All humans have a collective obligation to take care of our planet. With global warming on the rise and significant consequences on the horizon, environmental science is arguably one of the most important fields for new college graduates to study. Fortunately, modern students don’t have to attend costly degrees in person. Instead, they can often participate in quality online environmental science degrees with excellent curriculums, supportive student resources, and other benefits.
Article Navigation: What is Environmental Science? | Overview: Online Environmental Science Degrees | How To Choose the Right Program | Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science Online | Bachelor’s in Environmental Science Programs | Online Master’s Environmental Science | Scholarships | Licensing and Certification | Environmental Science Degree Careers | Professional Organizations | FAQs | Conclusion
What is Environmental Science?
Environmental science is the study of how the environment:
- Is formed and maintained
- Interacts with other natural systems, like gravity, ecology, and more
- Is affected by human activity and development
It’s a naturally interdisciplinary and wide-ranging field. Environmental science broadly comprises five major domains:
- Atmospheric sciences, which study how the atmosphere develops, moves, and transforms
- Ecology, which examines how ecological systems and life interact with each other
- Environmental chemistry, which focuses on chemical reactions within natural environments
- Geosciences, which emphasize geology and its various processes
- Social sciences, which investigate how human culture and development affect the environment and the planet overall
Environmental science is now essential for a variety of industries and reasons. Businesses must better understand environmental science to achieve green or sustainable production initiatives. Nations and corporations alike are also interested in how best to take advantage of and provide green energy to consumers.
More than anything, environmental science is crucial so that humans can halt the advance of global warming and improve the overall status of the planet.
Overview: Online Environmental Science Degrees
Environmental science degrees are available at multiple levels to prepare students for various professional outcomes.
Associate Degree in Environmental Science Online
Associate degrees in environmental science are entry-level degrees that prepare students for similarly entry-level positions. They usually include a good amount of general education classes and only a few specialized courses. Most environmental science professions require higher degrees.
Bachelor’s in Environmental Science
Most environmental scientist, analyst, or specialist positions require bachelor’s degrees in environmental science. Bachelor’s programs typically take four years from start to finish. They frequently allow students to specialize their studies in one area, like renewable energy, ecology preservation, and more.
Online Master’s in Environmental Science
Online master’s degrees in environmental science are graduate-level and frequently take between one and three years to complete. They usually allow students to specialize in their studies further and qualify for advanced professional positions.
Ph.D. in Environmental Science Online Degree
Ph.Ds. or doctoral degrees in environmental science are the cream of the crop. They qualify graduates to take on managerial or administrator positions. Ph.D. holders in this field usually set policies or perform advanced research to develop new sustainability practices or initiatives.
Concentration Options
Students should choose the right concentration for their environmental science degrees according to their needs and interests. Potential concentrations include:
- Chemistry or geochemistry
- Energy and environmental sustainability
- Climate change
- Geography
- Geohydrology
- Environmental management or administration
How To Choose The Right Program
Since there are many online environmental science degrees to choose from, students should decide which program to apply to based on several key factors.
Degree Level
On average, those who want to earn a position in this industry need at least a bachelor’s degree. Specific associate programs are perfect for laying the foundational coursework necessary to thrive in this field.
Cost
Students should also consider the cost associated with a given program. Generally, programs that require the student to attend out-of-state (online) are more expensive than programs in-state. Students should also consider whether tuition discounts or scholarships are available.
Admission Requirements
Most environmental science degree programs have reasonable but sometimes high admission requirements, like:
- GPA requirements, usually above 2.5
- Letters of recommendation
- GED or high school class transcripts
- Class prerequisites
Admission requirements increase as students pursue higher-level degrees. For example, master’s degrees have higher admission requirements than bachelor’s degrees in environmental science.
Program Format
Many online programs are actually hybrid. That means they include one or more classes that students must attend fully or partly in person. Those needing a 100% online degree should ensure that their chosen program is in that format before signing on the dotted line.
Location
Location can impact tuition costs, time zones for virtual meetings or lectures, and more. Generally, it’s advantageous for students to attend school online if that school is closer to them geographically.
Accreditation
Lastly, students should only attend online environmental science programs if the schools offering them are accredited. Accreditation by organizations like the HLC and SACSCOC is essential because it proves the programs are academically robust and trusted by employers.
If a school is not accredited, students should avoid it. Accredited universities are trustworthy, and employers will not care whether a student earns an online or in-person degree from them.
Associate’s Degree in Environmental Science Online
There are many high-quality environmental science degrees students can earn entirely online. Whether you’re after an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate-level degree, you can find what you’re looking for at various top schools.
Broward College
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Associate in Science in Environmental Science Technology
Duration: 1-2 years
Broward College offers a 100% online program to start a journey in environmental science. This specific degree prepares students to work with environmental science technology, including different software programs, measurement technologies and tools, and more.
