Environmental science degrees range from bachelor's to doctoral levels and prepare students for diverse careers in conservation, sustainability, policy, and research. With a median salary of $80,060 and growing demand (6% growth projected through 2032), these interdisciplinary programs combine biology, chemistry, ecology, and earth science with practical field experience to address pressing environmental challenges.
If you're passionate about the environment but not sure exactly which path to take, environmental science might be the perfect fit. This field is incredibly versatile-it draws from biology, chemistry, physics, geography, and even social sciences like economics and sociology. Whether you're interested in protecting endangered species, developing renewable energy solutions, or shaping environmental policy, there's a specialization that aligns with your interests.
Let's walk through everything you need to know about environmental science degrees: what you'll study, what career doors they'll open, and how to choose the right program for your goals.
On This Page:
- Environmental Science as a Field of Study
- Job Prospects with a Degree
- Branches of Environmental Science
- Degrees Overview by State
- Is Graduate School for You?
- Online Programs
- Education Costs
- Importance of Accreditation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
Environmental Science as a Field of Study
Environmental science is what we call a generalist degree in the natural sciences. It focuses on understanding both our natural and human-made environments through an interdisciplinary lens. You'll need a solid foundation in traditional sciences-biology, physics, chemistry, geography, ecology, and even biotechnology. But here's what makes it unique: you'll also study social sciences like economics, business, and sociology to understand how human systems interact with the environment.
The balance between these disciplines largely depends on the specialization you choose. Some students focus on energy systems, others on sustainability, conservation, or policy. Because environmental science is so broad, most programs encourage-or require-you to complete a specialization in a more focused area.
True to most science degrees, you'll spend significant time in the field and lab. Environmental science isn't just about theory; it's about collecting data, running experiments, and solving real-world problems.
Job Prospects with a Degree in Environmental Science
A degree in environmental science opens doors to a wide range of careers. You can enter the workforce immediately after your bachelor's degree, or pursue advanced education at the master's or doctoral level to specialize further. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists earn a median annual salary of $80,060, with the average reaching $88,640 as of May 2024. The field employs approximately 84,930 professionals nationally and is projected to grow 6% through 2032, adding about 6,900 new positions annually.
Here are some of the most prominent career paths becoming increasingly relevant today:
- Sustainability and green jobs
- Renewable energy
- Conservation
- Agriculture and forestry
- Urban planning and development
- Natural resource management
- Environmental education
Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree, though some specialized roles-particularly in research, policy development, or management-prefer or require a master's degree. Your earning potential and career trajectory often improve with advanced education and professional experience. Geographic location also matters: environmental scientists in states with strong environmental regulations or significant natural resources often see higher demand and competitive salaries.
Employers consistently look for candidates who combine technical skills (data analysis, GIS, field research methods) with communication abilities. You'll need to translate complex environmental data into actionable recommendations for stakeholders who may not have scientific backgrounds.
Environmental Science Degrees & Overviews by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Branches of Environmental Science and Related Studies
Beyond the specializations you might pursue within a standard environmental science program, there are several degree variants that emphasize different aspects of the field. These programs lean more heavily into social science, policy, or business applications of environmental principles.
Environmental Policy
A degree in environmental policy focuses on creating and maintaining legislation and regulations that govern our natural and human-made environments. If you're interested in how laws are made, enforced, and updated to address environmental challenges, this might be your path. Graduates typically work directly with legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, or advocacy organizations to shape and uphold environmental laws.
Environmental Management
The management variant emphasizes business and managerial aspects of natural resources. Here's the key distinction: while you'll still need a baseline understanding of natural science, your decisions will be primarily informed by business economics and resource optimization. Environmental managers work to maintain and protect natural resources while balancing organizational goals and financial constraints.
Environmental Studies
Environmental studies degrees focus on the human and social dimensions of environmental issues rather than pure natural science. Think of it as a marriage between environmental science and anthropology. You'll examine how human societies interact with, impact, and are affected by environmental systems. While you'll still need strong foundations in basic sciences, the emphasis shifts toward understanding cultural, social, and political contexts.
