Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies | Admissify

Last Updated on October 22, 2024

One of the biggest challenges of the 21st century is the environmental crisis. Many governments and organizations have been trying to come up with different ways to tackle the ever-increasing issues that result from the damage done to the environment. As the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies is less well-known than a few of the other streams, it is normal for you to have multiple questions about the relevancy and validity of the course. You might also be wondering whether there are any courses apart from BSc in Environmental Science and specializations you could pursue and the scope of pursuing a career in environmental studies. In this blog, we will answer any doubts you might have regarding a career in environmental studies.

What is Environmental Studies? 

Environmental studies (EVS) is a subject that teaches us about how different parts of the environment are connected to nature. It is like looking at the Earth from various angles to understand how everything works together.

This stream helps us find ways to fix environmental issues by combining ideas from social studies, science, and more. This makes ecological studies a very vital arena of learning as it shows us how to take better care of our world. EVS is a multidisciplinary academic field concerned with researching, investigating, and extending knowledge about the living and physical environment. It also helps in a better understanding of natural, environmental, political, economic, technical, cultural, and social elements. EVS, or Environmental Studies, can alternatively be defined as the science of physical phenomena in the environment.

What Multidisciplinary Means?

To understand the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, we must first understand the literal definition of the term multidisciplinary. This phrase is made up of two words: multi and disciplinary. To begin with, we define the term disciplinary. On one hand, Disciplined research in a particular subject is what the term “disciplinary” means. Multidisciplinary, on the other hand, refers to the combination of more than one discipline or topic of study. It defines multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral research in a variety of disciplines. For instance, a multidisciplinary course of study is one in which you study a variety of disciplines, such as Social Science, Science, English, Mathematics, and so on.

How is Environmental Studies a Multidisciplinary Study?

Environmental studies is everything about learning how to take care of our planet. It is unique because of it:

• It takes ideas from social studies, science, and more to understand every part of the environment.
• Look at nature through many different lenses, like law, history, and art, for a fuller picture.
• Comes up with new ways to solve problems by mixing knowledge from these different areas.
• Aids people from various domains work together to make the world a better place.

This way of studying helps us see the big picture and find better solutions for the Earth’s issues.

Why Pursue Environmental Studies?

The time-sensitive relevance and nature of environmental changes have created a demand for individuals who have the skill set required to find solutions for this problem. A  job in environmental management can be highly lucrative for those who want to make a difference in the current state of society and are passionate about the environment. There is an immense scope in this field if you make the right decisions and can find the right universities and courses for yourself.

• Enhance awareness and knowledge

This discipline can provide adequate tools and knowledge to model, monitor, and measure our environmental system. This learning will also help assess the impact of human activities on the environment.

• Develop skills and competencies

This knowledge will help develop the skills to solve and understand environmental issues using scientific methods and ethical principles.

Learning environmental studies will help in respecting and valuing the environment more. This will further help in caring, conserving, and protecting the environment.

• Increase participation and engagement

By obtaining a degree in environmental studies, students can engage and participate in decision-making related to environmental policies and actions.

• Bring in creativity and innovation

This course may help you lessen the environmental impact of human activity and systems while enabling you to find and create innovative, sustainable technologies and practices. These practices can improve the efficiency and productivity of environmental services and resources. 

What is the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies?

Encompassing the elements of  Chemistry, Physics, Medical Science, Geography, Biology, and Agriculture, Environmental Studies is a vast field of study. It is not only restricted to environmental management and conservation of resources, but it also emphasizes understanding:

• Types of pollution and their harmful effects on living organisms
• Biodiversity, its types, and causes of degradation
• Deforestation and methods to increase forest cover
• Desertification
• Waste disposal and sewage treatment, etc

Components of the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies  

Environmental studies are made up of several components. Environmental studies delve into comprehending the complex interactions within our environment by examining both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. This field is multidisciplinary, blending knowledge from social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences to address environmental issues effectively.

Critical Components of Environmental Studies:

• Abiotic Factors: Non-living elements like air, water, soil, and climate play a crucial role in shaping the environment and influencing biotic interactions.
• Biotic Factors: These include all living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, which interact within their environments and with each other.

Major Themes within Environmental Studies are as follows:

