We will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to address today’s pressing environmental issues, such as pollution and climate change, in creative and long-lasting ways. You will participate in the process of generating new scientific knowledge with our passionate and experienced professors, which will ultimately empower you to have an influence on a world that is changing quickly.
Online Environmental Science Degrees
With a broad and useful skill set in science, communication, critical thinking, and leadership, an online bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Arizona equips you to take on any problem affecting our air, water, and land systems.
To help prospective students make the best decisions regarding their degree, our ranking list of the top online environmental degrees gives preference to universities with high Salary Scores and substantial online enrollment. For additional information about our list, view our approach or read about OnlineU. If cost is your main concern, look into the most reasonably priced environmental science degrees.
1. Columbia Southern University
Students interested in environmental hazard reduction and remediation can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management degree at Columbia Southern University (CSU). The goal of this curriculum is to build strong teams with an environmental focus by teaching students how to apply theory and technology to environmental concerns. Courses such as Interactions of Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Waste Management, and Pollution Prevention are examples. Students at CSU graduate prepared for professional-level positions in the environmental sciences sector thanks to their extensive study of environmental theory and technology.
Why we like them: A plethora of resources are available to online learners, such as academic advice to direct their educational path, help with writing and math from the Success Center, and the ability to take exams conveniently with remote proctoring. Additionally, they can enjoy the convenience of a digital library, granting them access to valuable resources for research and study.
2. Southern New Hampshire University Online
Students interested in a career as environmental scientists or climate change advocates can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The bachelor’s program in environmental science aims to provide students with the knowledge and abilities needed to address a wide range of environmental issues.
The SNHU Arboretum, a 25-acre forested wetland, offers undergraduate research opportunities and educational programs to online learners. A variety of subjects are covered in the courses, including grant writing, citizen science, and animal behaviour. Bachelor’s degree holders from SNHU can pursue jobs as park rangers, conservation land managers, and environmental health and safety specialists, to mention a few.
Why we like them: Biology, chemistry, and other natural and physical sciences are included in SNHU’s environmental science department, and physics, with real-world scientific lab work. Custom lab kits are mailed to distance learners.
3. American Public University System
For students interested in a variety of concentration options, such as sustainability, environmental technology and management, fish and wildlife management, and regional and community environmental planning, the American Public University System (APUS) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program. Using a combination of science, policy, and management, this environmental science program teaches students about general biology, general chemistry, soil science, water science, environmental policy, and more.
Both the scientific and social sciences are covered in the coursework. Students also have to finish a senior capstone course. Graduates of the curriculum may pursue professions in management, policy, research, or other fields due to its broad nature.
Why we like them: The Freedom Grant is an honour established by APUS for active duty military personnel, members of the National Guard, and Reservists who are using tuition assistance to pay for their education.
4. University of Wisconsin – River Falls
The University of Wisconsin – River Falls (UWRF) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management program that allows students to study environmental sustainability. This 123-credit program consists of 20 courses totalling 63 major credits that combine business knowledge with sustainable environmental science.
Required courses include Organizational Behavior and Sustainability, Economics in Society and Sustainability, and Energy for Sustainable Management are part of the program. After graduation, people can pursue careers in environmental consultancy, trash management, and community involvement.
Why we like them: The sustainability program at UWRF provides its students with networking opportunities and access to useful professional resources. Due to the school’s partnerships with well-known environmental groups, students get access to a robust professional network and career guidance. This safety net makes sure that graduates are well-equipped to pursue successful and meaningful careers in sustainability.
5. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability program for students who are interested in sustainability. The three pillars of sustainability that are the emphasis of this degree are profit, planet, and people. Students will take courses in systems thinking, sustainable cities, and future thinking and strategies within this framework.
Students must arrange for internships at ASU’s College of Global Futures to gain real-world experience. Graduates can look for work as park rangers, sustainability experts, and analysts of climate change.
Why we like them: You have the freedom to select the area of sustainability that you want to concentrate on in your curriculum, which makes it easier to match your postsecondary education to your ideal career path. The following tracks are available: (1) Sustainability and Society; (2) Policy and Governance in Sustainable Systems; (3) International Development in Sustainability, and (4) Sustainable Urban Dynamics.
Degree Requirements
The normal requirements for a bachelor’s degree in environmental science are 120–124 credit hours. Part-time students could require more time to finish their degree requirements than full-time students, who typically need four to five years. Much as in other bachelor’s degree programs, general education courses like political science, literature, and algebra will make up around half of the obligatory courses. The remaining courses can be chosen by the student. Topics related to environmental science are covered in the remaining courses.
The curriculum for environmental science frequently includes lab classes that need students to perform research and experiments in person or digitally. Certain programs call for a capstone project in addition to several forms of fieldwork.
An internship is another requirement for many bachelor’s degree programs in environmental science, providing students with practical experience in the subject. Before applying for internships, students should think about the kind of work they want to do after graduation so that their work experience would be relevant to their future aspirations. Students who are inclined toward careers in science or research, for example, might like to work for a government agency that specializes in environmental science, while those who are more interested in public policy work might like to intern at a nonprofit or environmental law firm.