Like many fields of study, environmental science offers degree levels ranging from bachelor's to doctorate. Let's break down each degree type, including requirements, coursework, employment prospects, and more.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Requirements
You'll build foundations in physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, economics, and geography. Most programs let you choose electives within your specialization, focusing on a specific area like conservation, sustainability, or renewable energy. Some students major in one of the core sciences-biology, chemistry, geology, or physics-and either double major or minor in environmental science. How programs structure this varies by institution.
Coursework
Expect introductory and intermediate courses in natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. As you advance, elective courses become more theoretical, project-based, or applied. It's common for students to conduct research projects over the summer or complete an honors thesis during their senior year. Many programs also require internships or field experiences to give you hands-on exposure to environmental work.
Employment
Employment opportunities for recent bachelor's degree holders are numerous. Environmental challenges-particularly around sustainability-are becoming more pressing globally, which means demand for environmental scientists remains strong. With further specialization in a core area, you become even more marketable. Entry-level positions in consulting firms, government agencies, nonprofits, and private industry are all realistic options.
School Spotlight
A vast number of schools offer bachelor-level environmental science programs. Almost all accredited liberal arts colleges have programs in one of the environmental science variants. Program quality often corresponds with the overall reputation of the institution, but don't overlook smaller schools with strong regional connections or specialized focuses.
Selecting a school is complex and influenced by multiple factors: quality of education, cost, geographic location, research opportunities, and available specializations. Ultimately, you'll need to weigh these factors based on your personal priorities, career goals, and financial situation.
Florida State University
Florida State University Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science offers both B.S. and B.A. degrees in Environmental Science. The difference between the two degrees lies in the level of advanced math classes required-B.A. students tend to take more policy courses than science courses. They also offer graduate degrees with more emphasis on aquatic sciences.
The University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio offers an intensive Environmental Science B.S. degree with a variety of core math, computer, GIS, and science classes, along with many required environmental subject areas including policy, ecology, and management.
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Requirements
At the graduate level, environmental science degrees become much more research-focused. While you'll still take full course loads each semester, one or two classes may be fulfilled through independent research seminars where you devote time to your own research project. Most significantly, the M.S. requires completion of a thesis-a substantial piece of original, independent research that you'll publish at the end of your program.
A typical master's degree in environmental science can usually be completed in 2-3 years (possibly longer if you're working while attending school). Your admission typically requires: application fee, letter of interest, references, transcripts, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. You may also need to take a subject test in the GRE, though this requirement might be waived if your undergraduate grades were strong and you're communicating directly with the department.
Most master's programs consist of about 30 credits: 24 for coursework and 6 for thesis work. Your thesis work is generally supervised by your advisor. Funding may be more available as a graduate student than as an undergraduate. If you're fortunate to find a researcher whose work you enjoy, you might approach them independently to inquire about available funding. Be prepared-this means your work becomes their work. If they have funding, they were likely given specific tasks to complete, and they're bringing you in to help accomplish them.
Paying your own way gives you more freedom in thesis topic selection, but your work is still considered, at least partially, your advisor's work. This is an important aspect of graduate school that many students don't fully understand before entering. Choosing your advisor is perhaps the most meaningful decision you'll make in graduate school. Why? Even within small departments, professional reputations, funding resources, and overall character vary greatly. One advisor may have funding and be personable, but have 50 students. Another may fund only one student at a time, but be studying something you don't think you need to know. If it's in your field, it probably won't hurt you to learn it. And the advisor with one student will have much more time to help with your coursework or questions-but they may also rely too much on you and slow you down.
Take time to research the department thoroughly. Try to talk with current or past students; their experiences generally mirror what yours will be. Be prepared for lots of advice and stories about students who stayed forever.
