Environmental biology degrees prepare you to work on conservation, wildlife management, ecosystem restoration, and environmental policy. Programs range from bachelor's to doctoral levels with specializations in marine biology, zoology, ecology, and sustainable agriculture. Graduates earn competitive salaries-environmental scientists average $78,980 nationally-and the field projects 6% growth through 2032.
Welcome to EnvironmentalScience.org, your comprehensive resource for pursuing a career in environmental biology. If you're passionate about protecting ecosystems, studying wildlife, or addressing environmental challenges, this guide will help you navigate degree options from bachelor's through doctoral programs.
Why an Environmental Biology Degree?
Environmental biology offers remarkable breadth. You might find yourself training dolphins for military operations, studying Earth's oldest life forms in Australia, or restoring damaged urban ecosystems. Most commonly, environmental biologists focus on habitat restoration, conservation, and wildlife management.
Different schools approach environmental biology differently. Some offer majors titled "Environmental Biology" while others use "Marine Science," "Zoology," or "Ecology" to describe similar programs. Your choice depends on your specific interests and career goals.
Program focus varies by location and institutional expertise. Schools with Land Grant or Sea Grant status often have strong agriculture or aquaculture programs. Urban or arid-region universities may excel in urban ecology or desert conservation. Even inland schools can provide excellent preparation in marine biology through exchange programs and intensive field courses.
Typical coursework includes foundational biology classes-botany, zoology, biochemistry, ecology-along with specialized courses in microbiology, anatomy, and physiology. From there, you'll choose specializations that might include animal behavior, geology, chemistry, or conservation biology.
Job Prospects with a Degree in Environmental Biology
Career options are plentiful and diverse. Many environmental biology graduates work in habitat restoration and rehabilitation for local environmental agencies, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, and similar organizations.
Specialized degrees open additional pathways. Someone with a zoology focus might work in animal rescue centers or as a wildlife biologist. A botany specialist could pursue sustainable agriculture or plant conservation. Ecologists often work on ecosystem management and restoration projects.
Consider your geographic preferences early. If you're from Idaho and want to return home after graduation, marine biology may not align with local opportunities. Working with your regional environment during school helps you build relevant expertise and professional networks. However, if tropical plants captivate you, you'll need to pursue programs with recognized strength in that specialty, even if it means moving far from home.
Common Divisions and Specialties within Environmental Biology
Environmental biology encompasses several distinct specializations, each with unique career paths:
- Conservation Biology: Focus on protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity through science-based management strategies.
- Ecology: Study relationships between organisms and their environments, from microorganisms to entire ecosystems.
- Habitat Restoration: Work to rehabilitate damaged ecosystems, from wetlands to forests to coral reefs.
- Marine Biology: Specialize in ocean and aquatic life, including research, conservation, and fisheries management.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Apply biological principles to develop environmentally responsible farming and food production methods.
- Wildlife Rehabilitation: Care for injured or orphaned animals and prepare them for release back into the wild.
Environmental Biology Degrees and Overviews
Environmental biology programs exist at every academic level. Here's what to expect at each degree stage:
| Degree Level | Typical Duration | Best For | Career Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 4 years full-time | Entry-level positions, teaching certification pathway, foundation for graduate study | Field technicians, lab assistants, research assistants, environmental educators |
| Master's | 2 years full-time | Career advancement, specialized expertise, consulting work, management roles | Project managers, environmental consultants, lead researchers, program directors |
| PhD | 4-6 years full-time | Research careers, university teaching, subject matter expertise, policy leadership | Senior scientists, university professors, research directors, policy advisors |
Bachelor's Degrees in Environmental Biology
Many schools now offer majors explicitly titled "Environmental Biology," while others offer applicable biology majors such as Botany, Ecology, or Zoology. Some institutions offer dual majors in Biology and Environmental Science to meet growing interest in this field.
Your core science courses will cover basic biology with additional classes in ecology, conservation biology, and your chosen specialty. Expect required coursework in mathematics through calculus and statistics, along with geology, chemistry, and physics.