Courses
Majors in environmental science study a variety of topics that examine scientific methods and procedures. Undergraduate courses frequently place more emphasis on real-world applications than on theory and conceptual frameworks. Additionally, coursework is meant to support students in acquiring critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The following are some of the most typical courses in an environmental science program:
- Chemistry or Geochemistry
Environmental science chemistry courses are advanced classes that concentrate more specifically on the chemical sources, reactions, and consequences found in soil, water, and air. Geochemistry, or the chemical makeup of the rocks and minerals on Earth, may also be included in some courses.
- Climate Change
One of the most essential courses for an environmental science degree program is this one. Assignments examine scientific future estimates and provide proof of climate change. In addition to the effects of humans on the environment, topics covered include dendroclimatology, weather patterns, and tide rhythms.
- Energy and Sustainability
This course examines how ecology, engineering, and even economics interact with environmental science. Students examine the quickly running out of natural resources and the different ways to solve the issues that need to be resolved to keep life on Earth going. Two of the most significant subjects covered in the course are thermodynamics and the hunt for renewable fuel sources.
- Environmental Measurement
In a typical environmental science program, this can be one of the more technical classes. Coursework is intended to offer students practical experience with this crucial equipment, which are necessary for measuring wind, air pressure, and rainfall. These instruments are delicate and must be handled carefully. Additionally, some students might get practice using and interpreting satellite photos that are useful for tracking significant changes in the environment over time.
Specializations in Environmental Science
The field of environmental science is broad and intricate, with numerous subfields of study. Atmospheric sciences, ecology, environmental chemistry, geosciences, and social sciences are the five main subfields of environmental science. Nonetheless, a lot of online degree programs in environmental science advise students to further focus their attention by choosing one of the following concentrations:
- Conservation Biology
Students who pursue this emphasis gain knowledge on how to preserve and restore biodiversity using scientific methods. Topics including overcrowding, pollution, habitat loss, climate change, and overharvesting are covered in coursework. The program is created to equip students with the skills necessary to create workable solutions and get over common roadblocks, such as biological, societal, and economic difficulties.
- Environmental Policy
This focus may be of interest to students who are interested in environmental regulations and public policy. Studying business sustainability, biodiversity, and climate change are common course topics. Students learn about politics, law, ethics, and environmental health through case studies.
- Fish and Wildlife Management
The goal of this emphasis is to give students the information and abilities necessary to preserve and improve biological variety in fish and other species. Wildlife ecology and biology are studied by online learners. They also learn about potential approaches to managing prevalent diseases among these populations, resolving conflicts between wildlife and humans, and restoring fish and wildlife populations and their ecosystems.
- Forest Ecology
Because they can prevent climate change, provide clean water, support biodiversity, and produce valuable goods for human use, forests are considered to be among our most significant resources. Students enrolled in this emphasis receive instruction in land protection, sustainable forest management, forest ecology, and the economics and policy surrounding natural resources.
Applying for an Environmental Science Degree Online
The length of the admissions process varies based on the school and application format. Prospective environmental science students must, however, submit their applications as early as November of the year before the fall semester in which they intend to begin attending college, for many of the more selective universities. While most colleges tell students of their acceptance on March 1, some have deadlines of January 1.
The procedures for applying to colleges also differ based on the institution, although many four-year universities ask candidates to submit an online application and the following materials:
- Official high school or GED transcripts, usually with a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Satisfactory scores on college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT
- A personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, supervisors, or other mentors
- A resume or list of extracurricular activities, jobs, and volunteer activities, including any awards or honours
Conclusion
Whether a degree program will prepare you for the career you choose is maybe the most crucial factor to take into account. You might want to think about other STEM degrees and occupations, or environmental science might be the perfect major for you. Make sure the program prepares you for advanced study if you intend to continue to graduate school and make sure it provides the specialization that most interests you.
Selecting a recognized school is also crucial. Through the accreditation process, accredited organizations assess and verify that a college or university satisfies national criteria for academic rigour and quality about all of its programs, faculty, buildings, and services. enrollment in a program with accreditation is often necessary for you to be eligible for federal financial aid, transfer credits, and possibly even get accepted into a graduate school. A current list of recognized colleges is provided by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Distinguishes Ecology from Environmental Science?
- Environmental science encompasses several disciplines, including environmental engineering and studies. Ecology is one of them. Ecology is the study of living things and their relationships with their surroundings. Ecology is included in environmental science, which also addresses problem identification and solution development related to environmental issues like pollution and climate change.
With a degree in environmental science, what can you do?
- Graduates with an environmental science degree can pursue a variety of job routes depending on their interests and preferences because environmental science is such a vast, multidisciplinary field. Jobs in environmental science are available in both the public and private sectors, in small and big nonprofit organizations, and in urban and rural areas. For instance, some graduates could wish to work as scientists in the field or in labs, while others might want to practice law and influence environmental policy.
Why Is Environmental Science Important?
- The importance of environmental science is growing as the world’s population rises and natural resources are depleted. Critical issues like climate change, a lack of clean water sources, and the extinction of species that are vital to ecosystems all over the world have been brought about by these changing variables. Environmental scientists are required to develop policies intended to safeguard the earth and all of its inhabitants, as well as to provide sustainable alternatives.