Careers For The Outdoors | Affordable College Online

Learners can pursue outdoor careers in agriculture, food science, forestry, and geoscience. Careers in conservation, environmental engineering, architecture, and landscaping may also interest students. Other options include jobs in parks, public lands, and outdoor/adventure guiding.

Many jobs in these fields do not require a degree. But, jobs in the sciences usually require a bachelor's or master's degree in life science or engineering.

The highest-paying outdoor jobs include civil engineers, wildlife biologists, and conservation scientists. Architectural engineers and landscape architects also earn high wages.

Agriculture or agricultural sciences degrees prepare students for roles as farm, ranch, or vineyard managers. Other options include agricultural scientists and food scientists. But, the information learned in an agriculture program could prove useful in various outdoor jobs. Agriculture degrees include coursework in biology, botany, chemistry, and plant conservation. Students also learn business skills and the practice of managing land. Many programs encourage students to pursue internships or fellowships.

Degrees in environmental engineering train students to solve environmental issues. These issues include recycling, climate change, and waste disposal. Because environmental engineering draws from many skill sets, programs offer coursework in biology, engineering, mathematics, soil science, and chemistry. Master's degrees usually require research or hands-on work. Environmental engineering degrees prepare students for jobs in government, architecture, and consulting.

Schools offer landscape architecture degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These degrees teach students how to design parks, yards, universities, and other open spaces. Typically, the degree offers a cross between a life science or agriculture degree and an architecture degree. Coursework may include ecology, landscape and site design, and construction. Some programs may also offer business courses. Students learn how to use computer-aided design and drafting software through hands-on projects and assignments.

Marine biology degrees may overlap with ecology, zoology, or wildlife biology degrees. However, many schools offer degrees in marine biology at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Students take coursework in ecology, anatomy, cellular biology, habitat analysis, and conservation. Some programs also offer hands-on experience through at-sea expeditions. Marine biology degrees prepare students for jobs in research. These jobs usually combine work outdoors and in laboratories.

Learners can earn environmental science degrees at several levels of study. They prepare students for careers as environmental scientists, specialists, researchers, or consultants. Environmental science curricula may include classes in chemistry, biology, geology, and physics. Programs sometimes offer classes in environmental regulation and policy. Others require students to complete research or an internship.

Degrees in wilderness conservation prepare students for careers as conservation scientists, foresters, and researchers. These occupations are typically hands-on and include significant fieldwork. Similar degree subjects include forestry, natural resources, and agricultural science. In addition to biology, ecology, chemistry, and forest resource management topics, courses also teach students theory. Degree-seekers learn how to examine and solve problems in natural conservation.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists work in fields, labs, and offices. They study animals, wildlife, and ecosystems. They also direct experiments, analyze research, and write research papers and reports. Zoologists and wildlife biologists need a bachelor's degree, but more advanced jobs require a master's degree. Those wanting to research independently or teach will need a Ph.D.

These professionals perform research to protect the environment and the health of humans and wildlife. They study the effects of construction and development on waterways and soil. Areas of focus vary greatly. They often work for consulting firms but can also conduct research at universities with a higher-level degree.

Landscape architects design outdoor spaces. This includes public facilities such as parks, college campuses, playgrounds, and gardens. Architects work both to make an attractive outdoor space and to lessen environmental damage. Landscape architects need both a bachelor's degree and a state-issued license, which requires an internship.

Agricultural engineers use their skills to solve problems involving power, machines, pollution, and the environment. They also work on agricultural products. These engineers can work in many fields, including fishing and food processing, and on various projects. Some projects could include increasing crop storage capacity. Others may involve developing solutions for better waste disposal. Agricultural engineers need at least a bachelor's degree in agricultural or biological engineering.