An online environmental science degree prepares students to work in a variety of fields. Environmental science is a wide-ranging discipline that impacts virtually everything in our world. It studies and attempts to improve the air we breathe, the food we eat, the homes where we live, and the vehicles we drive. It has implications on our health, wellbeing, and future.
Depending on your course of study, jobs range from entry-level positions to elite-level leadership roles. An environmental scientist is the obvious and most direct profession. However, online environmental science degrees can also lead to careers as foresters, geoscientists, environmental technicians, biochemists, and more.
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Those with a high school diploma or GED can enroll in an online environmental science certificate program. These programs allow you to enter the field in a short time. They vary in size but can usually be completed in one year or less.
Online environmental science certificates can be a standalone education or used as continuing education for current employees. They are available entirely online and come with a reasonable price tag. Due to the low number of credits required, the most affordable online environmental science degrees are certificates.
An associate’s level online environmental science degree is the typical education for an environmental science and protection technician. Other associate-level careers include technicians working with agriculture, chemicals, and engineering. In addition to an environmental science associate’s, specialized education or training may be required for these occupations.
These online environmental science degrees require two to three years of study (60 or more credit hours). They are available fully online. These online degrees in environmental science often cover the science and the policies involved with the environment. The online Environmental Studies program from Columbia College in Missouri, for example, covers geography, ecology, and natural history.
Online environmental science associate’s degrees require a high school diploma or GED for enrollment. They come in a variety of specializations, including hazardous materials, water quality, and environmental technology.
You can expect to pay around $10,000 for an accredited online program. Of the online associate’s programs in our database, 75% cost between $9,500 and $12,000. The AAS in Hazardous Materials Management program from Barton Community College is the most affordable at $9,600.
Students who want to work in research or leadership positions will likely need a bachelor’s level online environmental science degree. Further education may be required, especially for research positions.
Environmental science bachelor’s degrees are the base education for environmental scientists, experts who study the environment and human health. This is also the entry-level education for geoscientists, hydrologists, microbiologists, conservation scientists, and foresters.
These environmental science online degrees require four years of study at a full course load. They provide many options for specialization. Students can select a broad-based online environmental science degree or specialize in data analytics, policy, natural resources, and more. There are even non-science bachelor’s degrees with a focus on the environment.
The University of Florida offers the most cost-effective options in this category. It offers two online environmental science degree programs—a BA in Geology and a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies / Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources. Both of these online degrees in environmental science consist of 120 credits and cost around $15,500 in tuition and fees.
Other accredited online environmental science degrees can cost as much as $95,000. Because of the wide range of tuition and concentrations, it is vital to do your research. The resources at GetEducated.com will help you find the most budget-friendly option that fits your needs.
If you have some college experience or hold an associate’s degree, consider a bachelor completion online environmental science degree. These programs can help you complete a four-year bachelor’s in a shorter time and with less cost by using past credits.
Programs are available in areas such as environmental health and safety. These environmental science online degrees are designed to build your understanding of environmental issues. Grads will be prepared to work in positions like environmental scientist or conservation scientist.
If you already have an associate’s degree, a bachelor completion online environmental science degree will require roughly two or three years of study, or 60 credit hours. Before enrolling, students must verify that their past college credits will transfer to the new program. Contact the school’s admissions office for credit-transfer questions.
An online graduate certificate in environmental science gives you the chance to expand your knowledge. They are often narrow in focus, highlighting topics like hazard mitigation, policy, greenhouse gasses, and hydrology.
Many environmental science careers only require a bachelor’s degree. However, a master’s level online environmental science degree helps you stand out among job applicants and increases options for advancement. These degrees increase students’ knowledge in a specific subject, such as policy, education, natural resources, or water science. An online environmental science master’s degree is an ideal option for scientists who want roles in leadership, education, or advanced research.
Online environmental science degrees at the master’s level are available in numerous concentrations. Many are master’s of science degrees, like the Master of Science in Environmental Science & Policy from Johns Hopkins University. Meanwhile, others are master’s of arts with a focus on environmental issues. There are also unique programs like the Master of Agriculture in Natural Resource Conservation from Sul Ross State University.