• Environmental Science: Focuses on the study of natural environments and how they interact with each other and with human activities, aiming to find sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
• Environmental Policy and Law: Addresses the governance aspects, including legal frameworks and regulations essential for environmental conservation and management.
• Environmental Ethics: Examines the moral values guiding human interactions with the environment, promoting responsible and sustainable actions and policies.
• Environmental Education: Seeks to increase awareness and understanding among individuals about environmental issues, encouraging informed decision-making and actions toward sustainability.
• Anthropology: It is the study of human traits, psychological and biological well-being, cultures and communities, and the evolution and growth of humans. EVS is connected to anthropology as it studies humans and their environments throughout time and place.
• Biology: It is a field of science that focuses on the study of living creatures. Their physical structure, chemical processes, molecular interactions, development, and evolution are all included. EVS is connected to biology since it is concerned with the natural environment of living creatures.
• Chemistry: It is a field of science that examines chemicals and the components that makeup matter. Understanding natural occurrences in EVS necessitates knowledge of chemistry.
• Computers: As the world has progressed, computers have become a need for everyone. Computers are used by the Environmental Protection Agency to keep track of pollutants found in soil and water.
• Geology: It is the study of physical structures and substances found on Earth, as well as their history and the processes that they go through. EVS is also concerned with studying the earth and the environment.
• Economics: It is a field of study concerned with the production, consumption, and distribution of commodities and services. Various economic strategies have been established to protect the environment from pollution, global warming, and climate change by evaluating and developing answers or cures for environmental concerns.
• Physics: It is a field of science that examines energy and matter in space and time, as well as their interactions. Physics is concerned with energy conservation, atmospheric modelling, and many environmental concerns.
• Sociology: It is the study of social life, change, social causes, and the social repercussions of human action. It also addresses the connection between contemporary society and the environment.
• Statistics: It is the study of quantitative data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. It is also used to evaluate data in order to find trends and recommend the optimal environmental growth.

Top Specializations in Environmental Science

While the core subjects explaining the fundamental aspects of environmental studies remain constant across colleges, there are a number of Environmental Science courses and specializations that are offered by universities to explore the multidisciplinary nature of the environment as a whole. These specializations are intended to equip you with the specific skill set necessary for tackling the challenges of this discipline.

Some of the specializations offered are –

• Soil Pollution and Ecology
• Aquatic/Marine Biology
• Earth Systems
• Environmental and Biological Conservation
• Energy and Climate Change
• Water Resource Management
• Pollution Prevention and Remediation
• Natural Resource Management 

​​The table below shows the average salary you can make post-course completion:

Top Specializations	Average Salary (per annum)
Aquatic/marine biology	$75,948
Earth Scientist	$89,605
Environmental, biological conservation	$1,00,179
Pollution prevention and remediation	$65,510

Top Universities Offering Multidisciplinary Courses in Environmental Studies

There are a number of academic institutions offering a degree in the field of Environmental Studies; some of them have been given a rundown below.

Universities	Environmental Science Courses
Stanford University	BSc Civil and Environmental Engineering; BSc Biological Engineering – Environmental and Toxicological Studies
Harvard University	PhD Engineering Sciences: Environmental Science
MIT	Bachelor/Master in Environmental Sciences
University of Oxford	MPhil/MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management; MSc in Environmental Change and Management
ETH Zurich	MPhil in Environmental Policy/Polar Studies; PhD in Environmental Science
University of Cambridge	MS in Range Management; PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, & Management
University of California Berkeley	BSc in International Land and Water Management; MSc in Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management
Wageningen University & Research	BSc Environmental Sciences; MSc Resources, Environment And Sustainability
Tsinghua University	BSc in International Land and Water Management; MSc in Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management
University of British Columbia	Bachelor of Environmental Science – Environmental Toxicology; Master of Geographic Information Science
Nanyang Technological University	Environmental Earth System Science and Public Policy and Global Affairs – Double Major Course
Delft University of Technology	BSc in Applied Earth Sciences; MSc in Sanitation
University of Queensland	Bachelor of Environmental Studies; MSc Environmental Management
National University of Singapore	Bachelor of Environmental Studies; MSc Environmental Management

Practical Applications of Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies

Multidisciplinary environmental studies can be applied in the below sectors and areas:

• Government – The government has the leading role to play in planning and implementing sustainable practices to protect the environment and the country.
• Academia – You can enter the academic industry and teach young people about environmental knowledge and awareness.
• Private Industries – A variety of industries are engaged in the manufacture and manufacturing of goods. This field can help raise awareness of reducing carbon footprints and saving the environment.
• NGOs – NGOs, businesses, and the government all contribute significantly to awareness-raising.     

Eligibility Criteria 

The eligibility criteria for environmental studies programs vary across universities. Here are some general guidelines: 

• Undergraduate degrees may require a secondary education diploma with good grades in at least one subject out of biology, economics, geography, chemistry, mathematics, physics, or geology. 
• Master’s degrees may require a relevant bachelor’s degree in environmental science or any appropriate subject. The marks required may vary across institutions. 
• Depending on their policies, some institutions may require face-to-face interviews or entrance examinations. 

Candidates may also have to meet specific English language proficiency and course-specific requirements. 

Admission Process

The admission procedure for programs in environmental studies also varies across institutions and degree levels (undergraduate or postgraduate). Yet, most universities take applications online for specific admission cycles, and these are given below:

•  Candidates are usually required to fill out their personal details while furnishing proof of identity. 
• They also have to provide academic transcripts, English language proficiency scores, recommendations/references if required, and other documents like proof of funds, and so on.
•  Interviews or entrances may be necessary at some institutions as well.

