Crop & Soil Sciences: Academic Programs: Undergraduate

Academic Opportunities

What is Environmental Chemistry?

What happens to the chemicals in an industrial cleaner after you pour it into the sink? What about shampoo and conditioner once you rinse it out of your hair? When you see black smoke pouring out of the chimney at an industrial complex, what impact is it having on the atmosphere? These are the types of questions studied routinely by environmental chemists. Environmental chemists study the effects of chemicals on the environment.

The fate and effects of chemicals on the environment are matters of increasing concern to those specializing in the management of our environment. "Fate" involves studying where chemicals show up in streams, rivers, and air. Environmental pollution contains certain molecules that have not been removed in water treatment plants, caught by the filters in industrial smoke stacks, disposed of properly, or have leaked out of their containers. Whatever the cause, environmental chemists study how the chemicals travel into the environment and their effects. "Environmental chemist" is a general term. In fact, most chemists in the field would probably describe themselves more specifically by the work they do. This work may focus on collecting and analyzing samples, developing remediation programs, changing production processes to yield a more environmentally friendly product, providing expert advice on safety and emergency response, or dealing with government regulations and compliance issues.

Because of increased government regulations and greater emphasis on compliance and environmental processes, job opportunities for environmental chemists continue to grow. Environmental chemistry is interdisciplinary; it requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with the ability to express ideas efficiently to a nonscientific audience. The importance of the latter becomes apparent when chemists deal with regulations or with a company's sales and marketing staff. As the field of environmental management expands globally, chemists who speak other languages may experience additional success. Employers also look for candidates who demonstrate the ability to broaden their skills and think in an interdisciplinary manner. Along with required chemistry courses, subjects such as biology, geology, hydrology, or toxicology enable graduates to find answers to environmental concerns.

What are typical jobs?

• Environmental Chemist
• Environmental Field Technician
• Field Chemist
• Physical Science Technician
• Physical or Laboratory Chemist
• Biological Scientist (Research)
• Science Teacher

What kind of salary can I expect?

Salary will range from $35,000 to $45,000.

Where can I find more information?

• Environmental Chemistry Undergraduate program, under the direction of Dr. Aaron Thompson
• Academics at CAES: Environmental Chemistry
• American Chemical Society
• Soil & Water Conservation Society
• National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists
• The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry Consulting Services, Inc.

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