You'll still need a good science background to answer the tougher questions and it will make you more credible, but you don't have to do a B.S., many colleges offer B.A.'s in Earth studies, Environmental studies and so forth. I would find a program like that and perhaps minor in something along the lines of marketing/advertising/pr. Not only will they help you package your message, but you'll be better informed of how to counter corporate pr campaigns.
And of course volunteering your time through various environmental activist organizations will give you good experience, help you determine which area you'd like to work the most in, and open a wealth of networking opportunites.
thanks a lot! yup, countering corporate campaigns sounds like one of the most important things to do to succeed here. I do agree about science background, although I was always more on the humanitarian side. So, something to think about.
Having run the gammet of environmental courses, I would seriously recommend you have a solid scientific background if you plan on backing environmentalism as a career. There are too many companies out there who would exploit key phrases and sell their employees & the public on their "greening" efforts, but in reality, they aren't even close to being truly "organic," "cruelty-free," "caring," "natural," or "wild." For many of these companies, it's all about the key catch phrases and hooks so they can sell, sell, sell. They walk such a fine line between a lie and a stretched truth that it's hard for a person of conscious to know what's the most beneficial thing to support (either through consumerism or through employment).
Let me give you an example: Proctor & Gamble says that their Aussie line (which they bought from RedLine years ago) is "not tested on animals," but that's not entirely a true claim. P&G may not test the final product on an animal, but its components are certainly tested on animals individually. They are not a
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It sounds to me like you would want a major with a special focus or a major with complimentary minor. I know a lot of people who were in classes with me that were using those classes to create a special focus. I guess you would mainly have to decide whether you wanted to go heavier with the environmental aspect or have it as a compliment to your primary focus.
I don't know much about it but the University of Phoenix is supposed to be a reputable college for online courses. http://www.phoenix.edu/
thanks for your comment and the link! I do agree, and so far I feel it's the latter, I would like environmental science to be rather a compliment to my primary focus - which is working with people, not developing new technology etc.
I'm currently doing a BA in Environmental Studies (its the best major!) with a minor in biology, but I honestly don't know if you necessarily need a strong science background. If you're interested in environmental issues and are considering majoring in it, you will most likely be taught to look at everything from an interdisciplinary perspective, since it is a VERY interdisciplinary major. You will get the biology you need in your introductory course, and depending on the school, you will probably need to take a natural science class related to env studies.
I don't know of any of the best schools for online classes, but if you can at all I would recommend trying to do night classes or something, just because you get a lot more out of the major being in a classroom and interacting with other students.
Hey Dasha, I had a similar situation having majored in one field and then switched to the environment. I would recommend to have some broad course at first like Environmental Studies where you could choose among a selection of general scientific courses and those looking at social side of the environment. For the reputable online courses, try one the Open University in the UK. It is not too expensive and really good. Then you could do a master already with a more concrete idea in mind. I did mine in Environment and Development at LSE and I am very happy with it.
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And of course volunteering your time through various environmental activist organizations will give you good experience, help you determine which area you'd like to work the most in, and open a wealth of networking opportunites.
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Let me give you an example: Proctor & Gamble says that their Aussie line (which they bought from RedLine years ago) is "not tested on animals," but that's not entirely a true claim. P&G may not test the final product on an animal, but its components are certainly tested on animals individually. They are not a ( ... )
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I don't know much about it but the University of Phoenix is supposed to be a reputable college for online courses. http://www.phoenix.edu/
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I do agree, and so far I feel it's the latter, I would like environmental science to be rather a compliment to my primary focus - which is working with people, not developing new technology etc.
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I don't know of any of the best schools for online classes, but if you can at all I would recommend trying to do night classes or something, just because you get a lot more out of the major being in a classroom and interacting with other students.
Hope that helps! :)
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I had a similar situation having majored in one field and then switched to the environment. I would recommend to have some broad course at first like Environmental Studies where you could choose among a selection of general scientific courses and those looking at social side of the environment. For the reputable online courses, try one the Open University in the UK. It is not too expensive and really good. Then you could do a master already with a more concrete idea in mind. I did mine in Environment and Development at LSE and I am very happy with it.
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