Online Environmental Science Degree Programs

An accredited online environmental science degree offers a variety of career options, which include working in the office, being out in the field, or working in the lab.

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field which integrates biological and physical and sciences ( physics, chemistry, biology, soil science, geology, and geography) to the study of the environment, and solutions of environmental issues. Environmental scientists are experts in various areas including protecting the environment, locating natural resources, and predicting geologic and natural hazards. Environmental science is defined as the study of chemical, biological, and physical aspects of the environment interacting together. A degree in environmental science provides an interdisciplinary and quantitative approach to examining ecosystems. It covers topics that include biodiversity, conservation, soil science, hydrology, climate change, waste management, sustainable development and resources, air and noise pollution, and responsible use of natural resources. Courses in online environmental science degree programs also include research, creative problem solving, activism and responsible citizenship.

Search for Online Environmental Management Degree Programs

Locate Environmental Science Degree Programs in your area

Selected Online Environmental Science Degree Programs

Walden University

• Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Sustainable Futures
• Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities (Mixed-Model)
• Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities (Course-Based)

Kaplan University - Online

• Advanced Start B.S. in Environmental Policy and Management
• B.S. in Environmental Policy and Management

South University

• Master of Business Administration - Sustainability

Colorado Technical University Online

• Master of Business Administration - Environmental and Social Sustainability

• BA/Health Care Studies - Environmental Science
• BA/Social Science - Environmental Science
• BA/Organizational Management - Environmental Science

Columbia Southern University

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Management
• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health / Fire Science
• Master of Science in Occupational Safety Health / Environmental Management

Both environmental science degrees and environmental engineering are often interdisciplinary in nature an may include courses in geology, oceanography, earth science, environmental management, public policy, biology, chemistry, geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) technology etc.

Many online environmental science degree programs, including environmental science graduate programs such as the PhD environmental studies and the also require students to take courses in statistics, and computer technology related courses depending on whether you are working toward a master's degree in environmental science or bachelor's degree in environmental studies. The environmental science masters degree has a greater emphasis on science subjects for example chemistry, biology, physics and earth science. On the other hand, environmental studies degrees focus more on the nature of environmental issues and related social problems.

Environmental scientists are also in demand to help analyze and help rectify the effect of human actions on the ecosystems. Many students opt to pursue a degree in environmental studies concurrently with a masters or bachelor degree in public policy, management, economics, political science, or landscape architecture.

Environmental Studies Careers

Environmental management professionals work for non-profit environmental agencies, private engineering companies, and government agencies where they may be involved with tasks that can include investigating companies that violate environmental preservation laws and regulations as well as working on reversing the effects of poor environmental practices such as pollution and deforestation. Environmental scientists are also involved with managerial positions in policy formation and conservation.

• Coastal Management Studies
• Ecology Studies
• Environmental / Ecological Design
• Environmental Education
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Policy
• Environmental Studies
• Forestry Studies
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Geography
• Hydrologists
• Geology / Geosciences
• Marine Sciences
• Natural Resource Management
• Wildlife Studies
• Fire Science Studies

A majority of environmental scientists especially those with an environmental management masters degree work in federal, state, and local government positions and the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that job opportunities for environmental managers and environmental technology specialists will increase faster than other related engineering field.

As the public develops more awareness of global warming, pollution, and corporate responsibility, governments will continue to be more assertive on ensuring best environmental practices. Hence, there the need for more qualified environmental management graduates and environmental engineering students will continue to increase and the demand for online environmental science degree graduates will increase, especially the environmental science master degree for environmental management positions.

In the U.S. entry level positions with an environmental science degree online start off with an average salary of about $38,000. Experienced environmental can earn about $77,000 per year, depending on the area of specialty. The average annual income is around $61,000 for conservation scientists. Forestry and conservation employees make about $29,000 while logging employees make about $32,460. Employment for environmental scientists, including those with an online environmental science degree is expected to grow by 25% over the next ten years.