
Environment & Sustainability
If you want to protect natural ecosystems, tackle climate change, or design a sustainable future, you’re in the right place to explore your options. This area blends field research and green engineering with public policy and community advocacy. Whether you want to manage wildlife habitats, consult on environmental regulations, develop renewable energy, or promote global public health, you’ll find ideas here to help build a healthier planet.
This interest area encompasses these career paths:
- Ecology, wildlife & conservation: wildlife ecology, forestry, natural resources, and environmental sciences.
- Agricultural & plant sciences: agronomy, agroecology, horticulture, plant technology, and animal biosciences.
- Green engineering & planning: environmental, civil, and geological engineering, and urban planning and GIS.
- Policy, advocacy & communication: environmental consulting, public policy, non-profits, and life sciences communication.
If you are driven by conservation, excited to explore the natural world, or eager to build a more sustainable future, check out these options.
*Indicates a career-based guide. Other guides are organized around majors or fields of study.
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Agricultural & Applied Economics
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Agroecology
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Agronomy
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Animal & Veterinary Biosciences
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Biochemistry
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Biological Systems Engineering
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Biological Technician*
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Biology
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Civil Engineering
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Community & Organizational Development
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Dairy & Food Animal Management
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Design, Innovation, & Society
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Educational Policy Studies
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Entomology
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Environment: General*
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Environmental Consulting*
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Environmental Engineering
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Environmental Policy & Urban Planning*
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Environmental Sciences
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Forest Science
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Cartography*
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Geological Engineering
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Global Health
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Health Promotion & Health Equity
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Interior Architecture
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Life Sciences Communication
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Natural Resources*
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Nuclear Engineering
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Pharmacology & Toxicology
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Plant Science & Technology
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Public Health*
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Public Policy*
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Public Policy: State & Local, Federal, International (SuccessWorks)*
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Science & Medical Writing*
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Scientific Research & Development*
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Supply Chain Management
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Wildlife*
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Wildlife Ecology
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Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist*
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Working Abroad*
Not finding information for an L&S major? Check out What Can You Do With Your Major? from L&S SuccessWorks.
Next Steps
Thinking about what to do next? Start here – based on what you need right now.

Career Exploration Center
Want to talk through your career ideas and figure out what to try next? CEC career advisors can help you explore options, make a plan to get relevant experience, and keep your momentum going.

Cross-College Advising Service
Still figuring out your academic path? CCAS advisors can help you explore majors and certificates, think through options, and plan courses that keep your choices open.

Center for Pre-Law Advising
Curious about law or legal careers? Whether you’re just exploring or starting to plan ahead, CPLA offers resources and advising to help you understand the path to law school and related careers.

Center for Pre-Health Advising
Interested in health professions? CPHA advisors can help you explore different paths, understand requirements, and prepare for graduate-level health programs.

UW-Madison Career Services
Ready to take a step toward experience? Connect with your school or college career center to find internships, jobs, research opportunities, and tools for resumes, interviews, and more.