Environmental Studies vs. Environmental Science

Environmental studies vs. environmental science: You might expect these to be two labels for the same major. Or you might not have noticed the difference until now. But while both programs of study share a similar focus on the environment, they aren’t the same. Continue reading to learn more about what is different about environmental studies vs. environmental science.

Environmental Studies vs. Environmental Science: What is the Difference?

• Environmental science focuses on fundamental sciences like math, chemistry, biology,  physics, atmospheric science, earth science and geology. As an environmental science major, you’ll spend much of your time considering the scientific and quantitative aspects of environmental issues.
• So then what is environmental studies? Environmental studies takes on a broader view, looking at the natural sciences as well as social sciences. You’ll look at how humans relate to the environment and how environmental challenges intersect with political and historical considerations, public policy, and the law.

When you’re researching these majors at colleges and universities, it’s important to keep in mind that the specifics can vary widely among institutions, says Chandreyee Mitra, assistant professor of biology and coordinator of the environmental studies program at North Central College. 

“The simplest way to explain the difference between the two majors is to say that environmental studies is more interdisciplinary than environmental science,” she says. “What often differs are the related required courses – for example, more math and pure science courses are usually required for environmental science degrees.”

(On a related note: environmental engineering is another emerging major in this field. This branch of engineering focuses on protecting human health and environmental health.) 

Some environmental programs will give you the chance to select an area of concentration. In North Central’s environmental studies major, for example, students can choose from among three tracks: 

• Society and the environment include humanities courses on environmental ethics degree, history, and literature, as well as social science courses on environmental policy, cultural ecology, and international relations.

• The science and the environment track offers courses in conservation, ecology, environmental chemistry, climate change, and clean energy.

• Sustainable business taps both liberal arts and pre-professional academic departments to examine sustainability, green business, and environmental economics. “Many schools address the science and societal side of environmental studies, but North Central’s sustainable business track goes further by training students in sustainable business practices,” says Mitra.

“Because our environmental studies program is very interdisciplinary, we bring in faculty from all areas of the College,” she continues. “They each apply their own expertise and methods to the same question – how can we become a more sustainable society, leaving a world behind us that is better than the one we received, for future generations? 

Is Environmental Science the Best Fit for Me? When Should I Choose Environmental Studies? 

So which major is right for you? "To do well in either field, you need to be passionate about the subject. You should want to be a positive force in the world,” says Mitra. “Beyond that, think about what you want to do with your degree after graduation. Do you want to work in conservation, environmental chemistry, climate change science, and so on? Then maybe you should go for an environmental science program, or a science-related track of environmental studies. 

If you want to work in policy, law, or justice – working with NGOs or government agencies to make change on the ground – then go for an environmental studies degree focusing on social science and humanities. If you want to work towards increasing sustainability in the business world, whether working for larger companies or starting your own sustainable business, go for the business side of environmental studies if your college offers it.”