In Hoboken, NJ, with sea levels rising, the area has been plagued by what feels like perpetual flooding. And they are not alone — in August 2025, the Arctic Ocean’s Atlantic sector saw average sea surface temperatures about 3°F warmer than the previous yearly average.
The effects of global warming and climate change are everywhere. For many people, watching these changes unfold has turned concern into an undeniable call to act.
Climate and environmental activism are crucial for enacting change, but for some activists, awareness alone is not enough. Many turn to jobs in environmental conservation to channel that driving passion into a meaningful career.
But what do those green jobs look like? And are they worth the extra education you’ll need to become an expert?
Let’s explore careers in sustainability and discuss how a master’s in sustainability can turn you from an at-home activist to a full-time environmentalist.
Key Takeaways
- Green jobs are growing across industries — sustainability professionals are in demand far beyond the nonprofit and government sectors.
- A Master's in Sustainability prepares graduates for careers across policy, science, law, consulting, and conservation.
- Bard's Graduate Programs in Sustainability link environmental science directly to real-world policy, equipping students with both technical knowledge and an understanding of the legislation to address actual issues.
- Real-world internship placements and a strong alumni network make Bard one of the best places to get your sustainability degree.
What can you do with a degree in sustainability?
Even if you’re an avid environmental activist, you may not have all the tools, knowledge, and skills you need to succeed in a green job. An education at Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability will give you the foundation required to succeed in any environmental career you pursue.
Here are some of the courses offered in a master's program in sustainability.
INLINE CTA: Is a master’s in sustainability worth it? Read more here.
M.S. in Environmental Policy
Our M.S. in Environmental Policy ranks among the best environmental policy master’s degrees in the business. That’s because our courses link natural ecosystems and their functioning to the impact of socioeconomic activities and to the political, institutional, and legislative responses that address environmental issues.
Bard uses case studies, joint class sessions, field trips, guest lectures, and conferences to take theory and make it practical. Here are some course highlights from the program:
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Environmental Science of Natural and Built Environments Effective sustainability leaders need scientific literacy. This two-semester course gives students the tools to understand how Earth’s systems work—and how human decisions reshape them. Using a systems approach, students explore topics such as global nutrient cycles, forest management and carbon sequestration, ecological agriculture, and the circular economy. Case studies connect scientific understanding with the social and institutional forces that shape environmental outcomes. |
Environmental Policy I Environmental policy doesn’t happen in a vacuum. In this course, students examine how legal systems, political institutions, cultural values, and ethical debates shape environmental decision-making. Through case studies, the class introduces the core stages of the policy process—from identifying environmental problems and setting agendas to designing and implementing solutions. Students explore how policy develops across U.S. federal and state systems and how international agreements and transboundary networks influence global environmental action. |
Learn more about the M.S. in Environmental Policy program>>
M.S. in Climate Science and Policy
A master’s degree in climate change and sustainable development focuses more on the interplay between climate systems, ecosystems, and agricultural systems on the one hand, and solutions on the other. Our M.S. in Climate Science and Policy program trains climate scientists and future policy leaders in guiding efforts in greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation.
See some course highlights below.
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Climate Science Understanding climate change requires more than headlines—it requires a solid grasp of how Earth’s climate system actually works. This course introduces the key components of the climate system, including atmospheric and ocean circulation, the greenhouse effect, radiation balance, and the carbon and other biogeochemical cycles that regulate global climate. Students explore the natural and human drivers of climate change and the feedbacks that shape climate dynamics. Along the way, they learn how to interpret scientific literature, work with climate data, and critically evaluate climate information presented in media and policy debates. The course also examines emerging climate interventions—including geoengineering and bioengineering approaches that may play a growing role in climate policy discussions in the coming decade. |
Climate and Agroecology Agriculture both contributes to climate change and offers powerful tools to address it. This course explores how farming systems influence greenhouse gas emissions—and how they can be redesigned to support climate resilience and carbon sequestration. Students examine topics such as soil health, crop diversity, water efficiency, and agroecosystem complexity, while also considering the vulnerabilities of food systems to climate extremes. Through case studies and simulation modeling exercises, the class investigates strategies for building climate-resilient agriculture. |
Learn more about the MS in Climate Science and Policy Program>>
Careers in environmental management and sustainability
There is no shortage of jobs in the environmental field. Sustainability is a growing need across industries, and sustainability professionals are increasingly in demand—even if recent headlines sometimes suggest otherwise.
Environmental policy jobs
It comes as no surprise that when you get a Master’s in Environmental Policy or a Master’s in Climate Science and Policy, you might find yourself in a policy position. Working in the government—at the federal, state, or local level—is one of the most direct ways to fight climate change, whether by writing laws, encouraging innovation in renewable energy, or pursuing myriad other approaches to address environmental issues.