Requirements
Most programs require a letter of intent, SAT scores, letters of recommendation, a small application fee, and high school transcripts. Some competitive programs may also request interviews or additional essays demonstrating your commitment to environmental work.
Coursework
You'll complete 30-60 credits within environmental biology, along with core undergraduate requirements. Most programs allow graduation with a reasonable workload in four years, though some advanced or dual-major degrees may take five years.
Skills You'll Develop
Bachelor's programs build foundational competencie,s including:
- Field Research Methods: Learn to collect and analyze biological samples, conduct population surveys, and document environmental conditions in natural settings.
- Laboratory Techniques: Develop proficiency in microscopy, chemical analysis, DNA extraction, and other essential lab skills.
- Data Analysis: Use statistical software to interpret research findings and identify meaningful patterns in biological data.
- Scientific Communication: Write research reports, present findings, and communicate complex biological concepts to various audiences.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Map and analyze spatial data related to ecosystems, species distribution, and environmental changes.
Employment
There's strong demand for science teachers with formal training. Completing a bachelor's in environmental biology followed by a master's in education provides one pathway to teaching at the primary and secondary school levels.
Environmental biology majors find work as field technicians, laboratory technicians, researchers for private or government laboratories, or independent contractors. They work for local or federal government agencies in various capacities, from data collection to program support.
School Spotlight
University of Hawaii - Manoa
The University of Hawaii - Manoa offers several undergraduate programs in environmental biology. The Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences department offers one option, while the Molecular Biosystems and Bioengineering department offers another.
UH Manoa also offers bachelor's degrees in Zoology and Marine Biology, with additional programs that are applicable to your career goals. Because Hawaii is distant from other U.S. institutions, many degree offerings prepare students for immediate workforce entry.
Graduates find opportunities with the National Park Service, Hawaii Fish and Wildlife, Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Department of Commerce Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, military branches, state and local government programs, and education roles.
Tulane University
Tulane University's Environmental Biology (ENVB) program in New Orleans focuses on human health, conservation and preservation, and public policy. It suits students planning to proceed to law school, graduate school, or terminal employment after the bachelor's degree.
Required classes include ecology, evolution, global change, genetics, and conservation, providing a well-rounded foundation for diverse career paths.
Master's Degrees in Environmental Biology
Many environmental biology students pursue government careers at the local, regional, or federal levels. A master's degree is often required for advancement and can accelerate pay increases and expanded responsibilities.
Requirements
Graduate programs typically require a letter of intent, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a small application fee, and undergraduate transcripts. Some programs prefer applicants with biology backgrounds, though many accept students from related fields who complete prerequisite courses before beginning graduate work.
Coursework
Master's degrees combine coursework with practical research. Most require either a thesis and defense or a series of published papers to meet graduation requirements. Many programs accommodate students with non-biology undergraduate degrees by offering prerequisite coursework.
Employment
Master's-level professionals work for the same employers that hire bachelor's degree holders but with expanded advancement opportunities. They often serve as lead horticulturists, environmental consultants, project managers, or program directors. The advanced degree demonstrates specialized expertise and research capability valued in both public and private sectors.
School Spotlight
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania's College of Liberal and Professional Studies offers graduate degrees in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Biology. Applicants need the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in biology for admission. Fieldwork opportunities are available locally and internationally.
Regis University
Regis University's Regis College in Denver offers a Master of Science in Environmental Biology, available in as little as 10 months or over three years for working professionals.
Fieldwork occurs primarily in the varied landscapes surrounding Denver, except for a January tropical or coastal session. Students must complete an externship or an independent research project before graduation to gain hands-on experience.
Ph.D. Degrees in Environmental Biology
Doctoral programs suit those seeking enhanced expertise, research independence, or career transitions. PhDs typically hold the most responsibility in environmental biology-leading research projects, publishing extensively, and directing programs.
Some doctoral students enter with master's degrees in other subjects and apply practical approaches to environmental biology. Doctoral programs typically require 4-6 years without a prior master's in the same field, representing a significant commitment. PhD programs in science usually require coursework, qualifying exams, original research with a dissertation, and a final thesis defense.
