> What area of study is better for a future career in air pollution?
Currently I am a chemistry major at a major university. In the future, I would
like to work in the air pollution field. What area of study is better for a
future career in air pollution and which area did people working in NOAA study
in college?
The scientists here in the NOAA Air Resources Laboratory come from a broad array of
backgrounds. In most cases, the first degree was a B.S. in one of the classic sciences
-- chemistry, physics, mathematics, or perhaps computer science. At the Masters and
PhD levels, degrees become more specialized and in addition to the classic sciences
include degrees in environmental science, meteorology, atmospheric chemistry,
applied math, and probably a whole lot of other things too.
The real keys to breaking into this field are an advanced degree in one of the
hard sciences and a period of study with one of the recognized scientists in the
field. If you associate yourself with an established program, you will frequently
find an abundance of interesting topics that appeal to you, and a professor willing
to support you financially through research and teaching stipends. If you must
provide all of your own support, look elsewhere.
