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The Best Degrees for Careers in Climate Change and Sustainability

The Best Degrees for Careers in Climate Change and Sustainability
If you're thinking about pursuing any level of higher education—be it an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree, or doctorate—and you're passionate about saving the planet, consider preparing for one of the following career paths. Image from Unsplash
Merin Curotto profile
Merin Curotto August 8, 2019

Environmental science, urban planning, and solar installation are just a few of the industries predicted to grow (some, by up to 105%) through 2026—and, depending on which career path you choose, you might not even need a degree.

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Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate

Offered By University of South Florida logo
In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Beyond Silicon Valley

Offered By Case Western Reserve University logo
Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate

Offered By University of South Florida logo
In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Beyond Silicon Valley

Offered By Case Western Reserve University logo
Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups
Article continues here

In a report from the International Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released August 8, 2019, the United Nations warns that climate change threatens the world's food supply. The report, prepared by 107 leading scientists from 52 countries across the world—over half of which are categorized as developing nations—assessed over 7,000 academic papers and received almost 29,000 comments from expert reviewers. With a predominant focus on desertification, land degradation, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems, the IPCC findings have inspired headlines imploring change to the global agricultural system, and to reduce the amount of meat we consume. Of course, that's not all we can do.

In April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Fastest-Growing Occupations report, with a number of careers in climate change and sustainability topping the list. If you're thinking about pursuing any level of higher education—be it an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree, or doctorate—and you're passionate about saving the planet, consider preparing for one of the following career paths.

Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Wind Turbine Technician

  • Average job growth rate: 96%
  • 2018 median annual pay: $54,370
  • Their environmental impact : Wind turbine technicians play a critical role in sustainable and renewable energy.
  • Degree type(s): Technical schools or community college; certifications in wind energy technology; Associate's degree
  • Related coursework: Rescue, safety, first aid, and CPR training; Electrical maintenance; Hydraulic maintenance; Braking systems; Mechanical systems, including blade inspection and maintenance; Computers and programmable logic control systems
  • Certifications: Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)
  • Skills required: Communication skills, detail oriented, mechanical skills, physical strength, troubleshooting
  • Best state for this career: Texas
  • Employers to consider: Vestas, Sky Climber, Siemens, GE Renewable Energy
  • Required reading:

Genetic Counselor

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Dietitians and Nutritionists

Urban and Regional Planners

  • Average job growth rate: 13%
  • 2018 median annual pay: $73,050
  • Their environmental impact: Urban planners help communities accommodate population growth, and may work with government agencies to support sustainable development, environmental policy, and environmental law.
  • Degree type: Bachelor's in Economics, Geography, Political Science, or Environmental Design; Master's in Urban Planning
  • Related coursework: agriculture, urban revitalization, public policy
  • Credentialing: Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)
  • Skills needed: Critical thinking, communication, outdoor skills, physical stamina, problem-solving
  • Best state for careers in urban planning: California
  • Required reading:

Geoscientists

  • Average job growth rate: 14%
  • 2018 median annual pay: $91,130
  • Their environmental impact: Geoscientists study the earth's composition, to learn about its past, present, and future—playing a role in conservation through their research and discovery of environmental issues.
  • Degree type: Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Geosciences, Environmental Science, or Engineering
  • Related coursework: Mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer science
  • Credentialing: National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG)
  • Skills needed: critical thinking, communication, outdoor skills, physical stamina, problem-solving
  • Employers to consider: Weston Solutions, Fugro
  • Required reading:

Atmospheric and Space Scientists

  • Average job growth rate: 12%
  • 2018 median annual pay: $90,110
  • Their environmental impact: Devoting their careers to environmental science, these professionals study the weather and climate and how conditions like air pollution affect human activity and the earth in general.
  • Degree type: Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Atmospheric Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geology or Engineering; Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science
  • Related coursework: Computer programming, oceanography, geophysics
  • Skills needed: Analytical, critical thinking, communication
  • Employers to consider: University of Colorado Boulder, I.M. Systems Group (IMSG)
  • Required reading: Scientists are using the cold of outer space to rethink air conditioning

Environmental Scientists

Hydrologists

  • Average job growth rate: 10%
  • 2018 median annual pay: $79,370
  • Their environmental impact: Hydrologists study the worlds most precious of natural resources, solving problems related to water quality and availability.
  • Degree type: Bachelor's and Master's degree in Hydrology, Geosciences, Engineering, or Earth Science; PhD
  • Related coursework: Math, statistics, computer science, economics, environmental law, government policy
  • Skills needed: Analytical, communication, critical thinking interpersonal, physical stamina
  • Employers to consider: U.S. Department of the Interior, Workplace Alaska
  • Required reading: The Future of Groundwater in Sub-Saharan Africa

Agricultural and Food Scientists

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Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certificate

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Beyond Silicon Valley

Offered By Case Western Reserve University logo

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