Articles

Green My Major

January 12, 2011

We all would like to choose a major that guarantees a job after graduation in a field we love. In fact, a lot of students decide on their majors because of its job placement rate. Environment-related careers will grow at a rate of 52 percent between the years 2000 and 2016, according to USA Today. When compared to a 14 percent average growth rate in other fields, it has become pretty apparent that energy and sustainability programs are the new wave in the job market. With such a high demand in the green field, American colleges and universities created more than 100 green-related majors, minors or certificates in 2009 alone. The wide range of choices allow for college students to find a career in a field they enjoy while choosing a major with a higher job placement. 

Deciding on your major can be a difficult decision. Students may be influenced by their parents, friends and the classes needed to complete their degree, among other things. Their first step is to choose a major that reflects their natural passion and the activities they enjoy. Create a list of your favorite interests and search for majors and professions that embody those interests. Narrow down the options by talking to a college advisor to go through the classes needed in each field. Students should ask their advisor if there is a major with a green spin. As opposed to fashion design, consider green fashion design which uses environmentally-friendly materials. Consider majoring in environmental design and architecture, which focuses on eco-friendly spaces, as opposed to traditional architecture majors.

After the list is narrowed down to just a few options, students should take classes within the first year and see if their choice is a good fit. Students should also join online communities that focus on their future career choice and participate in the forums discussions. This is always a great way for students to immerse themselves in the field.

Below is a list of the hottest environmentally friendly majors.

Bioethics: Studies ethical issues as it relates to science. This major teaches students how to research health and environmental issues such as the production of genetically modified food. Research in this field provides evidence of harmful environmental and health concerns.

Entrepreneurship: Teaches students the skills needed to be business owners, such as management, accounting and economics. Part of entrepreneurship is the ability to identify new opportunities to transition existing businesses into the green sector.

Environmental Design/Architecture: Through math, physics, computer and drawing classes, it teaches students how to design indoor and outdoor spaces. Considering the demand of green architecture, this major will be in high demand as it teaches students how to design space that is environmentally friendly.

Eco-Fashion Design: Not only teaches students how to creatively design and produce the latest trends, but also teaches students how to incorporate environmentally-friendly fabrics and sustainable designs.

Green Food Science: Touches almost every aspect of food production, from safety standards to the improvement of the production of food. Through chemistry, genetics and biology, students will learn how the things we consume affect our health and the world we live in.

Horticulture: Teaches how to grow food and flowers. Students will learn plant physiology, crop cultivation and genetic engineering. The demand for horticulturists will continue to increase as we continue to strive towards a green economy with organic foods and sustainable agriculture.

Marine Biology: Teaches how the ocean supports different life forms. The green spin on this major is the study of how human-created pollution has changed the ocean, as well as the plants and animals that depend on the ocean.

Urban Planning: Through political science, architecture, sociology and many other topics, students will learn how to manage and design cities. As an environmentally-friendly urban planner, students will use their creative and innovative vision to help policymakers become eco-friendly.