In a 64-credit program, students must take six terms on average to complete. However, students can also achieve this degree at an accelerated pace if they take extra exams or transfer credits from other schools.
Furthermore, this program allows co-op and internship placements depending on student career goals. All students can spend up to nine credits on science electives to tailor their education to their needs.
Columbia College – MO
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Associate in Science in Environmental Studies
Duration: 1-2 years
Columbia College in Missouri also offers a high-quality associate degree in environmental science. This 60-credit-hour degree is 100% online and allows students to transfer qualifying credits from other institutions, provided students earned those credits with a grade of C or higher.
Fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Columbia College offers robust student support resources and affordable tuition overall. As a generalized environmental studies online program, it’s a perfect steppingstone degree on the path to a bachelor’s degree in the same field.
Seminole State College of Florida
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Associate in Arts in Environmental Studies
Duration: 1-2 years
Seminole State College of Florida offers a unique associate of arts degree for environmental studies majors. Although it is an associate of the arts, it is still a quality degree program comprising 60 credits overall.
Students can choose between 100% online classes, which are asynchronous, and remote classes. Virtual lectures are held at set times if students choose the latter option. These are excellent hybrid options for students who appreciate attending class simultaneously as others in their degree program.
This fully accredited program includes generalized and specialized classes on key environmental science topics.
Bachelor’s in Environmental Science Programs
A bachelor’s degree in environmental science will help you gain more in-depth and specific knowledge in the field. These degrees often allow the student to begin specializing and tailoring their studies to their specific interests.
Purdue University Global
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Bachelor of Environmental Science Policy and Management
Duration: 2-4 years
Purdue University Global is a popular online school that offers a bachelor’s degree in environmental science policy and management. It’s a 180-credit-hour curriculum divided into quarters. Therefore, students progress in the program at manageable paces.
Throughout the program, students will cover topics like environmental research methods, environmental management, social responsibility, and environmental policy and law. Graduates of the program will be well prepared to become specialists, scientists, and environmental compliance inspectors.
On top of that, students can take advantage of internship opportunities and preparation courses should they choose to complete licensure or certification programs later. Active-duty military personnel and their spouses can enjoy significant tuition discounts.
Penn State University
Accreditation: MSCHE
Program: Bachelor of Arts/Science in Energy and Sustainability Policy
Duration: 2-4 years
Pennsylvania State University’s worldwide or online campus offers a choice between a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in Energy and Sustainability Policy. These programs focus on questions regarding environmental sustainability in an era when nations and companies need as much energy as possible.
Both programs have 120 credit hours and cover the same general education classes. However, the bachelor of science program has students choose extra coursework more closely related to environmental science. The bachelor of arts program has students take courses on foreign languages and supporting coursework to understand the global culture and national energy needs better.
Students can take advantage of licensure or certification preparation classes and virtual internships at environmental science firms.
Columbia Southern University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management
Duration: 2-4 years
Columbia Southern University is a private college. It offers one of the best online bachelor’s degrees in environmental management available. With 120 credit hours in total, the curriculum covers essential topics such as environmental hazard remediation and mitigation. Furthermore, it includes a strong emphasis on how to apply vital technology to solve environmental issues.
All students gain in-depth knowledge on developing environmental support teams, understanding environmental theory, and using key sustainability technology. Graduates can choose from three different enrollment options. LifePace learning is perfect for working adults who need a part-time education solution. Term Enrollment or Veterans Flexible Enrollment are other options that offer flexibility and asynchronous work requirements.
All students, regardless of concentration or enrollment option, gain access to the dedicated Success Center. The center includes services like academic advising, digital library access, and remote proctoring.
American Public University System
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Duration: 2-4 years
The American Public University System’s bachelor’s degree in environmental science is a potentially generalized or specialized option. Students can select from concentrations in environmental technology management, sustainability, fish and wildlife management, or regional and community environmental planning.
Regardless, the program is 120 credit hours in total. Students will take and complete courses in topics like chemistry, soil science, environmental policy, and water science. All students must further complete a senior capstone course rather than complete a thesis project. Ultimately, it’s a well-rounded degree program that blends natural and social science education.
Current active-duty military members may benefit from a tuition discount from the Freedom Grant. This benefit also applies to National Guard members or military reservists currently using tuition assistance.
Online Master’s Environmental Science
An online master’s degree in environmental science will open up more career opportunities in the field of environmental science. These two-year degree programs focus the general knowledge of a bachelor’s degree and provide a deep dive into different facets of environmental science.
American Public University System
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Master of Science in Environmental Policy & Management
Duration: 2 Years
The American Public University System also offers a quality graduate degree in environmental science. This environmental policy and management degree is perfect for future leaders in the industry. It equips students with the skills and knowledge to champion environmental science policies and lead teams in this competitive arena.
All of the online materials for this program are available 24/7. Students are not bound by set login or lecture attendance times. Furthermore, programs begin every month, so students don’t have to worry about entrance exams.
