A good environmental management plan will not just address current environmental issues but long term goals as well. A well-designed plan will help you meet the objectives you set out when you started your career. An environmental management program is “an integrated system and database that integrate scientific techniques and methods for training of staff, monitoring, managing, and assessing of specialized environmental performance data, with emphasis on the measurement of environmental quality”. This is a broad definition, but the steps that an environmental management plan takes to meet its goals are also very specific.
What exactly does an environmental management plan include? In addition to the broad scope outlined above, it will require that you develop plans for the implementation of each key part of the environmental plan. These include the procedures that need to be followed, training, information sharing, assessment of the current situation, periodic reviews, monitoring and evaluation of the situation, and corrective actions if required. Although all of these steps are significant, it is the development of an overall environmental plan that ultimately determines your eligibility for a university degree and certification.
What is required to take an earth science degree or certification? To take your university degree in environmental management, you need to be prepared to study a variety of topics. Some of the core courses that you will need to take include ecological systems, human health and environments, sustainability, and risk management. Depending upon your chosen university, you may be required to take general education courses as well.
What is required to complete a certification program? Like many universities, once you graduate you will need to take an exam to certify that you meet the requirements for an environmental management career. Typically, this exam is taken after you have finished all of your core courses and are certified. After your certification test, you will be ready to apply for jobs in environmental management.
Can I work on my own while I am attending school? A degree in environmental management allows you to pursue a career while being enrolled in school. In fact, some people find that it is much easier to keep your day job during school and then go on to take classes towards an environmental management career during the evenings and weekends. The benefits of this are twofold; first, you will have a steady paycheck while earning your environmental management degree. Second, the course work that you take during the school will be more relevant to real-world situations.
Is there a difference between an environmental management degree and a certificate in environmental management? Yes, there is a difference. Certificate programs typically provide training in areas unrelated to environmental issues, whereas an environmental management degree focuses on specific skills related to environmental issues. For example, the courses offered in a certificate program will teach you about building regulations, water conservation and waste disposal. On the other hand, an environmental management degree will focus on a single facet of environmental management, such as water conservation.
Will a certificate in environmental management get me a job? Unfortunately, not. The certification process requires additional steps, which means that certification will not always guarantee employment. However, if you are interested in pursuing a career in environmental management, an accredited degree program will prepare you for the job market.