Here are a few job titles you can expect to see:
Environmental Policy Analyst
An Environmental Policy Analyst is one of the more common entry-level environmental jobs. As a Policy Analyst, you’ll research the data, relationships, and policy developments encompassing environmental issues and potential solutions. Analysts often use advanced statistical techniques and analytical models to make recommendations for legislation, awareness campaigns, and fundraising approaches.
Nick Martin graduated from Bard in 2013 with his Master’s in Climate Science and Policy. He credits his first position out of school—as a Policy Analyst at Pace Energy and Climate Center (PECC)—with the internships he was able to get through the Bard Center for Environmental Policy (CEP).
“During my time at Bard CEP, I was supported in securing two internships at leading environmental think tanks: one at the World Resources Institute in Washington, D.C., and the other at Developmental Alternatives in New Delhi, India.”
Both internships provided him with invaluable experiences. He gained insight on policy research quality issues in D.C. and climate adaptation and food security issues in India. This broad background helped him secure his first position at Pace, and he’s gone on to work at Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors, Toronto Home Energy Network and The Transition Accelerator—building a career focused on energy and climate solutions.
Policy Advisor
Being a Policy Advisor is similar to being a Policy Analyst: you’ll be knee-deep in researching environmental issues and their potential solutions. As a Policy Advisor, however, you may be doing more lobbying and advocacy work. You’ll need to be an environmental policy expert, but with the interpersonal skills to create and maintain relationships that can help you get legislation passed.
Jackson Morris completed his Master’s in Environmental Policy at Bard in 2007. While there, he interned for Environmental Advocates of New York, an environmental advocacy watchdog group in Albany, NY. He researched potential abuses of the state’s drinking water revolving fund and worked for the Campaign for Community Preservation.
His time at Bard CEP provided the foundation he needed to pursue a successful career as an advocate, lobbyist, and policy analyst.
“The holistic, intensive curriculum offered at Bard CEP was instrumental in allowing me to hit the ground running in my field, and the full semester internship has clearly paid dividends, as it grew into a permanent position before I even graduated. I would highly recommend the program to those looking for a degree that provides both sophisticated fundamental knowledge of environmental policy and the flexibility to specialize in whatever niche they wish to pursue.”
In November 2009, Jackson accepted a position as Senior Policy Advisor for the Pace Energy and Climate Center (PECC). In that position, Jackson represented PECC and the Natural Resources Defense Council in the state capital. He was a full-time, on-the-ground presence in Albany promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Today, Jackson continues his work as the Director of the State Power Sector at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Program Manager
Program Managers are similar to Policy Analysts and Advisors in the work they do, but they often focus on a more specific, smaller group of initiatives. For example, Jessica LeClair, a 2012 Master’s in Climate Science and Policy Graduate, began her career as Program Manager at the CT Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation. There she supported and tracked the Institute’s research and outreach projects intended to increase the resilience and sustainability of vulnerable communities in Connecticut to the growing impacts of climate change.
She later joined Sustainable CT as Program Manager for Community Engagement and Outreach, directing municipal outreach, managing community engagement efforts, and developing training opportunities for municipalities working to advance sustainability initiatives. Through this work, she built strong partnerships across the state and helped expand the program’s impact.
Today, Jessica serves as Executive Director of Sustainable CT, where she leads the organization’s efforts to support municipalities in advancing sustainability and resilience across Connecticut.
She describes her time at Bard CEP as an “invaluable experience learning to interpret and translate scientific facts to create and implement policy decisions that will directly impact my state and my fellow citizens. I am constantly reminded of this valuable nexus between science and policy and feel that Bard CEP puts graduates out in front of the curve.”
Conservation Scientists and Naturalists
Conservation scientists and environmental scientists may seem similar—and may come from similar educational backgrounds—the two types of roles are very different. Environmental scientists focus on a broader study of air, water, and soil. Conservation scientists are more concerned with land use and the effect of consuming land-related natural resources, like wood.
Naturalists, conservation scientists, and foresters manage, protect, and ensure the quality of forests, parks, and other natural resources. They support governments and landowners in deciding the most ecological and prudent use of land, monitor forestry and conservation activities to ensure they’re complying with government regulations, and create and implement plans to manage lands and resources. You’ll find conservation scientists and naturalists working for the National Park Service, other federal government agencies, state agencies, and nonprofits.
Katrina Shindledecker graduated from Bard in 2006 with her Master’s in Environmental Policy. But prior to that, she had already earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Pace University and was working with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHRP) at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Mount Pleasant, NY. There she held the role of Director of Natural Resources.
She continued working as she completed her degree, and once finished, she joined the Hudson Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) in Garrison, NY. HHLT works with landowners, local residents, municipalities, and regional conservation organizations to preserve the vast and biologically diverse land in the Hudson highland region.
Katrina began at HHLT as Director of Conservation, where she led the organization’s land acquisition and stewardship efforts and worked closely with communities on land-use and natural resource issues. Over the next decade, she helped advance the organization’s conservation mission across the region, eventually stepping into the role of Deputy Executive Director.
