Finding the Perfect College Major: The Outdoorsy Edition

By Ian Donnelly

Do you live in your hiking boots? Would you rather breathe fresh air than refresh your web browser? Have you seriously considered legally changing your middle name to “Adventure?” Then there’s no doubt about it—you’re the outdoorsy type. Spending a weekend or vacation outdoors may be enough for some people, but not you. You want a career in the great outdoors, but what degree will set you up in the most scenic work environment?

Lucky for you, uCribs has compiled a fool-proof guide to help explorers-at-heart find the ideal college track. If you’re looking to leave your desk in the dust once you graduate, check out these awesome college majors for outdoorsy students!

Archeology

There’s no bones about it—archeology is a perfect major if you prefer the great outdoors. Archaeologists conduct research at outdoor sites all over the world, excavating relics and finding historical evidence of the past. There is some lab work involved to preserve, restore, and identify artifacts, but the thrill of the dig outweighs the indoor duties. Archeologists often travel to remote areas to conduct their research and digs. You will find yourself surrounded by new working conditions, new languages, and new cultures on a regular basis, which makes this major a perfect fit for your adventurous spirit.

A bachelor’s degree in archeology will put you on the path for a good career and can lead to entry-level field or lab tech positions, but advanced, travel-heavy jobs generally require graduate-level education. A master’s degree in archaeology is usually necessary, as well as field experience, which can be gained through a part-time employment opportunity at your university or an internship. A graduate degree can lead to other career options as well—imagine yourself as an anthropologist, archivist, or geographer—but if it’s world-trotting freedom you’re looking for, aim for a Ph.D.

Environmental Science

If being outside is the only determining factor you’ve come up with for your future career, a degree in environmental science is a strong choice. Environment science covers a broad spectrum of subjects and specialties, giving you a well-rounded educational background that will set you up for boundless success. You can utilize your degree to conduct a variety of eye-opening research related to the current state of the environment such as overseeing case studies and helping corporations reduce their negative impacts on the planet. Primarily working to identify and address environmental concerns, environmental scientists often conduct outdoor surveys to study soils, water, air, and other earthly components and use their findings to create solutions that help the environment.

With such a versatile course load, majoring in environmental science can take you far in the job market and allows you the ability to break into related fields like biology or geoscience. A bachelor’s degree in environmental science can propel you to positions such as a conservation scientist, ecologist, hydrologist, or a climate change analyst. For students who are still trying to whittle down their ideal outdoor profession, this umbrella major is a safe bet.

Photography

Are you always searching for the most breathtaking view on your travels? Then a degree in photography sounds picture perfect for you. Photographers are among the small number of professionals that journey to the far ends of the earth on their daily commute, and nature photography is one of the most down-to-earth career fields you can enter—pun intended. As a photography major, you’ll learn how to use natural lighting, utilize different photo techniques, and develop your eye for composition to get the shots you want—all of which depends on your knowledge and sensitivity of the world around you.

A degree in photography will arm you with the technical and creative skills you need for a career and can put you one step ahead of the competition. Many photojournalism jobs and scientific photography positions require a bachelor’s degree in photography, and pairing your degree with a minor in your desired specialty, like biology or journalism, can earn you a one-way ticket to professional success.

Environmental Engineering

While the title of “Engineer” doesn’t sound like a refreshing, sunshine-soaked career, the great outdoors needs innovative builders and designers just as much as the big city, and environmental engineers fill that role. As an environmental engineering major, your education combines biology, engineering, chemistry, and environmental science to equip you will all the knowledge you need to create projects that help the environment. If you want to make a difference every time you’re on the job, this is the profession for you—environmental engineers work to solve waste management issues and pollution, develop water conservation efforts, and fight habitat degradation. They don’t just work outdoors, they work with it by surveying, planning, and designing solutions to nature’s man-made problems.

An environmental engineering degree is a solid springboard for entering the job market, but oftentimes further education is helpful for fully flushing out a solid career path. While a graduate degree is not required, it may open up more opportunities, especially if you want to explore the natural elements and conduct game-changing research.

Each of these college majors will give you the education you need to find the outdoorsy job of your dreams. As long as you study hard and bear the confines of your college classrooms for the time being, you can earn your degree and go adventuring for life—all while fostering a successful career for yourself!

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