Online Environmental Science Degrees 2021
Earning a bachelor's in environmental science can lead to increased career opportunities. Here, we outline the top online programs.

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Environmental science incorporates biological and physical sciences to study the environment. An online environmental science degree may lead to jobs in areas like public health, ecological restoration, and emergency management.
Graduates with a bachelor's in environmental science can pursue roles such as environmental scientist or specialist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these professionals earn a median annual salary of $73,230. The BLS also projects jobs for these professionals to grow 8% between 2019-2029.
This guide ranks the best online bachelor's in environmental science programs. It also covers other important information for prospective students, such as common courses and careers for graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Environmental Science
An environmental science bachelor's degree can lead to jobs such as environmental scientist, industrial ecologist, and oceanographer.
According to the BLS, environmental engineers make a median annual salary of $92,120.
The BLS projects jobs for environmental scientists and specialists to grow 8% between 2019-2029.
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Why Get a Degree in Environmental Science?
Graduates with an online bachelor's in environmental science can work in diverse industries, including ecological restoration, climatology, and environmental health and safety. Some graduates pursue technical roles, such as environmental engineer. Other graduates may pursue roles in environmental policy, regulation, or management. Some environmental science students also pursue graduate degrees to prepare for research or teaching careers.
How Much Does an Environmental Science Degree Cost?
The College Board's 2020 Trends in College Pricing report indicates that in-state students at public four-year colleges pay an average of $10,560 in tuition annually. Out-of-state tuition at these schools averages $27,020 annually, while private four-year schools cost $37,650 annually, on average.
Students can save money by completing general education courses at a community college before transferring to a four-year environmental science program. Students can also save money by pursuing an online environmental science degree. Many schools allow all online students to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency. Additionally, the flexibility of online programs often allows students to continue working while pursuing a degree.
Additional Online Student Fees for Environmental Science
Online education often costs less than on-campus learning, but it may require additional expenses beyond tuition. For instance, online students need adequate laptops and internet connections. Some online programs also feature on-campus requirements, which may include costs for travel, room, and board.
Additionally, like on-campus students, online learners may need to pay for books and lab equipment. They may also need to pay a graduation fee.
How Much Do Environmental Science Majors Make?
Environmental science graduates can pursue careers in diverse industries. New graduates often pursue entry-level jobs, such as research assistant, field analyst, or technician. According to the BLS, entry-level environmental science and protection technicians make a median annual salary of $46,850.
The BLS reports that experience and education may improve career prospects for environmental scientists. Environmental science graduates with professional experience and/or an advanced degree can pursue positions such as environmental engineer, environmental scientist or specialist, and health and safety manager. These professionals make median annual salaries between $73,230-$92,120.
Courses in Environmental Science
Online environmental science bachelor's programs often include interdisciplinary courses in law, education, and science. Students may take science courses in biology, ecology, and geology. They may also take courses in environmental ethics, policy, and management. Additionally, many programs include internship experiences and capstone projects.
Some bachelor's in environmental science programs offer specializations. Common specializations include environmental agriculture, environmental science education, and oceanography.
Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines several courses commonly found in environmental science bachelor's programs.
The course introduces enrollees to major environmental laws, such as the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Air Act. Learners also study statutes and protections concerning hazardous waste and toxin management. Coursework prepares students to advocate for the environment and shape environmental policy.Environmental Regulation
The course explores the planet's climate system. Participants learn about energy balance, oceanic and atmospheric circulation, and hydrology. They also study climate models and forecasting technologies, climate change, and climate threats. This knowledge proves useful for careers in water resource management, conservation, and environmental policy.Climatology Geographical Information Systems The class introduces geospatial technology, information systems, and analysis. Students often complete a laboratory component during which they practice spatial data exploration and analysis. Enrollees learn to use geospatial software relevant to various fields, including natural resources conservation.
How to Become an Environmental Scientist
A career as an environmental scientist often begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as natural resources, geosciences, or chemistry. These programs provide foundational knowledge in geology, biology, and other disciplines that support an environmental science career.
To qualify for leadership roles, bachelor's graduates usually need professional experience and/or an advanced degree. Environmental scientists seeking postsecondary teaching or research positions may need a doctorate.
Certifications and Licensure for Environmental Science
Graduates with an online bachelor's in environmental science degree can pursue professional credentials to advance their career. Professional credentials help individuals demonstrate specialized expertise. This list outlines several common certifications for graduates with an environmental science degree.
Online Bachelor's in Environmental Science Programs 2021
Online Bachelor's in Environmental Science Programs
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Eastern Michigan UniversityLocation
Ypsilanti, MI
Tuition$8888
Graduation Rate37%
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Canisius CollegeLocation
Buffalo, NY
Tuition$33282
Graduation Rate68%
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University of Southern MississippiLocation
Hattiesburg, MS
Tuition$7224
Graduation Rate50%
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The University of AlabamaLocation
Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuition$10170
Graduation Rate67%
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University of BridgeportLocation
Bridgeport, CT
Tuition$28800
Graduation Rate32%
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University of Saint JosephLocation
West Hartford, CT
Tuition$34530
Graduation Rate58%
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Auburn UniversityLocation
Auburn, AL
Tuition$8808
Graduation Rate68%
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North Carolina State UniversityLocation
Raleigh, NC
Tuition$6220
Graduation Rate71%
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Adelphi UniversityLocation
Garden City, NY
Tuition$32380
Graduation Rate66%
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University of Northern ColoradoLocation
Greeley, CO
Tuition$6372
Graduation Rate45%
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Benedictine UniversityLocation
Lisle, IL
Tuition$26479
Graduation Rate53%
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Rutgers University-New BrunswickLocation
New Brunswick, NJ
Tuition$11217
Graduation Rate79%
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University of KansasLocation
Lawrence, KS
Tuition$9123
Graduation Rate64%
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University of Nebraska-LincolnLocation
Lincoln, NE
Tuition$6593
Graduation Rate65%
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Central Michigan UniversityLocation
Mount Pleasant, MI
Tuition$11455
Graduation Rate57%
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Colorado State University-Fort CollinsLocation
Fort Collins, CO
Tuition$8301
Graduation Rate63%
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New York Institute of TechnologyLocation
New York City, NY
Tuition$32300
Graduation Rate46%
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University of North FloridaLocation
Jacksonville, FL
Tuition$3853
Graduation Rate48%
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East Carolina UniversityLocation
Greenville, NC
Tuition$4157
Graduation Rate58%
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Kansas State UniversityLocation
Manhattan, KS
Tuition$8517
Graduation Rate58%
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South Dakota State UniversityLocation
Brookings, SD
Tuition$4341
Graduation Rate56%
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SUNY OneontaLocation
Oneonta, NY
Tuition$6470
Graduation Rate67%
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Framingham State UniversityLocation
Framingham, MA
Tuition$11250
Graduation Rate52%
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Texas Woman's UniversityLocation
Denton, TX
Tuition$4760
Graduation Rate47%
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Indiana University of PennsylvaniaLocation
Indiana, PA
Tuition$7060
Graduation Rate50%
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Logan UniversityLocation
Chesterfield, MO
Tuition$6600
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