Coursework
Coursework in a master's program is designed to solidify your research methods, supply the necessary tools (GIS, statistics, specialized software) you may not have mastered in your bachelor's program, and allow for a few elective courses. Since the main focus is on completing independent research, coursework supports your thesis project. As mentioned earlier, master's degrees typically require 24 credit hours of classwork and 6 credit hours of thesis work. Those 6 thesis credit hours usually take much longer than the classes.
Many schools limit the time students have to complete degrees-typically 7-10 years-so the information is still fresh when you graduate. This isn't just about you; schools want their best students representing them.
Employment
Employment options for master's degree graduates are promising. Within the environmental sector, master's degrees are typically preferred for entry-level professional positions unless you have extensive work experience. With an M.S. in environmental science, you can enter the workforce at a higher level, advance within your organization more quickly, and achieve more fulfilling and better-compensated careers. Master's degree holders often move into project management, specialized consulting, or mid-level government positions.
School Spotlight
Similar to bachelor's programs, many universities offer master's degrees in environmental science. By the time you're looking at graduate education, it's wise to specialize in a sub-sector like conservation, natural resource management, or sustainability. You can often find graduate programs that focus specifically on these fields. Whether you continue with a generalist environmental science degree or move toward a specialization is ultimately your choice based on career goals and personal interests.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University offers both thesis and non-thesis master's degrees in Environmental Science. Students must create and submit their own Program of Study plan near the beginning of their second semester. Concentrations are available in biological, physical, or social sciences. Students present orally during their first year and again shortly before graduation. Master's programs range from 30-37 credit hours.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology's Environmental Science Program offers both a 5-year B.S./M.S. program and a regular 2-year M.S. Students may choose from concentrations including Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Ecology and Field Biology, Economics, Mathematics, Organismal Biology and Evolution, Public Policy, Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing, or Statistics. They have many international options as well as a solid GIS specialty.
Doctorate in Environmental Science (Ph.D.)
Requirements
The primary reason students pursue doctoral programs in the sciences is to conduct independent research. The predominant requirement of a Ph.D. in environmental science is defending a doctoral dissertation. Depending on the program, this can take anywhere from three to six years.
If you want to pursue funding, lead research teams, be recognized as a leader in your field, and initiate your own projects, a Ph.D. is likely the degree you should pursue. The training is rigorous, mainly to prepare you for professional independence. Generally, after completing a certain amount of coursework (usually about what's required for a master's), you'll sit for an eligibility exam. This is typically both written and oral, and may consist of a formal presentation or a roundtable discussion.
Usually, 3-5 members of your advisory panel present and grade questions, then come to an agreement about whether you've demonstrated the knowledge and capability to move forward. Once you're deemed eligible for your doctorate degree, you become a doctoral candidate, not just a student. You're then given a certain number of years to complete your dissertation, submit your thesis, and sit for another exam. Your passing is generally determined by the entire department, not just your advisor.
Coursework
By the time you enter a doctoral program, you're expected to know most research-based tools you'll need. Doctoral courses are typically seminars designed to heighten your critical thinking, presentation, and communication skills. Additionally, doctoral students often begin teaching courses at the master's or bachelor's level, as many are on track toward becoming professors. You'll have completed most classroom work when admitted for Ph.D. candidacy-most credits now are research credits and perhaps ongoing seminar courses.
Employment
Individuals holding doctoral degrees primarily work in academia as professors and researchers. While there's a possibility of being "overqualified" for some entry-level positions, Ph.D. holders are competitive for influential positions, particularly in research-dominated fields. While a Ph.D. primarily prepares you for academic careers, there are numerous other options, especially within the research sector at government agencies, national laboratories, and private research institutions.
School Spotlight
At the doctoral level, you should gear your institutional search toward professors currently conducting research you're interested in. Rather than the institution's reputation alone, the quality of the professor and their work are the most important factors. Doctoral students are often treated more as colleagues than students, and you'll work closely with your advisor for several years.
Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University offers a Ph.D. through their Environmental Science Graduate Program. Six specializations are offered: Environmental Management, Environmental Education, Environmental Policy and Conflict Management, Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Chemistry, Toxicology and Risk Assessment, and Water and Watershed Management. A minimum of 60 credits beyond the M.S. degree is required.
Ball State University
Ball State University offers a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences based on strong training in biology, chemistry, and geology with lots of hands-on experience. Students must have a professor willing to be their mentor before being accepted into the program. The program requires at least 90 credits covering a variety of disciplines.
Comparison Table of Degrees
| Degree Level | Bachelor's | Master's | Doctorate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years of study | 4-5 | 2-4 | 4-7 |
| Cost (without aid)* | $24,000 - $300,000 | $21,000 - $150,000 | $35,000 - $350,000 |
| Objective for career | Minimum needed for many environmental positions | Management positions, in some specialized fields, require more than a bachelor's degree | Team leader or researcher, university professor |
*Approximated. Costs vary significantly by institution, state, and year. Many students receive financial aid, scholarships, or graduate assistantships that substantially reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Visit our scholarships page to explore funding opportunities.
Is Environmental Science Graduate School for You?
Environmental science degrees are becoming increasingly popular as colleges and universities add them to their offerings. While a bachelor's degree in environmental science is great for many applications, pursuing graduate school opens more professional opportunities. When considering graduate school, think carefully about choosing between a master's or Ph.D. Time, money, and post-graduation career goals should all factor into your decision. Certain schools may specialize in particular issues-wetlands, ocean studies, industrial remediation, and agricultural rehabilitation. Additionally, check whether the school has specific programs in Environmental Studies, Environmental Policy, or Environmental Management.
Many professionals who begin careers with bachelor's degrees later return to school for master's or Ph.D. programs. What drives this decision? Perhaps they're seeking greater responsibility, pay increases, or complete career changes. They might be in positions where employers will pay for further education with an agreement to continue employment afterward. The choice often mirrors this question: Is this individual worth the investment? Do they need additional training or skills? Will these credentials make the company (or the individual) more valuable? Will they be eligible for higher compensation or more complex work? Is there a specific reason to pursue another degree that training alone won't provide?
If the answer to any or many of these questions is yes, then it's time to decide between a master's or a doctorate.
Important Notes about Pursuing a Graduate Degree in Environmental Science
- Having experience as an undergraduate through internships and other jobs in your field will strengthen your chances of graduate school admission.
- Graduate degrees in Policy, Law, Affairs, Management, and Professional Sciences are less likely to provide funding compared to core science areas.
- Requirements for admission, degree completion, and graduation vary from school to school. Be sure to familiarize yourself with those at institutions where you'd like to attend.
- Application deadlines are very real. Being late could mean waiting a semester or a year before you're considered.
- Your undergraduate GPA will be considered. If it's lower than the required entry for a program, they may suggest you take additional undergraduate science courses and reapply. Just ask!
- If you pursue a Ph.D., remember that most students obtain postdoctoral positions after graduation. You'll begin earning money at this point, though it may not be substantial for a while.
Online Environmental Science Degree Programs
Overview
Online programs are most developed at the bachelor's level. There are few accredited institutions offering purely online courses at the master's or doctoral level due to the heavy research component and field work requirements. That said, bachelor-level online programs can be highly desirable for economic, geographic, or time-related reasons. With creativity and planning, online programs allow you to earn a degree while gaining significant real-world workforce experience.
Accreditation Considerations
When evaluating online programs, accreditation is absolutely critical. Make sure any online program you're considering is regionally accredited-the same accreditation held by traditional on-campus programs. National accreditation (often associated with for-profit institutions) may not transfer easily if you decide to pursue graduate education at a regionally accredited university. Always verify accreditation status through the Department of Education's database before enrolling.
