Most Affordable Master's In Environmental Management Degrees

A ranking of the best master's in environmental management degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated February 9, 2023

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We have only one earth. Help save it with one of the nation’s best master’s in environmental management degrees!

Are you passionate about conservation and fighting the societal causes of natural degradation? Do you envision yourself leading equally passionate and talented teams? Do you want to a part of making our planet sustainable?

Then an advanced degree in environmental management may be for you!

What kind of master’s in environmental management degree should you get?

Though all these programs will provide a foundation in environmental science, each varies in emphasis. For example, while Penn offers an MBA in environmental and risk management degree Oklahoma State University offers a broad environmental science degree wherein you can specialize in management.

Here at College Choice we’ve explained the ins and outs of each program to help you find your best fit!

Something else to consider while you look through graduate programs is online education. Distance degrees are an affordable and flexible way to advance your career.

With that said, be sure to check out College Choice’s Best Online Colleges and Universities.

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How much money do people make with a master’s degree in environmental management?

An advanced degree in environmental management has many rewards, saving the planet among them. But you will also benefit from a stable and lucrative career.

For example, environmental scientists make nearly $70,000 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And with added experience, such as that gained from a master’s degree, that number grows. Natural science managers make around $118,00 a year!

What can you do with a master’s degree in environmental management?

When you earn a master’s degree in environmental management you’re telling future employers two important things: that you are a dynamic leader who can inspire teams of people and you’re passionate about conservation.

These valuable traits open up many doors for you. Those who’ve earned a degree from one of these 10 programs below have gone on to find rewarding careers as:

What are the requirements for a master’s environmental management degree?

These 10 master’s degrees in environmental management vary (sometimes dramatically) in structure and requirement. Though most are two-years and all will fully prepare you for a career in conservation.

In your first year you can anticipate a curriculum that provides a foundation in environmental science fundamentals. This may mean classes on ecology and environmental policy. Then in your second year you will specialize through either a formal concentration or through electives.

Many of the programs require capstone projects, research involvement, and internship experience. We’ve been sure to note which programs require what.

What are the best master’s in environmental management degrees?

While some of these degrees are offered through Ivy League liberal arts schools and others through elite research universities, they all share one thing in common: they are the nation’s best master’s in environmental management programs.

To determine the top 10 best programs we applied an exhaustive methodology to our research. We first compiled a list of all programs nationwide. Then we narrowed it down by calculating crucial factors such as academic reputation, student retention, tuition costs, and graduates’ salaries.

Our extensive research led us to the nation’s best master’s in environmental management programs.

Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Top Master's in Environmental Management Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Master’s In Environmental Management Degrees

Stanford University

  • Stanford, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students interested in career advancement can earn their environmental management master's degree at Stanford University. The private university offers programs on its Stanford campus and online options designed for degree-seekers who require additional flexibility. During the environmental management program, learners build on their undergraduate knowledge to gain an advanced understanding of environmental management.

Master's candidates benefit from the university's support services, which include academic and career services. For example, financial aid counselors connect students with grant and scholarship opportunities. Master's degree-seekers also take advantage of tutoring centers, library services, and service learning opportunities.

Stanford University at a Glance:

Total Master's Programs: 89

Total Online Master's Programs: 11

Admission Rate: 4%

Graduation Rate: 94%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 5-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $52,479

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $52,479

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $92,800

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,857
Out-of-state
$52,857
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$52,479
Out-of-state
$52,479
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
4%
Students Enrolled
17,249
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
5% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 Most Affordable Master’s In Environmental Management Degrees

University of Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Pennsylvania prepares graduates for career advancement in its master's in international environmental management program. From its Philadelphia campus, the private institution offers graduate programs in several enrollment formats, including online options designed for working professionals. During the program, learners gain an advanced understanding of international environmental management topics while strengthening their skills.

Master's candidates rely on the school's support services to make progress toward their degree. Academic advisors help with course selections, while financial aid counselors recommend grants and scholarships to pay for a master's degree. Master's degree-seekers also participate in training events, networking opportunities, and tutoring sessions.

University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:

Total Master's Programs: 141

Total Online Master's Programs: 3

Admission Rate: 8%

Graduation Rate: 96%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 6-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $36,254

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $36,254

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $91,200

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$51,156
Out-of-state
$51,156
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$36,254
Out-of-state
$36,254
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
8%
Students Enrolled
26,675
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Most Affordable Master’s In Environmental Management Degrees

Yale University

  • New Haven, CT
  • 4 years
  • Campus

The master of environmental management at Yale University offers an affordable, rigorous option for graduate learners. Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in the MEM program. Candidates benefit from flexible learning options, which make it easier to work while enrolling in graduate school.

The master's curriculum balances theoretical and practical approaches to environmental management, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of the field. Internships and other hands-on learning opportunities apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Faculty advisors help learners choose electives and concentrations to specialize their environmental management education.

Yale University at a Glance:

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

School Type: Private

Admission Rate: 6%

Graduate Tuition In State: $43,300

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $43,300

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 64%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,500
Out-of-state
$55,500
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$43,300
Out-of-state
$43,300
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
6%
Students Enrolled
13,609
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
0% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#4 Most Affordable Master’s In Environmental Management Degrees

University of California, Santa Barbara

  • Santa Barbara, CA
  • 4 years
  • Campus

University of California, Santa Barbara offers a master of environmental science and management for students seeking career advancement. From its Santa Barbara campus, the public institution enrolls degree-seekers in a variety of programs, including some with online delivery formats. During the MESM program, learners take graduate-level courses in environmental science and management to enhance their understanding of the field.

Whether enrolled online or on campus, master's candidates can access a generous selection of college resources and support services. For example, financial aid counselors connect students with grant and scholarship opportunities. Master's degree-seekers also participate in tutoring sessions, counseling programs, and networking events.

University of California, Santa Barbara at a Glance:

Total Master's Programs: 54

Admission Rate: 30%

Graduation Rate: 83%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $11,442

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,544

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,800

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$41,196
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$26,544
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
30%
Students Enrolled
26,314
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
2% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#5 Most Affordable Master’s In Environmental Management Degrees

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Champaign, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

For students looking to advance their career, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign hosts a master's in environmental planning and management. From its Champaign campus, the public institution offers graduate programs in several enrollment formats, including online options designed for working professionals. During the environmental management program, learners complete a rigorous curriculum that builds on their undergraduate training.

Master's candidates participate in campus life and benefit from the university's support services. Financial aid advisors connect students with resources to pay for graduate school, while academic advisors recommend course selections. Master's degree-seekers also take advantage of training and networking events.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at a Glance:

Total Master's Programs: 131

Total Online Master's Programs: 30

Admission Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 85%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1

Graduate Tuition In State: $14,997

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $28,404

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $52,300

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,188
Out-of-state
$33,127
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,997
Out-of-state
$28,404
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
51,605
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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