Program Outcomes and Job Outlook
Careers
Environmental scientists and specialists
Around 90,000 jobs nationally, with median pay of about $80,000 per year and a projected 4 percent growth from 2024鈥�2034 (about as fast as average, with roughly 8,500 openings annually) (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
Environmental science and protection technicians
Median salary around $49,000 in 2024, with the top quartile earning over $64,000 per year (U.S. News & World Report, 2026).
GIS and geospatial careers
GIS specialist roles are projected in some analyses to grow around 9 percent per year through 2028, adding tens of thousands of jobs (Zippa, 2024). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that GIS-related jobs are projected to grow about 5 percent from 2020-2030 (BLS, 2024).
Broader environmental and geospatial sectors
Clean energy jobs grew globally at roughly 11鈥�12 percent in 2023鈥�24, while the pool of qualified candidates grew only about half that rate, indicating strong demand for environmental and sustainability skills (U.S. Department of Energy, 2024).
GeoAI research and markets
Geospatial analytics and solutions markets are projected to roughly triple in size by 2030鈥�2035, with double鈥慸igit annual growth tied to AI, smart cities, and environmental applications (Project Geospatial, 2026).
Career Pathways for our Majors
Environmental Studies graduates often combine GIS skills with policy, community engagement, communication, or field experience, creating a flexible profile that is attractive to employers in consulting, government agencies, conservation and NGOs, clean energy firms, and graduate or professional programs.
| Pathway | Example Job Titles | Typical Salary Range (National) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science |
Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist |
Median around $80,000 per year; about 4 percent projected growth 2024鈥�2034 |
Work in consulting, government, conservation organizations, and corporate sustainability teams. |
| Applied Technician Roles | Environmental Science and Protection Technician, Field Technician | Median around $49,000; upper quartile around $64,000 (2024) | Focus on sampling, monitoring, compliance support, and lab or field-based environmental work. |
| GIS and Mapping | GIS Analyst, GIS Specialist, Cartographer | Many roles in the $55,000鈥�85,000 range nationally | Geographic mapping, spatial analysis, and decision support for agencies, utilities, tribes, and NGOs. |
| Policy and Planning | Environmental Policy Analyst, Urban/Regional Planner, Sustainability Coordinator | Many roles in the $60,000鈥�85,000 range nationally, with planning fields growing around 4 percent | Combine Environmental Studies with policy, planning, or communication to shape public decisions. |
| Emerging GeoAI and Climate | Climate Data Analyst, GeoAI Specialist, Remote Sensing Analyst | Often mid to high five-figure and above, depending on sector | Work at the intersection of GIS, AI, remote sensing, and climate or land use modeling. |
How to Get Involved & Next Steps
Visit and connect with us
- Schedule a campus visit or virtual meeting to see our spaces, talk with faculty, and learn how Environmental Studies and GIS fit your interests.
- We are happy to arrange a brief conversation with current students so you can hear directly what the program feels like day to day.
Plan your academic path
- Set up a planning appointment to sketch a four-year roadmap that weaves together core environmental studies courses, geography and geospatial classes, and electives that match your goals.
- During this meeting, you can also discuss internships and connections with agencies, nonprofits, and community partners working on water, energy, and environmental issues, with a link to our evolving list of internship possibilities.
For current and incoming students
- Watch for our biennial alumni event beginning in Fall 2026, where graduates return to campus to share their career trajectories, offer advice, and connect with students about internships and jobs.
- Get involved with Environmental Studies and Geography鈥憆elated activities on campus to meet peers who care about environmental change and geospatial tools, and to start building your professional network from your first semester onward.