Today, Katrina serves as Executive Director of the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, guiding the organization’s strategy and partnerships to preserve the forests, farms, and waterways that define the Hudson Highlands landscape.
Climate/Environmental Scientist
Climate scientists conduct research on climate change and how it affects the Earth. Often, they work within a specialty, like monitoring the effects of increasing temperatures on the ocean or on the world food supply.
Environmental Scientists monitor environmental conditions, identify ecological threats, and work to develop solutions that protect the physical environment and human populations. Their job is to conduct research—collecting, analyzing, and reporting on environmental data related to pollution measurements, mineral information, and water samples. That research is essential in understanding how pollutants and other hazardous materials impact the environment or health of the general public.
When they’re not doing research, they’re also expected to provide scientific and/or professional expertise and support to government entities, environmental groups, or the general public. Environmental scientists recommend fair regulations, standards, and strategy development for environmental management.
Sara Gendel graduated from Bard with her Master’s in Environmental Policy in 2015. During her tenure, she interned with the Turtle Island Restoration Network, where she researched the science and policy behind an issue to protect migratory turtles and sharks. After graduating, she headed to Philadelphia where she now works as the Environmental Scientist Supervisor at the Philadelphia Water Department.
Environmental Lawyer
Many environmental jobs involve a search for scientific solutions to environmental problems. However, being an environmental lawyer is a different approach to changing attitudes and policy.
Environmental law is broad and complex. Some environmental lawyers help companies whose work impacts the environment comply with state and federal environmental regulations. Others work with public interest organizations, bringing legal actions against polluters.
This area requires a highly technical understanding of environmental issues alongside the key skills required to practice law. Your environmental training allows you to analyze and interpret data from case law, literature reviews, research, and sample findings—in addition to constructing interviews with scientists and interpreting that data for the court.
Jessica Steinberg Albin was the first student to complete the joint M.S./J.D. program with Bard CEP and Pace Law School. She graduated from both schools in May 2007. Her Master’s in Environmental Policy helped her gain a strong background in both science and policy, which she felt was important to becoming an informed and active environmental lawyer.
As a student, she was a vice-chair of the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, a first-year intern with the Pace Land Use Law Center, and an extern with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. Jessica was also the first recipient of the Theodore Gordon Flyfishers' Founders Fund Scholarship, based on her commitment to environmental law in New York City and the Hudson Valley region.
She began her career in environmental law at Sive, Paget & Riesel before moving into public service as Assistant Counsel at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. She later held leadership roles at the New York City Council and the New York City Department of Sanitation. Today, she serves as a Senior Environmental Attorney at IBM and teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Pace University.
Sustainability Consultant
A management consultant is hired by companies to scrutinize their operations and finances and recommend ways the business can become more profitable and efficient. Sustainability consultants do the same, except through an environmental lens.
Sustainability consultants advise businesses and organizations on how to incorporate environmentally-conscious procedures into their operations. They help companies develop plans and policies for executing their goals that reduce their environmental impact. This work could range from developing a strategic plan to reduce overall energy usage and waste in their headquarters to reviewing an organizations’ policies against local, state, and national regulations.
Bard alum Emma Elbaum graduated in 2020 with a dual MS in Climate Science & Policy and MBA in Sustainability. Her early career included roles in sustainability strategy and research, including work with Archer Roose and Red Queen Group, where she focused on supply chain sustainability and ESG issues.
She later joined SLR Consulting, a global sustainability consultancy, where she advanced through several roles advising companies on sustainability and ESG strategy. Today, Emma serves as Managing Consultant in SLR’s Climate & Nature Advisory practice, helping organizations navigate the transition to more sustainable and climate-resilient business models.
Environmental Consultant/Specialist
Working as an Environmental Specialist (or Environmental Consultant) covers similar territory as being an Environmental Scientist, but interpersonal skills might be even more valuable. Environmental Specialists and Consultants need to understand various viewpoints and guide groups to a consensus or compromise, clearly defining policy objectives and arriving at feasible goals for that policy.
Amy Faust graduated in 2007 with her Master’s in Environmental Policy. She credits her entry into international development to the theoretical and practical training she received from Bard CEP.
Her first job was with the World Bank on projects related to climate change planning. She was stationed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
“My consulting assignments for international financial institutions vary from climate-change planning to environmental impact mitigation to urban development in Latin America and East Africa—all have required a holistic approach and a firm grounding in understanding economic, political, technical, and community angles to develop sustainable solutions with government and donor clients.”
Now, she’s working as an Urban Development Consultant for the Asian Development Bank.
FAQs about green jobs and sustainability careers
More environmental sustainability careers
We’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to the types of careers available to those with a master’s degree in sustainability. If you’re interested in learning more about your potential career paths and how a master’s degree might help, check out our Career Guide to Jobs in Sustainability.
Check out our podcast, The Impact Report, to hear from professionals on the front lines of sustainability and business innovation. You’ll get great insights about the various industries environmental professionals can partake in; plus, you’ll learn about how they made their environmental passion a career reality.
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