California offers exceptional environmental science degree programs from top universities like Stanford, USC, and UCLA. Environmental scientists in California earn a median salary of $97,520 annually-significantly above the national median of $80,060. The state projects 8.1% job growth from 2022 to 2032 with approximately 1,090 average annual job openings (including replacement openings), driven by California's urgent environmental challenges including wildfires, drought, and coastal protection.
California leads the nation in environmental science education and research, and for good reason. The state faces some of the most pressing environmental challenges in the country-from record-setting wildfires and prolonged drought to ocean rise threatening coastal communities and air quality concerns in major metropolitan areas. These challenges demand skilled environmental scientists, and California's universities have responded with world-class programs that combine cutting-edge research with real-world application.
If you're passionate about environmental science and considering where to pursue your education, California offers an unmatched combination: exceptional academic programs, diverse ecosystems for hands-on research, strong career prospects, and salaries well above the national average. Whether you're interested in marine biology along the 840-mile Pacific coastline, forest management in the Sierra Nevada, or environmental policy in Sacramento, California's programs can prepare you for meaningful work ahead.
What Can I Do with an Environmental Science Degree in California
Roll up your sleeves. California's environmental challenges create significant demand for environmental science professionals across multiple sectors. The state's 840 miles of gorgeous and varied Pacific coastline need protection, stands of majestic sequoia are running low on water, and major fisheries are on the brink of extinction. These aren't abstract problems-they're urgent issues requiring trained environmental scientists right now.
California's Environmental Challenges
Climate change impacts hit California particularly hard. Whether it's drought touching off record-setting wildfires, ocean rise inundating Malibu, or particulate pollution reversing the hard-won improvements in LA's air quality, there are decades of critical work ahead. This work requires the right kind of education, and California delivers more environmental science degrees than any other state.
Career Opportunities
Your degree can lead to diverse career paths. You might work as a wetlands specialist at an environmental consulting firm, a scientist with the state or national park service, or an environmental planning manager for one of California's 58 counties. Consider exploring park ranger careers if you're drawn to conservation work in California's extensive state and national parks. The state's leadership in renewable energy also creates opportunities in emerging fields like solar engineering, where environmental science provides a crucial foundation for knowledge.
Salary and Compensation
California environmental scientists earn significantly higher salaries than the national average. According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data for California, environmental scientists and specialists earn a median annual salary of $97,520, with mean wages reaching $107,420. This represents roughly 22% higher compensation than the national median of $80,060. Entry-level positions (25th percentile) start around $76,600, while experienced professionals (75th percentile) earn $129,170 or more. Those in private consulting or specialized fields often move well into six figures. For complete occupational information, see the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
The job outlook is strong. California projects 8.1% employment growth for environmental scientists from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 1,090 average annual job openings. This growth rate exceeds the national average of 6%, reflecting California's continued investment in environmental protection and climate adaptation strategies.
Master's in Environmental Science in California
Stanford University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having the #1 master's program in environmental science in the country. Admissions are highly competitive, but the program offers unparalleled access to leading researchers, cutting-edge facilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration across Stanford's Earth System Science department. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing graduates for leadership roles in research, policy, and industry.
But you have plenty of other high-quality choices throughout the state, and in every niche of environmental studies. USC has a globally-ranked graduate program in marine and environmental biology that takes full advantage of Southern California's coastal ecosystems. The program offers a progressive option where you can combine bachelor's and master's degrees to graduate faster. Cal State LA delivers an MS in Environmental Science with either research or professional tracks, allowing you to customize your degree based on whether you're heading toward academia or applied environmental work in government or consulting.
Training extends beyond hands-on fieldwork and academic research. The political and policy implications are thoroughly covered by California schools as well. UC-Davis, for instance, has a highly respected program in Environmental Policy and Management, appropriately anchored in the John Muir Institute for the Environment-named after one of California's first, and most successful, environmental advocates. This program prepares you to work at the intersection of science and policy, addressing regulatory frameworks and environmental governance.
Bachelor's in Environmental Science in California
Naturally, many of the graduate programs listed above are from schools that also have excellent undergraduate programs. And in some cases, they are all on the same track-the USC Master's in Marine Environment and Biology is available as a progressive degree, allowing you to combine your bachelor's and master's programs to graduate faster. This option works well if you're certain about your specialization and want to accelerate your entry into the job market.
But there are other highly respected schools like UCLA, which offers a BS in Environmental Science with a multifaceted experience that considers human factors alongside environmental issues. UCLA's interdisciplinary approach integrates social sciences, policy analysis, and natural sciences, preparing you to address complex environmental challenges that involve both ecological and human dimensions.
