Careers for Environmental Politics and Policy Graduates

Careers in the field of Environmental Policy vary according to student interests and background. Graduates may work as policy analysts, advocators, planners, and decision makers. For many careers in Environmental Policy a graduate degree is essential.

Students who focus in the Environmental Politics and Policy concentration will be prepared for successful careers in the following areas:

Federal, State, and Local Government

Many students can pursue a career in government, such as in U.S. Federal Agencies including: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Energy and many others. There are also opportunities in state and local government positions. Students at ASU have the opportunity to intern with these agencies and/or apply research methods to analyze components surrounding environmental policy and government relations. Students may also participate in the "Week at Washington" (link) course where they may interact with such agencies.

Industry and Business

Increasingly industry and businesses are seeking out environmental professionals who have knowledge of environmental politics. Appalachian prepares students for careers in business with its strong background in economics.

Non-profit and Non-governmental Organizations

Graduates of the program may wish to pursue the careers in non-profit and non-governmental agencies. These agencies seek out trained policy experts in the area of environmental policy, especially with the complexities surrounding environmental policies and informing the public and elites.

Higher Education and Academia

Obtaining a Master's degree in the program prepares those who are interested in continuing their pursuit in higher education. Students are eligible and are highly competitive for PhD programs nationally and abroad. The program at Appalachian State prepares students for continued research in the area of Environmental Politics and Policy by providing students with the tools for research in Political Science. This includes both quantitative and qualitative research methods, statistical analysis, environmental policy analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and environmental economics. Students who wish to continue their education are encouraged to write a thesis.