Environmental Degrees Online
A relatively new academic arena, environmental science incorporates elements of biology, chemistry, physics, and geography. Environmental science degree programs feature interdisciplinary curricula and may also cover aspects of the social sciences. Environmental scientists study the natural world and the ways in which humans and other organisms interact and affect the environment.
Learners pursuing an on-campus or online environmental science degree must demonstrate a strong background in the hard sciences. Most programs require applicants to have a minimum 3.0 GPA. In addition to classroom instruction, environmental science degree programs usually require laboratory hours and fieldwork.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental scientists earn a median salary of $71,360 per year, compared to a median annual salary of $39,810 for jobs in all fields. The BLS projects an 8% growth rate for environmental science jobs from 2019-2029, double the average projected growth rate for all occupations. These projections indicate that graduates of online environmental science programs may enter a strong job market.
What Are the Goals of an Environmental Science Degree?
Schools offer environmental science degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Environmental science is a broad field of study, and learners often specialize in an area such as ecological systems, sustainability, conservation, environmental management, or energy and air pollution control.
Students pursuing an online environmental degree typically follow the same curriculum as their on-campus peers. Upper-level classes cover topics such as environmental regulations, ecological economics, and global environmental politics. Most environmental science programs also feature fieldwork during which learners conduct research and test hypotheses through experimentation and data collection.
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Why Get an Environmental Science Degree?
Students pursuing a degree in environmental science learn to examine, understand, and find viable solutions for pressing topics. Graduates can use these skills to address issues such as climate change, fire ecology, renewable energy, and bioremediation.
- Expand Knowledge:
While earning a degree in environmental science, students explore the latest developments and research findings in the field.
- Increase Credibility:
A degree in environmental science demonstrates expertise in the field. Many employers value degree-holders as disciplined and knowledgeable professionals.
- Diversify Career Options:
An online environmental science degree qualifies individuals for field and laboratory research positions. Graduates can also work for environmental regulatory agencies, advocacy groups, and pharmaceutical companies.
- Improve Income Potential:
According to BLS data, bachelor's degree-holders earn a median weekly salary $502 higher than that of workers with a high school diploma. Degree-holders also enjoy lower unemployment rates.
Foundation for Postsecondary Education: A bachelor's degree in environmental science can qualify holders for graduate programs. While some master's and doctoral programs admit applicants with a degree in an unrelated field, most prefer candidates with a background in environmental science.
FAQ Online Environmental Science Degrees
What kind of jobs can you get with an environmental science degree?
In addition to environmental scientist positions, graduates can qualify for jobs such as hydrologist, microbiologist, zoologist, and oceanographer. Professional opportunities vary based on the individual's specialization area.
Are environmental scientists in demand?
The BLS projects an 8% growth rate among environmental science positions from 2019-2029, a rate much faster than the national average for all occupations.
What is an environmental scientist's salary?
Environmental scientists earned a median salary of $71,360 in 2019. This is significantly higher than the median annual salary of $39,810 for all occupations in the economy.
How long does it take to earn an environmental science degree?
Most full-time students earn their bachelor's in environmental science in four years. Learners with an associate degree in a related field or a bachelor's degree in another area of study may graduate faster.
What Are the Requirements for an Environmental Science Degree?
Applicants to bachelor's-level environmental science programs typically need an academic foundation in one or more of the hard sciences. Most schools also require candidates to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and above-average SAT or ACT scores. Admitted students may need to complete prerequisite coursework before enrolling in environmental science classes.
A bachelor's in environmental science typically requires 120 credits, including classroom instruction, laboratory work, and fieldwork. Learners in online environmental science programs may need to complete a summer internship, and curricula often culminate with a comprehensive exam, a research project, or a thesis.
Best Online Environmental Science Degrees
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