Or you can look to the smaller schools for more individualized and specialized education. Humboldt State's Forestry and Wildland Resources program will give you the ins and outs of the state's remaining stands of timber, with extensive field experience in Northern California's redwood forests and hands-on training in sustainable forest management. Meanwhile, little Pomona College in Claremont has an Environmental Analysis major that can take you from the local Organic Farm to exotic locations in Ecuador, Tanzania, or South Africa in the course of your studies. Pomona's small class sizes and emphasis on undergraduate research provide opportunities for close mentorship and independent projects.
Many programs offer established internship pathways or provide academic credit for hands-on experience. Explore environmental science internships to gain practical skills while completing your degree. Financial support is also available-check out environmental science scholarships to help fund your education.
Online Environmental Science Degree Options from Schools in California
For a state at the forefront of the technology revolution, it can actually be tough to find fully online degree options in environmental science here. The field's emphasis on hands-on fieldwork, laboratory experience, and ecosystem observation makes fully online programs less common than in other disciplines. However, options do exist, and hybrid programs are expanding.
One school that does offer a fully online option is the University of Arizona Global Campus, based in Alameda, CA. They offer a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies (a broader interdisciplinary approach compared to traditional environmental science) that can be completed entirely online, through asynchronous courses that are delivered one at a time. This scheduling option allows you to focus on one topic with unbroken concentration over the course of five-week sprints, something that can help get you through the program on time and without distraction.
If you're considering online programs, verify that they're accredited by recognized bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Accreditation ensures your degree will be recognized by employers and graduate programs. Many California universities also offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives or local fieldwork requirements, providing flexibility while maintaining the hands-on components essential to environmental science training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for environmental scientists in California?
Environmental scientists in California earn a median annual salary of $97,520, according to May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean salary is even higher at $107,420. Entry-level positions typically start around $76,600 (25th percentile), while experienced professionals earn $129,170 or more (75th percentile). These figures are approximately 22% higher than national averages, reflecting California's strong demand for environmental science professionals and higher cost of living.
Which California universities have the best environmental science programs?
Stanford University consistently ranks #1 nationally for environmental science graduate programs. Other top California programs include USC for marine and environmental biology, UCLA for its interdisciplinary approach combining human and environmental factors, UC-Davis for environmental policy and management, Humboldt State for forestry and wildland resources, and Cal State LA for applied environmental science. Each program has unique strengths, so consider your specific interests-marine biology, policy, forestry, or general environmental science-when choosing.
Can I earn an environmental science degree online in California?
Fully online environmental science degree options in California are limited due to the field's emphasis on hands-on fieldwork and laboratory work. Ashford University offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. More commonly, California schools offer hybrid programs that combine online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives or local fieldwork requirements. If you're considering online programs, verify accreditation through recognized bodies like WASC to ensure your degree is recognized by employers and graduate programs.
What jobs can I get with an environmental science degree in California?
California environmental science graduates work as wetlands specialists at consulting firms, scientists with state or national park services, environmental planning managers for county governments, marine biologists studying coastal ecosystems, air quality specialists, water resource managers, conservation scientists, environmental compliance officers, and climate adaptation planners. The state's diverse ecosystems and environmental challenges create opportunities across government agencies, private consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and research institutions.
What makes California's environmental science programs unique?
California programs benefit from the state's extraordinary environmental diversity-840 miles of coastline, desert ecosystems, alpine forests, Central Valley agriculture, and major urban areas. This diversity provides unmatched fieldwork opportunities. Additionally, California faces urgent real-world environmental challenges, including wildfires, drought, ocean rise, and air quality issues, giving students immediate relevance for their studies. The state's leadership in environmental policy and renewable energy also creates strong internship and career pipelines. Finally, California universities attract top environmental researchers and offer higher-than-average salaries for graduates.
Key Takeaways
- Top Programs: Stanford ranks #1 nationally, with other exceptional programs at USC (marine biology), UCLA (multidisciplinary approach), UC-Davis (policy), Humboldt State (forestry), and Cal State LA (applied science).
- Strong Salaries: California environmental scientists earn a median salary of $97,520, approximately 22% higher than the national median of $80,060, with experienced professionals earning $129,170 or more.
- Job Growth: California projects 8.1% employment growth from 2022 to 2032, creating approximately 1,090 average annual job openings-exceeding the national growth rate of 6%.
- Specializations: California programs offer specialized tracks in marine biology, environmental policy and management, forestry and wildland resources, environmental analysis, and interdisciplinary environmental studies.
- Unique Advantages: Access to diverse ecosystems (coastline, forests, deserts, urban areas) for fieldwork, urgent real-world environmental challenges for applied learning, and strong career pipelines in both public and private sectors.
Ready to explore California's environmental science programs? Use our program finder to compare options based on your interests, location preferences, and career goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
