, plant and animal identification, monitoring and research practice through undergraduate research, and by empowering me to think creatively, even when it comes to science!
Grace McCleod
Student Name ‘22
After graduating from UNCA, within two months I began my job as a project scientist for the environmental consulting firm Trileaf. I conduct migratory bird studies, indoor air quality assessments and environmental site assessments. Bird studies are by far my favorite. My favorite class at UNCA was Wetland Ecology because I use the skills I gained from that course daily!
Alex Piuta
Student Name ‘22
My advice to current UNCA ENVR students is to not rule any opportunity out. Even if it doesn’t seem to be a direct route to where you want to be, something may present itself that ultimately leads you to something great. Try different things, like undergrad research and internships that challenge you and give you real, useful skills, and know your worth when pursuing jobs after graduation.
T. Blake Hudson
Student Name ‘22
After graduating, I worked as an education intern for the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest and realized how much I wanted to combine my love for animals with my love for education. After the Cradle internship, I ended up as an AmeriCorps member at the WNC Nature Center, working in the education department. We were able to find grant funds to turn that temporary AmeriCorps position into a full-time job. I am now the Outreach Education Specialist for the Nature Center. I travel to schools, libraries, retirement communities, early childhood centers, summer camps, and community centers to provide low-cost animal education programs to the underserved populations in western North Carolina.
Tori Duval
Student Name ‘22

Career Preparation

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Career Preparation

The environmental science major at UNC Asheville offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends natural sciences, policy, and fieldwork, allowing students to explore and build their own focus area within the broader study of environmental systems. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, scientific communication, sustainability, and ethical decision-making, students gain the skills needed to address complex environmental challenges. Combined with experiential learning, undergraduate research, and community engagement, graduates are well-prepared to become leaders in environmental consulting, conservation, public policy, and education, or to pursue competitive graduate and professional programs.

Career Resources

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Ready for what's next?

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina Asheville and prepare for a successful career in environmental consulting, conservation, sustainability planning, ecological research, environmental policy, and beyond.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE