Best Online Masters in Environmental Science Programs

Overview

Part of the City University of New York (CUNY) System, Queens College is a liberal arts school. It offers over 120 academic programs at all degree levels to its 18,000 students. Campus is marked by its many research facilities and cultural centers, among them the Center for Health and the Environment.

Features

Queens MA in Geological and Environmental Science program is perfect for those who want to primarily concentrate on geological aspects of climate change. Though, there are also many ways to specialize (see below), and each track fully prepares students for rewarding careers in research.

Notables

Queens College boasts many awards and recognitions.The Princeton Reviewcalls it one of Americas Best Colleges. As doesForbes. U.S. News World Reportranks it among the top 10 best regional universities in the North.

Overview

Tufts University is located in Medford, Massachusetts. It is private research university that is organized into ten colleges. Nearly 12,000 combined undergraduate and graduate students attend Tufts.

Features

Tufts School of Engineering offers a Masters in Environmental Policy and Planning degree. This program trains students to become leaders in the development of environmental sustainable communities. The Tufts curriculum covers everything from social justice to policy, governance, and design through classes such as:

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Tufts is unique in its emphasis on public service, multiculturalism, and study abroad programming. Among the many research facilities on the Tufts campus, the University is also home to the renowned Museum of Fines Arts and the Barnum Museum of Natural History.

Overview

The University of Virginia (UVA) is located in Charlottesville. It is the flagship campus for the Commonwealth of Virginia and a research-based university. More than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend UVA.

Features

UVAs Department of Environmental Sciences provides students a couple ways to earn an advanced degree in environmental studies, through either the MS or the MA program. While the MA degree focuses on law, teaching, and public policy, the MS degree focuses more on the hard sciences. Both, however, let you concentrate in an specific area of environmental science:

Notables

UVA is a renowned leader in science-based research and education. In fact, much of its research funding comes from such agencies as the Air Force, NASA, the National Science Foundation, and others.U.S. News World Reportranks UVA 25th among all national universities.

Overview

UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) is one of ten members in the wider University of California System. It is a public, research school organized into five colleges. Nearly 25,000 students attend UCSB.

Features

For those who want to work on leadership development, UCSB offers a Master of Environmental Science and Management program. This two-year program gives students both a theoretical foundation as well as hands-on learning experience through the Eco-Entrepreneurship Project. Plus, there are more than half a dozen ways to specialize, in

Notables

UCSB is a Public Ivy university and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. It is well ranked byU.S. News World Report, Kiplinger, Money Magazine, The Daily Beast, and much more. UCSB is known for its research in engineering, computer science, history, and environmental science, among others.

Overview

A liberal-arts based college located in Middletown Connecticut, Wesleyan University is home to around 3,200 students. The University is organized into several distinct colleges that provide undergraduate and graduate degrees in a range of fields. But perhaps most highly regarded is the College of the Environment.

Features

Wesleyans MA in Earth and Environmental Sciences focuses on geology, volcanology, ocean science, and planetary science. This program is fully-funded with a tuition waiver, stipend, and benefits. Some of the classes youll take while at Wesleyan include:

Notables

U.S. News World Reportranks Wesleyan 21st among all liberal arts colleges.Washington Monthlyplaces the University at 11th. In addition to these accolades, Wesleyan is known for its high turnout of Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, and Fulbright Scholars.

Overview

Bard College is situated between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains in New York. It is a small liberal arts school with approximately 2,000 students. Though the College has dozens of programs and affiliate campuses throughout the country and world.

Features

Bard College offers a MS in Environmental Policy program that brings together core aspects of economics, natural science, law, and policy. Through this multidisciplinary program students gain a broad understanding of the relationship between the physical sciences and its social influences. Classes include:

Notables

The Bard campus is a National Historic Landmark marked by many renowned research facilities, such as the Bard Center for Environmental Policy. And, in fact,Travel Leisurehas named the Bard campus as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. Finally,U.S. News World Reportranks Bard among the top 50 best liberal arts schools in the nation.

Overview

The College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) System. It is located in Syracuse, New York with around 2,000 students. The College specializes in environmental and natural resource studies.

Features

What better place to earn an advanced degree in environmental science then at a college that specializes in it? ESFs masters degree is a two-year program organized into three areas: the social sciences, natural and physical science, and methodology and research skills. Further, ESF gives students nearly a dozen ways to specialize, in:

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SUNY ESF is considered byPetersons to be one of the leading schools in the nation for environmental science research. The College maintains a close research-based relationship with Syracuse University. And it oversees several land properties, in the Adirondack Park, the Thousand Islands, Costa Rica, and more.

Overview

The main campus (UMN) in the greater University of Minnesota System is based in the Twin Cities. Comprised of nearly 20 colleges and schools, UMN has over 50,000 students. The University is known for its research initiatives in the areas of economics, environmental science, public health, and more.

Features

UMN offers a Master of Science in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy degree. This program covers a spread of issues facing the natural world, from urbanization to disruptive technologies. This interdisciplinary program integrates science with public policy and community action, and it offers five formal research areas, in:

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A top producer of Nobel Prize winners, UMN is a flagship university and a Public Ivy. It is ranked among the top 100 universities in the nation byU.S. News World Report. And it is globally well-ranked as well, byTimes Higher Education, U.S. News, ARWU, and more.

Overview

Located in the states Upper Peninsula town of Houghton, Michigan Technological University is a leader in STEM research and education. Though originally founded as an engineering college, Michigan Tech now offers dozens of highly regarded degrees in business, forestry, technology, and more. Approximately 7,000 students attend.

Features

Though operating under a different name, this Master of Geographic Information Science program is nearly synonymous with an environmental science program. Thats because this degree will prepare you to manage forest lands, plan urban growth, oversee precision farming, preserve wetlands, and improve wildlife habitats. Some classes you might take while at Michigan Tech include:

Notables

Michigan Tech is included onThe Princeton Reviewsannual ranking the Best in the Midwest. Likewise, the University is well ranked byForbes, U.S. News World Report,andWashington Monthly.

Overview

The Davis campus within the wider UC System is a research university based outside of Sacramento. It is one of the largest universities in the UC System, with over 36,000 students. More than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs are offered at UC Davis.

Features

Offered through the John Muir Institute of the Environment, the MS in Environmental Policy and Management program at UC Davis combines the technical and scientific concepts behind environmental science. This is an ideal program for those students interested in applying an engineering model to sustainability. Classes youll take at UC Davis include:

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UC Davis is a Public Ivy and ranked 46th among all national universities byU.S. News World Report. Many of Davis colleges and programs are also individually well-ranked. The ecology, agriculture, biology, and environmental science programs, for instance, are some of the best in the nation.

Overview

Iowa State University was founded as a science and technology college. It is still strong in the those disciplines, but today offers more than 200 degree programs. Approximately 36,000 students attend this renowned research university. Iowa State is located in Ames, Iowa.

Features

Through Iowa States environmental science program you will become proficient in data analysis, quantitative assessment, and in communicating research findings. Most students take two-and-a-half years to finish this program and have gone to earn a PhD or find work in the field. You can concentrate in a number of areas too:

Notables

Iowa State is both a flagship university and a land and space-grant institution. It is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and a nationally and globally ranked university.

Overview

Humboldt State University is based in Arcata, California. Idyllically located, campus is situated between a Redwood forest and the Pacific Ocean. Humboldt State is organized into three colleges and has more than 8,500 students.

Features

Humboldt State offers a MS in Natural Resources degree that is markedly interdisciplinary. Meaning, as a student you will not only establish an academic foundation in environmental science. Youll also have four ways to specialize:

Notables

Humboldt State is both nationally and regionally ranked byU.S. News World Report, Forbes,andWashington Monthly. Distinctively, it has been recognized as one of the Best Western Colleges and for being among the best Colleges with a Conscience (both noted byThe Princeton Review).

Overview

Founded as an agricultural college, the University of Vermont (UVM) maintains those roots as a land-grant university. UVM is a public research-based school located in Burlington. Approximately 12,000 students attend UVM.

Features

At the University of Vermont you will have the unique opportunity to earn a dual degree through the Master of Environmental Law and Policy/Master of Science in Natural Resources program.

This degree integrates law, policy, and the natural sciences. Students therefore graduate ready for more advanced education or to go into environmental law. Some of the classes youll take at UVM include:

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UVM is a Public Ivy and one of the nations oldest schools. It is ranked among the top 100 best universities in the nation byU.S. News World Report. Likewise,Forbescalls UVM one of Americas Top Colleges.

Overview

The St. Petersburg campus within the greater University of South Florida system (USFSP) is situated right next to the Tampa Bay waterfront. It is organized into three colleges, in business, education, and the arts and sciences. Around 5,000 students attend USFSP.

Features

USFSP offers a MS in Environmental Science and Policy program that introduces students to the relationship between the social and natural sciences. Students study solutions to crucial problems brought on by human impacts on the environment. They also learn how to protect and manage depleted natural resources despite population growth and economic instability. USFSP offers two tracks for specialized study:

Notables

USF St. Petersburg is known for its programs of distinction. For example, it offers graduate degrees in Florida Studies, and it boasts a highly regarded environmental science department. The University has a whole is ranked 66th among all colleges and universities in the South.

Overview

The University of North Texas (UNT) is located in Denton. Its program specialities are in engineering, public policy, and the natural and social sciences. UNT is organized into a dozen colleges and schools. Nearly 40,000 students attend.

Features

There are two ways to earn a MS in Environmental Science degree at UNT. You can either enroll in the research-track, which requires a rigorous class load plus seminars and a thesis. Or you can enroll in the non-thesis track, which is primarily for those interested in government or industry careers. Both provide a sturdy foundation in environmental science through classes such as:

Notables

UNT is a nationally and globally ranked university, as are several of its individual departments and schools. In addition to these academic accolades, UNT is known for its community service and programming. For example, UNT runs a math and science academy for high schoolers.

Overview

Western Washington University (WWU) is located in Bellingham, Washington. It is a public school comprised of more than 15,000 students. WWU is organized into more than half a dozen colleges and schools, including its renowned Huxley College of the Environment.

Features

At Western Washington University you will learn how to analyze and oversee environmental changes through the MS in Environmental Science degree. You will also get to utilize cutting-edge technology in and out of the classroom while being trained on the evaluation, management, remediation, and restoration of ecosystems. The WWU program comes with four specializations, in:

Notables

WWU is ranked among the top public universities in the Pacific Northwest. It is also known for producing some of the highest numbers of Peace Corps volunteers. And the Huxley College of the Environment was the nations first ever College founded specifically for the study of the environment.

Overview

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is one of the most affordable programs on our list. It is also a research-driven university known for its work in the areas of biological science. But there are also more than 150 degree programs UTEP, spanning the academic spectrum.

Features

The graduate Environmental Science program at UTEP trains scientists to address environmental problems from at local to international levels. This is an interdisciplinary program that integrates a range of sciences, from ecology and economics to oceanography and even history. Plus, there are a diverse array of classes you can take at UTEP. Just a sampling includes:

Notables

The National Science Foundation recently recognized UTEP as a Model Institution for Excellence. UTEP is only one of six in the country with such a prestigious designation. Additionally, UTEP is well ranked byU.S. News World Report, Forbes,andWashington Monthly.

Overview

The Plattsburgh campus in the wider SUNY system is a liberal arts college. It has nearly 6,000 students enrolled in one of its 60 academic programs. Because SUNY Plattsburgh was founded as a teachers college, the University is notably strong in its education department. Likewise, it is also strong in the areas of natural science, journalism, and more.

Features

At SUNY Plattsburgh you have a lot of leeway when it comes to program design. This Professional Masters in Environmental Science degree brings together natural science, policy and management, and leadership. Within those cores, you can choose from among a wide range of class options. For example:

Notables

SUNY Plattsburgh is home to the Plattsburgh College Foundation. This organization raises funds and redistributes them through student financial aid. This Foundation has improved student lives in a direct, monetary way as well as through improvements in campus technology and services.

Overview

Located in Pensacola, the University of West Florida (UWF) is part of the State University System of Florida. It is a research-based university and a space-grant institution. Around 13,000 students are enrolled in one of the UWFs five colleges or schools.

