Environment

As awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, a wide range of career opportunities has emerged for students passionate about making a difference. From sustainability consulting to environmental science and policy, the field offers diverse paths that not only address pressing ecological challenges but also contribute to the health and well-being of communities. Students can explore roles in renewable energy, conservation, and environmental education, among others, each playing a crucial part in fostering a more sustainable future.

Engaging in these careers allows students to blend their academic knowledge with practical skills, working alongside scientists, policymakers, and activists. By pursuing internships, research projects, and networking opportunities, they can gain valuable experience that prepares them for meaningful work in a rapidly evolving job market. Whether through grassroots initiatives or corporate sustainability efforts, the potential to create a positive impact on the environment is immense, making this an exciting time to enter the field.

Environmental Studies at Augustana

Environmental studies is a necessary and fast-growing field. As an Augustana Environmental Studies
major, you will take certain classes for studies and electives. Your faculty mentors will help you focus your energies towards future goals, experiences, tools and skills needed to use professionally and/or in graduate school in the field.

Hands-on experience is essential in environmental studies and problem-solving, as is sharing what you find with others. You will complete at least one internship and/or field experience with an agency or company. For your Capstone you will design, develop and present a solution to a real-world sustainability challenge facing an urban or rural community in the region. Please review Environmental Studies course catalog.

Read What is environmental studies, and why should you major in it?

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Local Grant Funded Internship Opportunities!

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Career Resources

Environmental Internships Held by Augie Students

See where Augustana students have completed environmental internships 2022-Present

Explore Opportunities in Environmental Careers and Internships

Are you passionate about making a difference in the environment, conservation, and sustainability? Whether you’re seeking internships, full-time positions, or …

Environmental Professional Associations

A professional association, or professional organization, is an association made up of members who are part of the same industry …

Environmental Careers

What Can I do with this Major

This resource provides information about majors and the occupations commonly associated with it. …

Post Grad Service Option: Social Change & Public Service

Change Corps: Change Corps offers a year-long, three-step program that will launch your career in social change. Change Corps offers …

Post-Grad Service: Education

Teach for America: Teach For America is a leadership development organization for those who want to co-create a more just …

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Explore occupations by career categories and pathways and use real time labor market data to power your decision making.

First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Viking Connections

Morgan Anderson

Alumni, Community Experts
  • Quad Cities Metropolitan Area, Illinois
  • Geographer US Army Corps of Engineer
Meet Morgan

Dan Meden

Alumni, Community Experts
  • Rock Island, Illinois
  • Biologist Army Corps of Engineers
Meet Dan

Kara Noonan

Alumni, Community Experts
  • Lemont, Illinois
  • Researcher PHD Student Rice University
Meet Kara

Skill Building Courses

The Employee’s Guide to Sustainability

Taught by Elizabeth Bagley, PhD
Companies around the world view sustainability as a strategic imperative. This course is for employees who want to support that…

LSC- 401: Career and Life Design: Strategies for Career Success

Taught by Shelby Olson
For SENIORS considering or pursuing grad school, job search, gap year, or those with no plan Using an innovative framework…

Introduction to ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance

Taught by Fulya Kocak
In this course, instructor Fulya Kocak Gin explains what the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) umbrella encompasses, why there is…

Daily Habits to Live Sustainably

Taught by Elizabeth Bagley, PhD
Going all in on personal climate solutions doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. In fact, many climate actions have a…

Green Jobs for Sustainable Careers

Taught by Fulya Kocak
Looking for a greener job? Why wait when the world is hiring? Climate change and sustainability are transforming today’s economy,…

Sustainability as an Innovation Opportunity

Taught by Leyla Acaroglu
Sustainability is quickly becoming a must-have in business—a technical skill set that employees, managers, and executives need to gain deeper…

34 Things to Know about Carbon and Climate

Taught by Seth Godin
The simple facts of climate change will surprise you. In this course, Seth Godin and a team of volunteer editors…

Closing the Green Skills Gap to Power a Greener Economy and Drive Sustainability

Taught by Sue Duke
As nations and industries worldwide make commitments toward a more environmentally sustainable future, many questions must be considered. How can…

Healthy Building Foundations

Taught by Keara Fanning
What is a healthy building? A healthy building can be seen as the next generation of green buildings. It includes…

Sustainability for Design, Construction, and Manufacturing

Taught by Fulya Kocak
Design, construction, and manufacturing are vital industries, but have you wondered about ways to make them sustainable while adding value?…

Navigating Environmental Sustainability: A Guide for Leaders

Taught by Lucas Joppa
Regardless of industry, the global business sector is being transformed around a common issue: environmental sustainability. Business leaders around the…

Michelle Kaufmann’s Platinum LEED Home Remodel: Start to Finish

Taught by Michelle Kaufmann
With home remodels, especially sustainable ones designed by architects like Michelle Kaufman, more square footage isn’t always the answer. Her…

Revit Insight: Energy Analysis

Taught by Jim Cowan
Buildings consume the lion’s share of all of the energy produced in the US. With construction projects ramping up over…

Green Building Studio: Energy Analysis

Taught by Eric Wing
Autodesk Green Building Studio (GBS) helps you optimize the energy efficiency and carbon footprint of your building designs. It can…

Cert Prep: LEED Green Associate

Taught by Fulya Kocak
Are you both passionate and knowledgeable about the latest green building principles and practices? If so, earning the LEED Green…

Introduction to LEED Credentialing

Taught by Fulya Kocak
Earning a LEED credential signifies your deep understanding of sustainable design and construction. If you’re interested in earning a LEED…

Introduction to LEED Certification

Taught by Fulya Kocak
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system evaluates buildings for their environmental performance and encourages the use…

Green Building Concepts Foundations

Taught by Fulya Kocak
Green buildings offer a host of environmental and economic benefits while supporting the health and well-being of their occupants. In…

Learning Design for Sustainability

Taught by Scott Boylston
The world is facing a number of environmental, economic, and social challenges. Our future depends on sustainable solutions that improve…

Smarter Cities: Using Data to Drive Urban Innovation

Taught by Jonathan Reichental
By 2050, over 70% of us will live in cities. But are our cities ready? Today, cities face challenges such…

Contact & Location

Phone
309-794-7339
Address

Olin Center
639 38th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201

Career Service Hours

Day of the week
Office is Open Drop-Ins (When Classes Are In Session)
Monday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 am- 4:30 pm 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Drop-in topics include:

  • Resume & Cover Letter Review
  • Resume & Cover Letter Writing
  • Viking Score Overview
  • LinkedIn Headshot Photo
  • Career Resources Overview