Hands-On Requirements
One challenge with online environmental science degrees is fulfilling lab and field work requirements. Most accredited programs require some in-person components-whether intensive weekend labs, summer field courses, or local partnerships with laboratories. Ask prospective programs how they handle these requirements. Some partner with local institutions or arrange regional field experiences. Others offer hybrid formats where most coursework is online, but certain components require in-person attendance.
Coursework
At the bachelor's level, online classes are often taught by the same instructors who teach in person at universities. Many schools prefer you transfer in to complete the bachelor's program, allowing you to take lower-level classes at your local community college or similar facility-possibly at a lower cost. This can be a strategic way to reduce overall degree expenses while maintaining flexibility.
Learn more about getting an environmental science degree online.
Employer Perceptions
Employer perceptions of online degrees have shifted dramatically in recent years, especially following the pandemic, when many traditional universities moved courses online. As long as your degree is from an accredited institution and you've completed the required field and lab components, most employers view online degrees comparably to traditional ones. What matters more is your demonstrable skills, internship experiences, and ability to apply environmental science principles in real-world contexts.
Cost Comparisons
Online programs often cost less than traditional on-campus programs when you factor in housing, transportation, and campus fees. However, per-credit tuition rates can vary widely. Some state universities offer in-state rates for online students regardless of location, while others charge flat online rates. Private institutions may offer more flexibility, but at higher costs. Calculate total program costs carefully, including technology fees, lab supply fees, and travel costs for any required in-person components.
Education Costs
The cost of an environmental science education varies greatly depending on the institution, program quality, and geographic location. For traditional four-year bachelor's programs in the United States, annual tuition ranges from approximately $10,000 to $60,000. Within Europe, some schools even offer tuition-free programs. For online education courses, costs are typically based on a per-credit rate. In the United States, a typical three-credit course may cost several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the institution.
At the graduate level, funding is often available for tuition, research expenses, or living expenses. Doctoral programs generally receive much higher funding rates than master's programs, though it's possible to secure funding for either through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, or grants. Online courses at the graduate level are typically more expensive than those at the undergraduate level and less likely to receive funding support.
Don't let cost deter you from exploring your options. Many students fund their education through scholarships, grants, federal student aid, work-study programs, and employer tuition assistance. Research funding opportunities early and apply broadly.
Note: Costs mentioned are approximate and vary significantly by institution and year. Always verify current tuition rates and fee structures directly with the schools you're considering.
Importance of Accreditation
When deciding on an educational institution for your studies, it's essential that you choose one that's accredited-particularly if you're opting for unconventional instruction methods like distance education, online courses, or e-learning programs.
Accreditation is more than simply state approval of an educational institution, which merely guarantees the facility has met minimum state requirements. Accreditation assures that a college or university meets educational standards recognized by similar educational institutions nationally.
If the institution is accredited, you have some assurance you'll receive a high standard of education recognized by future employers and by other universities and colleges should you wish to register elsewhere for postgraduate degrees. Regional accreditation is mostly for non-profit schools, while national accreditation is traditionally for for-profit schools. Transferring from a nationally accredited (but not regionally accredited) school to a regionally accredited school may be difficult.
If you question a school's accreditation status, check the Department of Education's (DOE) current list of accredited schools. The DOE doesn't handle accreditation directly, but keeps records of which schools are current and their corresponding accrediting agencies. If you're unsure of the accreditation authority for a school you're interested in, you can verify which category they're in. Music schools, children's Montessori schools, and theological seminaries are among institutions with differing accreditation types. You'd be looking for one of the major regional accreditation agencies. Some regional agencies include the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (covering many East Coast states and Puerto Rico), the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (covering Florida, Alabama, Texas, and others), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (covering California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands).
There are also bodies that accredit environmental engineering education specifically. One is ABET, which accredits programs in applied sciences, computing, and engineering. Check here if your prospective school is ABET-accredited.
Another specialty accreditation agency is the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council, which establishes national guidelines for Environmental Health program education in terms of training, faculty, enrollment, and other managerial aspects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an environmental science degree?
