Environmental Science and Sustainability, Occupational Safety and Health, and Renewable Energy Technology. Each major below links to what it includes, the skills you build, career paths, suggested minors and how many colleges report awarding it.
| Major | Typical degrees | Career paths | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science and Sustainability | Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees | Environmental Technician, Environmental Health Specialist, Conservation Technician | 942 |
| Occupational Safety and Health | Certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's degrees | Occupational Safety Specialist, Safety Technician, Safety Engineer | 93 |
| Renewable Energy Technology | Certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees | Solar Panel Installer, Wind Turbine Technician, Electrician | 162 |
Colleges: active, degree-granting U.S. schools that reported awarding at least one degree or certificate in the field, IPEDS completions, awards conferred July 2023 to June 2024 (C2024_A).
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Studies the environment and how to protect natural resources and human health. Environmental science majors combine biology, chemistry, earth science and policy to study pollution, ecosystems, climate and natural resources, with field and lab work.
Skills: Environmental sampling, Data analysis, GIS, and Regulatory knowledge. Pairs well with: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Occupational Safety, Chemistry.
Occupational Safety and Health
Teaches you to identify workplace hazards and protect workers from injury and illness. Occupational safety and health programs cover OSHA regulations, hazard recognition, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, fire protection, accident investigation and safety management systems.
Skills: Hazard assessment, Safety inspections, Training workers, and Regulatory compliance. Pairs well with: Business, Environmental Studies, Construction Management.
Renewable Energy Technology
Prepares you to install, maintain and manage solar, wind and other clean energy systems. Renewable energy programs cover electrical fundamentals, solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, energy storage, energy efficiency and safety.
Skills: Electrical installation, System troubleshooting, Working at heights safely, and Energy analysis. Pairs well with: Business, Sustainability.
Practical training for environment, safety and sustainability careers
These Career Education Institute courses connect to the careers above. Each is a short, self-paced online course about one job.
A self-paced online course on what environmental health specialists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: food code knowledge, inspection techniques, and water and pool testing
Why it fits: Connected to your Environmental Science and Sustainability major
A self-paced online course on what hazardous materials technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: HAZWOPER procedures, respirator use and maintenance, and containment and negative-air setup
Why it fits: Connected to your Environmental Science and Sustainability major
A self-paced online course on what occupational safety specialists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910 and 1926), hazard recognition and job hazard analysis, and incident investigation and root cause analysis
Why it fits: Connected to your Occupational Safety and Health major
A self-paced online course on what environmental technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: environmental sampling methods, field instrument calibration, and chain-of-custody documentation
Why it fits: Connected to your Environmental Science and Sustainability major
A self-paced online course on what solar panel installers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: racking and module installation, roof attachment and flashing, and basic DC and AC electrical theory
Why it fits: Connected to your Renewable Energy Technology major
A self-paced online course on what safety technicians do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: hazard recognition, OSHA standards, and exposure monitoring
Why it fits: Connected to your Occupational Safety and Health major
Why consider career training alongside college?
Your college major gives you an academic foundation. Short career training can add practical knowledge of a specific job: what the work involves day to day, its vocabulary, common tasks, tools and safety rules. You do not have to wait until graduation: many students take a short course to test a career before choosing a major, to prepare for an internship or a part-time job, or to show employers they understand the work.
Environment, Safety and Sustainability majors: frequently asked questions
What are the best environment, safety and sustainability majors?
The best major depends on the career you want. Common choices include Environmental Science and Sustainability, Occupational Safety and Health, and Renewable Energy Technology. Compare the careers, coursework and skills for each.
How many environment, safety and sustainability majors are there?
This guide covers 3 majors in environment, safety and sustainability: Environmental Science and Sustainability, Occupational Safety and Health, and Renewable Energy Technology. Colleges may use different names for similar programs.
What careers can you get with a environment, safety and sustainability major?
Careers connected to these majors include environmental technician, environmental health specialist, occupational safety specialist, safety technician, solar panel installer, and wind turbine technician. Some require a degree and a license, while others start with a certificate or on-the-job training.
Which environment, safety and sustainability majors are offered at the most colleges?
Environmental Science and Sustainability (942 colleges), Renewable Energy Technology (162 colleges), and Occupational Safety and Health (93 colleges), based on IPEDS completions data.
Which environment, safety and sustainability programs can you start with a certificate or associate degree?
Environmental Science and Sustainability, Occupational Safety and Health, and Renewable Energy Technology are commonly offered as certificates or associate degrees, as well as at higher levels at some schools.
What skills do environment, safety and sustainability majors build?
Common skills include environmental sampling, data analysis, hazard assessment, safety inspections, electrical installation, and system troubleshooting.
Can I study environment, safety and sustainability online?
Many colleges that offer these majors also report offering fully online programs. Use the college search with a major selected and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with each school which programs are online.
Can I start training for a environment, safety and sustainability career before I finish college?
Yes. Short online career training can help you learn what a specific job involves and build practical knowledge while you study. It does not replace a degree or a required license.