Environmental Journalist

WHAT IT TAKES: A firm grasp of climate-change science and multimedia experience, according to Los Angeles Times environment editor Geoffrey Mohan. Plus a bachelor's degree in science, law, or politics, though reporting experience often counts more than a degree.

TOP SCHOOLS: Columbia University, Northwestern University, UC Berkeley, University of Missouri; for specialized science and environment reporting: Michigan State University, New York University, University of Colorado at Boulder

STARTING PAY: $30,000, depending on the market and medium

WHO'D BE INTO IT: Inquisitive, open-minded people who enjoy telling stories and deciphering technical concepts

HOT SPOTS: Environmental journalism is taking hits as media corporations cut costs, but stories still beg for coverage nationwide.

INTERNSHIP OR SUMMER JOB: Writing and reporting internships with newspapers, magazines, or Web-based publications