Importance of the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies

Environmental studies are essential because they help us comprehend our surroundings and natural occurrences. Several factors highlight the significance of the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies. They are as follows:

• It contributes to the acquisition of information about contemporary environmental concerns. It equips us with the knowledge and skills we need to solve environmental problems such as pollution, global warming, and climate change.
• It contributes to the preservation of ecological balance by providing an essential understanding of environmental systems and processes.
• It informs us about the changes in the environment caused by anthropocentric causes.
• It also teaches us how to analyze various environmental systems and changes in the environment caused by human activity.
• Its goal is to safeguard and maintain biodiversity. It acquaints us with diverse flora and animal kinds. It offers us many methods for preserving and protecting them.
• It makes us aware of our environmental responsibilities. It also informs us about numerous ecological concerns that must be addressed more quickly. 
• Environmental studies also address topics like energy conservation, hazardous emissions, water conservation, garbage disposal, rising global temperatures, and many more.
• People may explore and engage with their natural and surrounding world by studying Environmental Studies. It assists people in improving their insights about human processes, natural events, and diverse changes in the environment.
• It combines various fields like science and humanities to provide a complete picture of environmental issues.
• It brings diverse viewpoints to understand and solve these issues creatively.
• Encourages teamwork across different areas of expertise for better solutions

Career Opportunities in Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies

Listed below are the top 10 careers in multidisciplinary environmental studies with their average salaries:

Designations	Average Salary (per annum)
Sustainability Consultant	$1,06,034
Environmental Scientist	$71915
Marine Biologist	$75917
Environmental Engineer	$102,058
Conservation Biologist	$56,153
Ecologist	$99,503
Wildlife Biologist	$100179
Conservation Officer	$72,715
Environmental Health Manager	$90,558
Environmental Remediation	$83,710

What is the Scope of Environmental Studies?

The scope of the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies includes biological, cultural, social, and physical elements.

It is also linked to science, geography, economics, statistics, health, technology, population, and ecology. The multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies offers a wide range of career opportunities after pursuing a degree in this field. Some of the job profiles that can be instrumental to your career in environmental studies are:

• Hydrologist
• Environmental Lawyer
• Environmental engineer 
• Environmental educator 
• Wildlife Conservationist
• Environmental Land Consultant
• Mining Consultant
• Researcher
• Political Advisor
• Environmental Consultant
• Water Resource Manager
• Environmental Analyst
• Environmental Law
• Oceanographer
• Eco-tourism Operator
• Non-profit Administrator
• Sustainability Development Manager
• Environmental journalist
• Professor
• Forest Carbon Specialist (Arborist)
• Environmental Accounting
• Activist
• Food Cooperative Specialist
• Conservation Biologist
• Agricultural Technologist
• GIS Specialist
• Conservation Officer
• Ecologist
• Air Quality Inspector
• Animal Services Worker
• Greenhouse Manager
• Environmental Planner
• Environmental communicator 
• Environmental Scientist
• Food Scientist
• Geologist
• Hazardous Waste Manager
• Water Quality Inspector
• Health Promoter
• Fisheries Consultant
• International Developer
• Soil Scientist
• Forest Resource Officer
• Urban Planner

Conclusion

In Conclusion, the multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, merging insights from the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, is crucial for a holistic approach to environmental challenges. Pursuing environmental science is a promising future discipline and offers opportunities to address global challenges, promote sustainability, and make a positive impact on the planet’s health. Several leading institutions are offering advanced and renowned programs in this field with protean career opportunities and lucrative income, making it a rewarding choice for those who are passionate about environmental studies and to study abroad. This integrated perspective not only enriches our understanding but also drives innovative, collaborative solutions essential for sustainable environmental practices and policies.

FAQs

Q. Why is Environmental Science a multidisciplinary field?

Environmental Science is an area of study that combines physical, biological, and information sciences. Information sciences encompass zoology, biology, mineralogy, oceanology, physics, chemistry, plant science, limnology, soil science, geology, physical geography, and atmospheric science. Environmental Science is referred to as an interdisciplinary science since it encompasses information from a variety of disciplines.

Q. How does the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies help to solve environmental problems?

Environmental Studies are concerned with a variety of issues, including the protection of natural resources, pollution management, and the influence of a growing human population on the environment. To solve these complex environmental issues, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary. These issues are linked to several sectors, such as agriculture, land degradation, economic loss, pollution of natural resources, forestry, and habitat fragmentation. As a result, the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies is required to obtain information about these challenges.

Q. What is the need for environmental studies?

Environmental studies aid in the understanding of contemporary environmental issues by providing knowledge of physical, chemical, biological, and social processes. It teaches the skills required to find solutions to environmental challenges.

Q. How can environmental issues be solved?

Every individual must take responsibility for environmental conservation in order to solve environmental concerns. Addressing complex ecological challenges necessitates an interdisciplinary approach. Every individual has the right to a clean, safe, and pollution-free environment. These problems can be remedied if people become aware of the importance of environmental preservation. There are several simple methods to safeguard the environment, such as:

• Using reusable products instead of disposable ones
• Recycling of paper, plastics, and other materials
• Save resources such as water and energy
• Neutralizing the poisonous emissions by the factories
• Eco-friendly items should be supported
• Reforestation and afforestation
• Increased use of public transportation

Q. What are the specializations offered under the Environmental Science course?

Soil pollution and ecology, aquatic/marine biology, earth systems, environmental and biological conservation, and energy and climate change are the specializations offered in the course of Environmental Science.