Research Guides: Sustainability and Environmental Studies: Career & Professional

Professional Organizations

This is a listing of professional organizations to consider getting involved with as a student. Usually students get access to discounted membership rates, conference rates, organization publications, job boards for internships and jobs, and many more resources. Take advantage of the student perks of joining a professional organization!

American Society of Agronomy
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) is a progressive international scientific and professional society that empowers scientists, educators, and practitioners in developing, disseminating, and applying agronomic solutions to feed and sustain the world.
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Agronomy looks at agriculture from an integrated, holistic perspective. Agronomists are specialists in crop and soil science, as well as ecology.
Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences
The Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) serves the faculty, students and staff of the 1000+ interdisciplinary environmental programs in North America and around the world. We seek to strengthen teaching, research and service in environmental studies and sciences, and to improve communication across boundaries that too often divide the traditional academic disciplines. The Association facilitates the professional development of Association members not just as individuals but also to advance Environmental Studies and Sciences as a whole.
Crop Science Society of America
The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) is a progressive international scientific society that fosters the vision to improve the world through crop science.
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Every day, everyone is impacted by crop science. You may be familiar with farm fields – or fresh produce from the store. Behind the scenes, crop scientists are working to make sure we have a constant, nutritious food supply. They breed new crops resistant to pests and other diseases. They enhance the nutritional quality and flavor of foods. They are studying crops to make sure we have food during droughts and floods, heat and cold, and other weather events.
Ecological Society of America
The Ecological Society of America (ESA) advances the science and practice of ecology and supports ecologists throughout their careers. ESA envisions a future where people embrace science to understand and foster a thriving planet.
National Association of Environmental Professionals
The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) is an interdisciplinary organization dedicated to developing the highest standards of ethics and proficiency in the environmental professions. Our members are public and private sector professionals who promote excellence in decision-making in light of environmental, social, and economic impacts of those decisions. NAEP provides the access and network for you to grow as a professional.
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NAEP acts as a resource for structured career development from student memberships to certification as an environmental professional and is a strong proponent of ethics and the highest standards of practice in the environmental professions.
Soil Science Society of America
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is a progressive international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils.
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Soil is a mixture of minerals, dead and living organisms (organic materials), air, and water. These four ingredients react with one another in amazing ways, making soil one of our planet’s most dynamic and important natural resources.

Soil is used by people in many ways. Because of this, it has many definitions. An engineer may view soils as a material upon which infrastructure is built, while a diplomat may refer to “soil” as a nation’s territory. From a soil scientist’s perspective, soil is:

The surface mineral and/or organic layer of the earth that has experienced some degree of physical, biological, and chemical weathering.
Soil and Water Conservation Society
The SWCS is the premier international organization for professionals who practice and advance the science and art of natural resource conservation. We believe sustainable land and water management is essential to the continued security of the earth and its people.
North American Association for Environmental Education
Group dedicated to improving and promoting environmental education comprised of educators, business, government, and other professionals.
Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
Affiliate of the NAAEE, Kentuckians from multiple walks of life help ensure that environmental education is taught among students and adults of all ages.