Features

The MS in Environmental Science program at UWF is unparalleled in its research opportunities. Students, whether they enroll in the the thesis or non-thesis track, are fully prepared to work in both the private and public research sectors of the environmental fields. Of the seven ways to specialize, you can concentrate in:

Notables

The University of West Florida is a well-decorated school with a number of awards and recognitions to its name. For example, its business, engineering, and natural science programs are among the best in the nation. And, as a whole, the university is included on the national rankings put out byU.S. News World Report.

Overview

The University of Idaho is the oldest public institution in Idaho. Offering more than 150 academic degrees, UI is Idahos flagship, land-grant, and premier research University. UI is located in Moscow, Idaho.

Features

The MS in Environmental Science degree at the University of Idaho is notably hands on. In addition to completing 30 semester hours, students are expected to actively participate in seminar presentations plus substantial independent projects. Graduates have gone on to become:

Notables

UI is nationally ranked byForbes, U.S. News World Report,Payscale, The Princeton Review,andWashington Monthly. It is considered a Public Ivy. And it is one of the nations best schools for social mobility.

Overview

Stony Brook University is a sea and space-grant, research-based university. Approximately 20,000 students attend the University. Stony Brook is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) System.

Features

Stony Brook offers a Master of Professional Studies degree that can be combined with a concentration in Environmental Management. This is an interdisciplinary program that blends social sciences with professional development, environmental issues with policy and politics. Classes include:

Notables

Stony Brook is one of only ten national universities to be awarded a National Science Foundation award for the integration of research and education. It is also a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. And it is a known producer of Nobel Prize winners.

Overview

The Corpus Christi campus within in the sprawling Texas AM University System is located on Ward Island in Texas Oso Bay. It offers more than 50 academic programs through its five colleges and schools. Approximately 12,000 students attend TAMU in Corpus Christi.

Features

TAMU in Corpus Christi is an ideal place to earn a MS in Environmental Science degree. Students have access to labs, field experiences, specialty classes, the Natural Resource Center, and so much more. This program will train you to design solutions to current and future environmental issues. Classes cover:

Notables

TAMU in Corpus Christi is a highly regarded research university. Campus is marked with several renowned research facilities and centers, such as the Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science, the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, and the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence and Innovation.

Overview

The Hilo campus within the wider University of Hawaii System (UH Hilo) was first founded as a professional and vocational school. Today, though, it offers 35 academic programs to its 3,000 students. UH Hilo is organized into six schools, one of which is the highly regarded College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management.

Features

UH Hilo offers a unique graduate program for those who want to specialize in the biological aspects of sustainability: a MS in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science degree. This program takes advantage of Hawaiis complex ecosystems to give students in-depth training on the biological, physical, and cultural relationships within preservation.

Notables

UH Hilo is included among the top 20 best public universities in the nation byU.S. News World Report. Similarly, the Universitys strongest programs are in marine science, volcanology, astronomy, and Hawaiian Studies.

Overview

California State University in Fullerton (CSUF) is the largest university in the wider Cal State System. It has more than 40,000 students enrolled in one of its 110 degree programs. CSUF is organized into eight colleges.

Features

The MS in Environmental Studies program at Cal State Fullerton gives students two ways to earn their degree: through the Environmental Sciences and Technology Track or the Environment and Society Track. Whichever route you take, this program will give you a strong foundation in environmental analysis, protection, and research methodology. Classes include:

Notables

Cal State Fullerton is designated a Hispanic-serving university. It is ranked first in the state and fifth in the nation for serving underrepresented students. The University is also nationally and globally ranked byForbes, U.S. News World Report, andWashington Monthly.

Overview

The University of Wisconsin in Green Bay specializes in sustainability and environmental studies. Indeed, its academics, research facilities, and extracurricular programs are geared toward eco-consciousness. Around 7,000 students attend UW Green Bay.

Features

The MS in Environmental Science and Policy program at UW Green Bay prepares students for careers in scientific, technical, or administrative settings. Students gain a broad understanding of current environmental issues as well as its political, social, and cultural implications. There are four ways to specialize at UW Green Bay, in:

Notables

The University is home to many illustrious research centers and initiatives. Among them, the Environmental Management and Business Institute, the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity, the Sustainable Learning Community, and more.U.S. News World Reportincludes UW Green Bay among the top 100 best universities in its region.