With no application fee and affordable textbooks and e-books, American Public University System’s online master’s in environmental science is a top choice for managers in this field. All students choose a concentration for the program and choose from three end-of-program options to complete the degree, including a capstone project, thesis, or professional portfolio.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Master of Environmental Assessment
Duration: 2 years
North Carolina State University’s Raleigh campus offers online students a Master of Environmental Assessment degree. This program is intended for working professionals who want to advance their careers and seek out advanced studies on this topic.
It’s an excellent degree choice for students who don’t want careers in research. That’s because the curriculum prepares students to manage environmental risks posed by things like pollutants and naturally occurring yet potentially harmful substances.
Through classes on scientifically-based decision-making, students will be well-equipped to tackle the environmental testing and assessment problems of the future. Courses explicitly and thoroughly cover how to use science when drafting ecological policies and regulations and managing environments and ecosystems for maximum effect.
Scholarships
Students can bolster their academic options by investigating many different environmental science scholarships. Some of the essential scholarships to pursue include:
- The David E. Lumley Young Science Scholarship for Energy and Environmental Science
- The Dr. Wesley Eckenfelder, Jr. Scholarship
- The Earnest F. Hollings Scholarship Program
- The National Environmental Health Association and the American Academy of Sanitarians Scholarships
- The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
Environmental Science Licensing and Certification
Environmental scientists and researchers frequently have special licenses or certifications. Some of the above programs may allow students to earn these licenses or certifications, which can bolster their resumes or qualify them for advanced or specialized positions. A few of the most crucial environmental science certificates to earn include:
Environmental Science Degree Careers
Students can acquire a wide variety of jobs with an environmental science degree. Depending on one’s degree level, they may qualify for entry-level, advanced, or managerial level professions or positions.
Environmental Science Jobs
As an interdisciplinary field, environmental science jobs are highly diverse. Some example careers include:
- Conservation scientists. Conservation scientists work as foresters or other scientists who try to preserve natural lands. In addition, they may manage habitats for wildlife species.
- Environmental analysts. These specialists work in teams to ensure organizations and companies meet different ecological standards or regulations.
- Environmental scientists. Many of the scientists have PhDs or graduate degrees. They investigate how the environment changes and perform experiments to help other businesses or areas develop new solutions to environmental challenges.
- Environmental advocates. These individuals advocate for new environmental regulations and reforms like political scientists.
- Lawyers. In commendation with a Juris Doctorate, these professionals master environmental law and make legal changes to ensure conservation measures pass.
- Cartographers or surveyors. Such professionals map and measure the earth’s surface for business or exploratory purposes.
Environmental Science Salary
Because environmental scientists can hold many positions, their salaries can vary massively.
For example, environmental scientists earn approximately $76,530 per year. Meanwhile, environmental science and protection technicians earn about $47,370 annually. (Note that this is an entry-level job in the field).
Conservation foresters earn $63,750 per year on average. Environmental engineers make significantly more at an average salary of $96,820 annually. Those environmental science degree holders who become lawyers earn upwards of $127,000 annually.
Generally, the higher degree one has, the more money they can make in their career.
Career Outlook & Growth Potential
All environmental science professions will likely grow in the near future, given the public focus on eco-friendliness and the necessity for new environmental science developments. The BLS indicates that environmental science and specialist employment should grow by 8% through 2030.
Are Environmental Scientists and Specialists Similar Professions?
Yes. In some cases, they may be precisely the same profession. Environmental scientists and specialists do the same things and are frequently employed by the same organizations.
However, environmental scientists may also exclusively do research projects or collect data. Specialists can do a wide range of things like:
- Monitor the environment for developments.
- Help carry out plans formed by environmental scientists.
- Work hard to preserve environments or local ecologies.
The difference depends on the organization and the job duties specified for a given position.
Professional Organizations
Those interested in environmental science may benefit from contacting or joining specific professional organizations. These organizations allow scientists to network with each other, which can make the job hunt after graduation much more manageable or successful.
FAQs
Can you get an environmental science degree online?
Yes. Students can earn quality environmental science degrees online and 100% asynchronously.
Is an online environmental science degree worth it?
Yes, provided one wants to work in this field. Environmental science degrees may also qualify students for professions in similar areas like environmental advocacy or renewable energy.
What degree is best for environmental science?
An environmental science degree or sustainability degree is best to acquire any job in the environmental science industry.
Is environmental science a hard degree?
Yes. Environmental science degrees usually require a good working knowledge of scientific principles and math.
What can you do with an environmental science degree?
Graduates can become environmental scientists, engineers, advocates, analysts, specialists, and many other potential professions.
Conclusion
All in all, environmental science degrees are available online and in incredible variety. Students interested in this career field should examine the above degrees and more. Check out GetEducated’s list of the top online schools for more information!