We're a progressive, trailblazing, pioneering bunch here. Small but mighty one might say, we've long been a state of positive social change, and that includes our efforts to protect the environment. Our policies aimed at reducing pollution, promoting energy efficiency, and shrinking our carbon footprint have ranked us among the greenest states in the nation. And in cities like Burlington, environmentalism has become more than just a notion, it's become a major player in their economy and a national model for change.
Earn a degree in environmental science and you can become part of the Green Mountain State's progressive environmental efforts that include everything from addressing air pollution problems to finding innovative sources of energy to creating green spaces that come complete with green infrastructure. It's an exciting time to explore the science of sustainability and the environment and become part of Vermont's green movement!
What Can I Do with an Environmental Science Degree in Vermont
We like to talk about carbon footprints, renewable energy, and green infrastructure here, so it comes as no surprise that environmental efforts in Vermont are a collaborative effort, with private companies, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies working together to drive positive change.
Leading the pack is the Department of Environmental Conservation who, among many other efforts, developed the Vermont Green Business Program, which offers assistance to the state's environmental business leaders. Working with more than 230 members, the program focuses on everything from habitat preservation to composting to energy efficient lighting.
Nonprofit efforts in Vermont are just as impressive. For example, the Nature Conservancy in Vermont is currently taking on one of the largest elm tree restoration projects in the Northeast, planting more than 7,000 American elms over the course of three years. The Vermont River Conservancy is another big name in conservation in Vermont. Since 1995, this nonprofit has worked with state and federal agencies and other nonprofits to complete more than 70 projects aimed at protecting public land and water sources.
While your earning potential will depend on a number of factors, including your education and experience levels and the industry in which you work, BLS statistics reveal that the average, annual salary for conservation scientists was $64,250 in 2020, while foresters earned $63,430 and biological scientists earned $75,120.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Biological Scientists, All Other , Conservation Scientists, and Foresters reflect state data not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2021.
Master's in Environmental Science in Vermont
A master's degree in environmental science is where knowledge becomes expertise and where your career is catapulted to the next level.
The University of Vermont's MS in Natural Resources is a fantastic example of superb graduate study in environmental science in Vermont. Choose this graduate course of study and you'll be able to specialize in relevant areas such as aquatic ecology and watershed science; environmental thought and culture; environment, society and public affairs; or forest and wildlife sciences.
Bachelor's in Environmental Science in Vermont
A bachelor's degree in environmental science is the ideal introduction to the field and a fantastic foundation for entering the field or preparing for graduate study. Fortunately, there's a host of undergraduate programs in Vermont to get your career off to a great start.
For example, the University of Vermont's BS in Environmental Sciences comes complete with a faculty of world-renowned scientists, superb opportunities for fieldwork and hands-on learning, and no less than nine concentration options for specializing your degree.
Castleton University's BS in Environmental Science is another fine example of the comprehensive bachelor programs available in Vermont. Choose this program and you'll have the opportunity to participate in the Pathways to Science and Science Colloquium, which features guest scientists who talk about the many professional opportunities in environmental science.
Other noteworthy programs in Vermont include Northern Vermont University, which offers both a BS in Environmental Analysis and Assessment and a BS in Environmental Policy and Advocacy, Green Mountain College, which offers a BA in Environmental Policy, and Middlebury College, which offers a BA in Environmental Studies.
Online Environmental Science Degree Options from Schools in Vermont
Not all environmental science degrees are designed for the traditional, on-campus learner, and that's a good thing. Many schools, recognizing the needs of busy, adult professionals, have begun offering online degrees that offer the quality of an on-campus program with the convenience and flexibility that only an online program can offer.
One such program is Green Mountain College's MS in Environmental Studies. This fully online program, combined with an intensive, locally applied experience, offers adult learners the best of both worlds. Plus, this program includes your choice of three concentrations - conservation biology, writing and communication, or self design - to ensure your graduate education best matches your professional goals and interests.