A bachelor's degree typically takes 4-5 years of full-time study. A master's degree usually requires 2-3 years beyond the bachelor's, while a Ph.D. typically takes 4-7 years. Part-time enrollment extends these timelines, but many programs accommodate working professionals with flexible scheduling options.
What can you do with an environmental science degree?
Environmental science degrees lead to careers in conservation, sustainability consulting, environmental policy, renewable energy, urban planning, natural resource management, education, and research. You might work for government agencies, nonprofits, consulting firms, private companies, or research institutions. With a bachelor's degree, you can enter many environmental careers; a master's opens doors to specialized roles and management positions; a Ph.D. is typically needed for academic positions and leading research teams.
Is a master's degree required for environmental science careers?
Not always. Many environmental science careers are accessible with a bachelor's degree, especially entry-level positions in consulting, field work, or technical roles. However, a master's degree is often preferred or required for specialized positions, project management roles, policy work, or advanced research. If you have several years of work experience, a bachelor's degree may suffice for career advancement, but a master's can accelerate progression and open more opportunities.
How much do environmental scientists make?
As of May 2024, environmental scientists and specialists earn a median annual salary of $80,060, with the mean salary reaching $88,640. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) start around $50,130, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn $134,830 or more. Salaries vary significantly by geographic location, industry, specialization, and education level. Government positions often offer stability and benefits, while private sector consulting roles may offer higher earning potential.
Are online environmental science degrees legitimate?
Yes, when offered by regionally accredited institutions. The key is ensuring the program maintains the same academic standards as on-campus versions, including required field and lab components. Most legitimate online environmental science programs are hybrid-primarily online with some in-person requirements for hands-on work. Employers increasingly view accredited online degrees as equivalent to traditional degrees, especially from established universities. Always verify accreditation status and ask how the program handles field and lab requirements before enrolling.
What's the difference between environmental science, policy, management, and studies?
Environmental science is a generalist degree emphasizing natural sciences (biology, chemistry, ecology) with some social science. Environmental policy focuses specifically on legislation, regulations, and governance of environmental issues. Environmental management emphasizes business, economics, and resource management decisions. Environmental studies leans heavily into social sciences, examining human interactions with the environment from cultural, social, and political perspectives. Your choice should align with whether you're more interested in scientific research, shaping laws, managing resources, or understanding human dimensions of environmental issues.
Do I need a Ph.D. to work in environmental science?
No. Most environmental science careers don't require a Ph.D. A Ph.D. is primarily necessary if you want to become a university professor, lead major research initiatives, or work at the highest levels of scientific research at institutions like national laboratories. If your goal is practical application of environmental science-consulting, field work, policy implementation, or management-a bachelor's or master's degree is typically sufficient and more efficient.
Key Takeaways
- Versatile Career Foundation: Environmental science degrees combine natural sciences (biology, chemistry, ecology) with social sciences, preparing you for diverse careers in conservation, policy, renewable energy, and sustainability.
- Strong Earning Potential: Environmental scientists earn a median salary of $80,060 annually, with experienced professionals earning $134,830 or more, and the field is projected to grow 6% through 2032, with approximately 6,900 new positions annually.
- Degree Flexibility: Bachelor's degrees open entry-level opportunities; master's degrees advance you into specialized roles and management; PhDs are primarily for academic careers and leading research-choose based on your career goals, not just prestige.
- Specialization Matters: Environmental science is intentionally broad at the bachelor's level, but specializing in areas like policy, management, conservation, or sustainability makes you more competitive and aligns your skills with specific career paths.
- Accreditation Is Critical: Always verify regional accreditation, especially for online programs. Proper accreditation ensures your degree is recognized by employers and other educational institutions if you pursue advanced degrees.
Ready to explore environmental science programs? Find degree options that align with your interests, career goals, and values-from conservation to renewable energy to policy work.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026. View the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.