Environmental Law: Choosing The Right College Major

Environmental law is a complex and broad area of law that deals with human impact on the environment. It focuses on protecting the natural environment and controlling pollution. Environmental lawyers are in high demand as sustainability becomes a global priority. To become an environmental lawyer, you must complete an undergraduate degree, typically followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. While there is no specific major required for environmental law, degrees in science, ecology, environmental studies, political science, economics, humanities, and English are common choices. These degrees provide a solid foundation for understanding environmental issues and developing the necessary skills for a career in environmental law.

Science and ecology

While there is no one undergraduate degree that is required to become an environmental lawyer, a degree in science and ecology can provide a solid foundation for understanding the issues surrounding the environment.

Environmental law is a broad area of law that covers a range of issues, including water and air quality, hazardous waste, species protection, agriculture, wetlands, biodiversity, waste management, green initiatives, sustainability strategies, and alternative energy sources. A degree in science and ecology will provide a good basis for understanding these issues.

For example, a degree in ecology will cover topics such as ecosystems, biodiversity, and the interactions between organisms and their environment. This knowledge will be directly applicable to cases involving species protection, agriculture, wetlands, and biodiversity. Similarly, a degree in science can provide a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and physics, which can be useful for understanding issues related to water and air quality, hazardous waste, and waste management.

Additionally, a degree in science and ecology can help develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for interpreting and applying environmental laws and regulations. These degrees often involve conducting research, analyzing data, and communicating complex information, which are all important skills for environmental lawyers.

Furthermore, a background in science and ecology can also help environmental lawyers stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and discoveries in these fields, ensuring that their legal strategies are informed by the most current scientific knowledge.

Overall, a degree in science and ecology can provide a strong foundation for a career in environmental law, equipping future lawyers with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of environmental legislation.

Political science

Environmental law is a broad and complex specialty within the legal field. It covers a range of issues, including water and air quality, hazardous waste, species protection, agriculture, wetlands, biodiversity, waste management, green initiatives, sustainability strategies, and alternative energy sources. As sustainability becomes a global priority, environmental lawyers are in high demand. They advise clients on green standards and sustainability issues, and work with environmental case law and legislation to represent various environmental interests.

There is no one undergraduate degree that is required to become an environmental lawyer. However, a major in political science is an excellent option and a popular choice among aspiring environmental lawyers. A degree in political science will provide a solid foundation for understanding the complex interplay between environmental issues and the political landscape. It will also equip you with a broad understanding of the social, economic, and political factors that influence environmental policies and regulations.

Understanding Power Structures and Policy-Making

A degree in political science will provide a strong foundation in understanding power structures, policy-making processes, and the role of government in addressing environmental issues. Environmental lawyers often work with government agencies, so knowledge of political processes and structures is crucial. Political science courses will cover topics such as legislative processes, public policy formulation, and the role of regulatory bodies, all of which are highly relevant to environmental law.

Developing Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Gaining Communication and Advocacy Skills

Majors in political science often involve developing strong written and oral communication skills, which are vital for environmental lawyers. You will learn to articulate complex ideas, persuade others, and advocate for your position, all of which are essential in court proceedings and client interactions. Additionally, political science courses may cover public speaking and debate, further enhancing your ability to advocate for environmental causes and represent your clients effectively.

Building a Foundation for Further Specialization

A political science major can provide a strong foundation for further specialization in environmental law. You can take elective courses related to environmental law, such as environmental impacts and sustainability methods, to gain a more focused understanding of the field. This will demonstrate your commitment to the environmental law track and enhance your knowledge of specific issues within the field.

Networking and Career Opportunities

Choosing political science as your major can provide valuable networking opportunities with faculty, peers, and industry professionals. Many universities have student organizations, environmental law societies, and journals related to political science and environmental law, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and potential mentors. These connections can be invaluable as you pursue internships, research opportunities, and eventually, job prospects in environmental law.

In summary, majoring in political science can provide a strong foundation for a career in environmental law. It offers a broad understanding of political and social systems, enhances critical thinking and communication skills, and provides opportunities for further specialization and networking. Aspiring environmental lawyers can benefit from the interdisciplinary nature of political science, which aligns closely with the diverse and dynamic field of environmental law.

Economics

Environmental economics is an area of economics that deals with the relationship between the economy and the environment. It studies economic systems within the context of the closed earth system, rather than in isolation. Environmental economists research the economics of natural resource use, perform cost-benefit analyses of environmental regulations, and assess new fuels and emerging environmental markets. They also attempt to assign value to "ecosystem services" such as natural water and air filtration.

A degree in economics can help prepare students for a variety of career options in environmental law. For example, environmental economics and management majors take a variety of courses involving environmental science, economics, business, finance, and public policy. This major prepares students to help promote environmental stability along with business development. They study environmentally friendly policies and practices to maintain water cleanliness, soil quality, air quality, and forest maintenance, among other facets of environmental protection. Those with this major often work for food industry corporations, government agencies, and non-governmental conservation organizations. They can also work for manufacturing and extraction companies.

Additionally, economics degrees are beneficial for aspiring environmental lawyers as they often involve writing reports and speaking and writing well. Lawyers spend a great deal of time writing and editing legal documents, as well as public speaking. Thus, economics can provide a strong foundation for a career in environmental law.

Some specific examples of environmental economics programs include:

• University of California, Berkeley's major in Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP)
• Colorado State University's Environmental and Natural Resource Economics degree
• University of Vermont's Graduate Certificate in Ecological Economics
• Duke University's Environmental Sciences & Policy program
• University of Rhode Island's graduate program in Environmental & Natural Resource Economics

Humanities

Environmental Humanities is an interdisciplinary field that explores the intersection of nature and culture. It draws on diverse humanistic questions about meaning, culture, values, ethics, and responsibilities to address pressing environmental problems. The field aims to bridge the traditional divide between the sciences and the humanities, as well as between Western, Eastern, and Indigenous perspectives on the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Environmental Humanities courses often cover a range of subjects, including art, culture, ethics, history, literature, philosophy, and science and technology studies. They encourage students to reflect on how the environment is constructed and represented in relation to humans and how these divergent visions impact knowledge and action.

For instance, at Whitman College, the Environmental Humanities major includes courses from both the natural and social sciences, as well as humanities-focused courses in Art, Philosophy, Classics, English, and Global Literatures. Similarly, the University of Rochester offers an Environmental Humanities minor with courses in history, art, philosophy, and anthropology.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Culture, History, and Environment (CHE) is another example of a well-established Environmental Humanities program. Their courses explore topics such as environmental history, environmental justice, and communicating climate change.

Environmental Humanities degrees can prepare students for careers in various sectors, including policy, media, corporate sustainability, education, law, non-profit, activism, art, journalism, business, and conservation.

English

Overall, English is a great choice of major for aspiring environmental lawyers as it gives you the chance to develop a wide range of knowledge and skills which are relevant to the field.

Frequently asked questions