Environmental programs are many and varied, and students interested in careers in this area should research the different options carefully. For example, there are degrees offered in Environmental Biology and Environmental Science (B.Sc.), Ecological Agriculture (B.Sc.Agr.), and Environmental Studies (B.A.), among others. Each one has a slightly different emphasis and offers students a differing range of careers. To take the two most common: Environmental science programs are concerned with developing scientific solutions to environmental problems. As such, they place a heavy emphasis on work in biology, chemistry and the earth sciences, and students may choose to specialize in these or other areas. There is usually a solid grounding in geography and computer sciences as well. Environmental studies programs focus more on the political, social, economic, legal, cultural and ethical factors involved in human interaction with the environment. While students receive a basic foundation in the sciences, the emphasis is on the human dimension in environmental concerns. Students learn to analyze complex environmental issues from a variety of points of view and to develop effective methods of change. Regardless of type, all programs are interdisciplinary in nature, and seek to make new connections to find innovative solutions. Students may take courses in philosophy, religion, agriculture, sociology and anthropology to round out their education.
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