An online master’s in environmental science requires a bachelor’s degree for admission. They can be completed 100% online. Among the accredited programs in our database, the least expensive master’s is from Eastern Carolina University. ECU’s online Master of Science in Environmental Health will cost in-state students around $8,300 in tuition and fees. Accredited online programs range from this price all the way up to more than $40,000.
COST RANKING: The 27 Best Affordable Environmental Science Master’s Online
With nearly 40 master’s level online environmental science degree options in our degree database, you are sure to find the program that fits your goals and budgetary needs.
Current workers who want to become experts in their field should consider enrolling in an online environmental science doctorate program. Requiring a master’s degree for enrollment, a doctorate is the most advanced education you can attain. With an online doctorate in environmental science, grads can pursue careers as biochemists and positions involving advanced scientific studies.
The PhD in Human Environmental Sciences / Architectural Studies from the University of Columbia - Missouri prepares students for a career in environmental design. This program requires 72 semester hours after a bachelor’s degree.
Accreditation is the process of reviewing and approving a school and a program. Completed by organizations governed by the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation is granted at the institutional level by regional or national groups. Two well-known regional groups are the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Specific degree programs can also receive programmatic accreditation. Groups that focus on each subject provide this approval. Many online environmental science degree programs do not have programmatic approval but will be accredited as part of the institution.
However, there are a few groups that provide programmatic accreditation in this field. The most common is the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC). This group accredits some online environmental science degree programs found in our database, including:
Other organizations, while not centered on environmental science, accredit some degrees related to the topic. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits education-focused online environmental science degrees, including:
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Licensing is not required for most environmental science careers. Environmental scientists and technicians do not need state or federal licensing. However, industry certification is recommended.
Online environmental science degrees will prepare students for appropriate certification. For example, the Professional Ecologist Certification from the Ecology Society of America requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in life sciences, ecology, or a related area. Many online degrees in environmental science will meet this requirement if they contain relevant coursework covering organisms, biospheres, and ecosystems.
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Environmental scientists and specialists do not need a government-mandated license for their careers. Voluntary certification, however, shows that a professional is staying up-to-date on developments in technology, techniques, innovations, and research.
The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES) offers a Board Certified Environmental Scientist (BCES) credential. Meanwhile, the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management offers Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) and Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP) credentials. Environmental scientists and related professionals can also obtain Professional Ecologist Certification through the Ecological Society of America (ESA).
The process for certification varies by organization. To understand the typical steps, let’s look at the process for Professional Ecologist Certification from the ESA:
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Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that “heightened public interest in hazards facing the environment is projected to create demand for environmental scientists and specialists,” this career is expected to grow by only 5% between 2021 and 2031. This is the same rate of growth for all occupations. By 2031, the BLS expects 83,800 people to be working as environmental scientists.
The BLS expects job growth to be similar for other natural science careers. Environmental science and protection technicians will see 6% growth, while conservation scientists are expected to grow by 5%. Foresters are expected to grow by 7%. While growth may not skyrocket, there should be a steady job market for graduates of online environmental science programs.
Alaska, although only holding 670 environmental scientists, has the highest concentration for this career. For every 1,000 jobs in the state, there are 2.28 environmental scientists. New Mexico sits in second place with 1.90 per 1,000 jobs, while the District of Columbia is #3 with 1.8. Alaska shows up a lot on these lists. It’s #2 for environmental technicians (0.81), #2 for conservation scientists (1.12), and #5 for foresters (0.26).
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While few people enter environmental science for money alone, there is a strong chance for excellent incomes. Earnings are especially high for those with advanced degrees and years of experience.
Environmental scientists earn $76,530 on average. This is well above the national median of $45,760 for all occupations. The type of employer makes a big difference in your expected earnings. Those working for the federal government have a median salary of $103,530. Meanwhile, those working for engineering services can expect to earn a little less at $77,450. Scientists working for state governments have the lowest average wages at $67,710. The top 10% in this profession, regardless of employer, can expect salaries over $129,000.
Here are median salaries for other related careers, along with the required education:
You can easily find the environmental science online degree that fits your budget and schedule with GetEducated.com. Submit your information today. We’ll make sure you have the resources to make the best decision for your future and, just maybe, the future of our planet!
