From biology and chemistry to physics and geology, environmental management students study a broad range of topics. If you’re particularly concerned about human interaction with nature and what can be done to best utilize our natural resources, this may be a great major for you. In fact, many environmental management graduates go on to become environmental education officers, water quality scientists, sustainability consultants, and more!
What kind of Environmental Management degree should you get?
Now that you’ve decided to pursue an environmental management degree, you’ll have to figure out exactly what kind of degree to get. Should you attend online? Or on-campus? Are you just starting out or looking to earn an advanced degree? It can be difficult to decide. Luckily, we’re here to help!
Ready to learn about all aspects of the environment and what you can do to help? College Choice is here to help you find the best program to do just that! If you’re thinking about a different degree or want a different background before pursuing environmental management, check out College Choice’s ranking of the Most Affordable Online Colleges. If you know you’d like to earn a master’s online, keep reading to learn more about our favorite programs.
How much money do people make with a degree in Environmental Management?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for environmental scientists and specialists is upwards of $69,000 per year. Most specialists and scientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect both the environment and human health.
From working in the lab to gathering data in the field, this career can be quite exciting. Not to mention, the employment outlook is also very strong for environmental scientists; in fact, employment is expected to grow 11 percent from now to 2026.
What can you do with a degree in Environmental Management?
Environmental managers can go on to work in a range of places, across all industries! As a caretaker of Earth and a monitor of Mother Nature, you can go on to work as a field researcher in Antarctica or as an auditor for pollution or energy efficiency of a major corporation. The options are endless!
No matter what route you’d like to pursue, you’ll have to sharpen your skills in research, data collection, math, and science. Ready to dive in? Check out the best online master’s programs below!
2018 Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
1
Columbia Southern University
Average Net Price: $10,287
School Website
Overview
If you’re interested in a flexible online degree program, Columbia Southern University offers great options. Headquartered in Orange Beach, AL, this university is known for its affordable distance learning degrees across a range of subject areas. In fact, the university boasts an enrollment of over 17,000 students today. Learn more about CSU’s online Bachelor Of Science in Environmental Management below.
Program Features
Offered through CSU’s College of Safety and Emergency Services, this program requires a total of 120 credit-hours. Required courses may include:
- Waste Management
- Pollution Prevention
- Environmental Issues
- Hazardous Waste Management
- Interactions of Hazardous Materials
Graduates of this program will be equipped to to apply for the Associate Safety Professional certification and the Certified Safety Professional certification. Most students complete this degree program in four to five years. Textbooks are provided at no cost through a CSU book grant; that’s one less cost you’ll have to worry about!
Notables
Almost half of Columbia Southern University’s student body is military and CSU students hail from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. The university is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council and its most popular degree programs include: Business, Occupational Safety and Health, Human Resource Management, Criminal Justice, and Fire Administration.
2
University of Maryland University College
Average Net Price: $12,483
School Website
Overview
Founded in 1947, the University of Maryland – University College is one of the most affordable colleges for those looking for a flexible degree. Now, interested students can pursue an online environmental management degree. You’ll learn how to plan, implement, and control all facets of environmental management, using professional models and techniques. Learn more about this unique degree program below!
Program Features
Students in this program are required to complete at least 120 credit-hours. Required courses may include:
- Environmental Health
- Environmental Technology
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Global Environmental Management Issues
- Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Students may also choose from one of two areas of focus: Toxicology and Hazard Control Focus or Sustainability Focus. You will take additional courses tailored to your area of specialization. In-state students can expect to pay $294 per credit, while those out-of-state pay upwards of $450 per credit.
Notables
The University of Maryland offers more than 100 scholarships, financial aid, and interest-free monthly payment plans for those who qualify. The Completion Scholarship is one of the university’s featured scholarships that serves to help Maryland community college graduates reduce the in-state rate by $100 per credit. The university also offers special discounts for military members and their spouses.
3
Florida International University
Average Net Price: $12,966
School Website
Overview
Established in 1965, Florida International University is Miami’s first and only public research university. The university is currently ranked as the third best online college in the state of Florida by Affordable Colleges Online. Students interested in environmental studies should definitely check out FIU’s School of Environment, Arts, and Society. In fact, the school now offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies.
Program Features
This 120-credit program offers students a choice of majors in Agricultural Sciences or Natural Resource Sciences. Required courses may include:
- Natural Resource Valuation and Economics
- Environmental Resources and Pollution
- U.S. Environmental Policy
- Environmental Politics
- Water Resources
If you’re interested in research and diving right in, FIU has the resources to help you do so. Students and faculty members alike are obsessed with learning about the environment and implementing better methods of helping our ecosystem. The university also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment.
Notables
U.S. News and World Report ranked Florida International University among the nation’s Top 100 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The university is also ranked among the Top Public Schools, Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, and Best Global Universities.
4
University of Florida
Average Net Price: $14,761
School Website
Overview
Located in Gainesville, FL, the University of Florida is a flagship university with a huge array of degree programs and over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students. UF also has strong research credentials, with more than 150 research facilities, institutes, and centers, to which both traditional and online students have access to. Now, students can earn an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management.
Program Features
Offered through UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, this 120-credit program covers a range of topics. In fact, required courses may include:
- Agricultural Ecology
- Environmental Biogeochemistry
- Agricultural and Environmental Quality
- Natural Resource Policy and Economics
- Environmental Hydrology: Principles and Issues
This degree program will prepare you for many careers, including: Conservation Scientists and Forester, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Scientists and Specialist, Hydrologist, Sustainability Consultant, Zoologist, and more.
Notables
The University of Florida is ranked among the best 50 universities in the country by Academic Ranking of World Unversity, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Washington Monthly. Likewise, many of UF’s individual academic departments are ranked among some of the best nationwide. The university’s top programs include aerospace, health sciences, chemistry, agricultural science, pharmacology and toxicology, environmental/ecology, and biology.
5
Oregon State University
Average Net Price: $19,484
School Website
Overview
The number one Public Research Institution in the state, Oregon State University was founded in 1868 and draws in students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. With two campuses, 11 colleges, and 15 experiment stations, OSU is one of only two land, sea, space, and sun grant universities in the United States. Now, interested students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences.
Program Features
This 180-credit program focuses on hard sciences and a strong background in math is recommended. During their junior year, students choose from one of many specialization areas. These include:
- Applied Ecology
- Aquatic Biology
- Conservation, Resources, and Sustainability
- Earth Systems
- Environmental Agriculture
- Environmental Policy and Economics
- Environmental Water Resources
All specializations are available online except for two not listed above: Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Education. The cost of this program per credit is $297.
Notables
Top programs at Oregon State University include forestry, oceanography, agriculture, and robotics. Students here really thrive on building better communities and creating a better, more sustainable future for the next generation to enjoy. Not to mention, the town of Corvallis – where OSU resides – is continually ranked as one of the safest, smartest, and greenest small cities in the nation.