Gain a deeper understanding of chemistry, biology, and physics. Embrace an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree that prepares you for present and future careers.
You can explore a variety of careers in environmental science. Many graduates start careers in regions with strong climate initiatives, such as the Pacific Northwest. Since the field applies to many positions, breaking down jobs within a function or specialty is helpful.
Scientists in these roles collect samples, run experiments, and analyze data to understand how natural systems work. Their findings drive everything from habitat restoration plans to new pollution control technologies, making accurate data the foundation of decisions.
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Experts in this arena write laws, enforce regulations, and guide land‑use decisions that shape our environmental future. By interpreting scientific evidence, conducting impact assessments, and navigating political and legal frameworks, they create the guardrails that keep development and conservation in balance.
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Advisers help businesses and institutions reduce their footprints, comply with standards, and capitalize on green opportunities. They audit operations, set targets, and coordinate cross‑functional initiatives, turning environmental responsibility into strategic advantages.
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These professionals design equipment, infrastructure, and operations that prevent, reduce, or remediate environmental harm. They translate insights into practical tools that keep air, water, and soil within safe limits.
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Professionals use geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and modeling to visualize patterns and predict future scenarios. Their insights support everything from disaster preparedness to habitat studies, providing the maps and models that help inform decisions.
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Focused on protecting ecosystem services, these roles involve planning and hands‑on stewardship of forests, parks, rangelands, and urban green spaces. They monitor wildlife and develop management plans. They also teach the public how to protect those resources.
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Educators translate complex environmental topics into knowledge, inspiring action across classrooms, communities, and visitor centers. By fostering literacy and stewardship, they cultivate the next generation.
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This degree can extend to so many industries and employers. Graduates at Willamette have worked at charitable trusts, within the Oregon government, and even at wildlife refuges.
With the landscape changing every day, students might find themselves in jobs that aren't available yet. Possible career fields include renewable energy, carbon management, climate-resilience planning, data science and AI, and circular economy. Students can also consider paths in food systems, green finance, health, and water resource management.
Since these paths are changing constantly, job titles might change over time with them.
You'll learn important field and lab techniques, how to perform data analysis, and how to design research. Many students will learn more about regulations and policies, project management, communication skills, and how to collaborate. Most programs offer a variety of soft and hard skills that apply to present-day jobs.
Our students know how to make a difference and impact the world. We offer several ways to get involved, such as our environmental law certificate, sustainability minor, and Community Action Fund for Equity and Sustainability committee. Our students have spent summers completing field work at Harvard and in Hawai'i.
Take courses outside of environmental science that support your career goals. Thanks to our liberal arts curriculum, students can take courses in complementary disciplines. Explore courses in biology, learn more about civic communication, or even find connections through data science. We also provide several opportunities to gain experience through internships and hands-on learning.
We're one of the few universities to offer a 305-acre property featuring woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, freshwater habitats, and more. Students have a unique opportunity to visit Willamette University at Zena to develop conservation and restoration skills. We also offer an annual Dempsey Environmental Lecture Series and students can join a variety of related clubs.
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