Requirements
Most PhD programs require a master's degree for entrance, along with three letters of recommendation, application fees, GRE scores, transcripts, and a compelling letter of intent. Many programs also require securing a faculty advisor before admission, as your advisor's expertise will shape your research focus.
Coursework and Research
Beyond traditional classes, doctoral students conduct dissertation research that makes original contributions to the field. Aligning yourself with a professor sharing common interests is crucial-this relationship shapes both your graduate experience and future career trajectory.
Your dissertation topic often defines your expertise for years to come. Choose research areas carefully, considering both personal interest and career applications.
Employment
Environmental biology PhDs are recognized experts in their specializations. They serve as supervisors and leaders in their organizations, teach in university settings, and advance within government agencies. They're highly competitive as independent environmental consultants, combining research expertise with practical problem-solving skills.
School Spotlight
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida College of Sciences offers a PhD in Conservation Biology through the Biology department. UCF emphasizes developing successful professional scientists, with a strong focus on peer-reviewed publications and research excellence.
Students must secure faculty advisor consent before admission. The school works to provide funding for students who maintain academic standards, supporting a full-time research focus.
University of Rhode Island
The University of Rhode Island offers a Ph.D. in Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES) involving faculty from URI's College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS). Participating departments include Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science, Biological Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, Geosciences, Natural Resources Science, Nutrition and Food Sciences, and Plant Sciences, as well as faculty from the Graduate School of Oceanography.
Specializations span Cell and Molecular Biology, Ecology and Ecosystem Sciences, Environmental and Earth Sciences, Integrative and Evolutionary Biology, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.
Online Degrees in Environmental Biology
While field-intensive environmental biology traditionally requires on-campus study, some programs offer online or hybrid options, particularly for theoretical coursework, data analysis skills, and foundation courses.
School Spotlight
Columbia University
Columbia University - School of Continuing Education offers a Certificate of Professional Achievement in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. The program is designed for part-time completion in approximately one year, targeting students who need environmental biology requirements for jobs or further schooling.
The certificate comprises classes in Biology, Chemistry, Conservation Biology, Statistics, and Environmental Science, providing a comprehensive foundation.
American Military University
American Military University offers several degrees and certificates in environmental biology. Options include a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science or Environmental Science with a Fish and Wildlife Management Concentration, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates in Fish and Wildlife Management.
Your Career after Graduation in Environmental Biology
Undergraduate environmental biology degrees open doors to careers as local and federal environmental specialists. You'll find opportunities with municipalities, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other agencies. Graduate degrees enable advancement, consulting work, and specialty transitions.
Salary and Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career earnings in environmental biology fields are competitive:
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists: Median annual salary of $78,980
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists: Median annual salary of $70,600
- Microbiologists: Median annual salary of $88,180
- Biological Scientists, All Other: Median annual salary comparable to related biological science fields
While there is some variation across specializations, these figures demonstrate strong earning potential across environmental biology careers. Salaries vary by location, with coastal states and major metropolitan areas often offering higher compensation to match the cost of living.
Job Growth and Outlook
The field of environmental biology shows promising growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% employment growth for environmental scientists and specialists from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 6,900 job openings annually nationwide.
This growth reflects increasing awareness of environmental challenges, expanded regulations requiring environmental compliance, and growing investment in conservation and sustainability initiatives.
Timeline and Investment
Understanding the time and financial commitment for environmental biology degrees helps with planning:
Expected Time to Degree
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years full-time (5 years for dual majors or co-op programs)
- Master's Degree: 2 years full-time (1-3 years for accelerated or part-time programs)
- PhD: 4-6 years beyond bachelor's (shorter with existing master's in the same field)
Funding Your Education
Several funding sources can reduce educational costs:
- Graduate Assistantships: Master's and PhD students often receive tuition waivers plus stipends in exchange for teaching or research assistance.
- Federal Grants: Pell Grants and other federal programs support undergraduate study based on financial need.
- Field-Specific Scholarships: Organizations such as the Wildlife Society, the Ecological Society of America, and the National Park Service offer competitive scholarships.
- Work-Study Programs: Many environmental biology programs incorporate paid field or lab work that counts toward degree requirements.
Return on Investment
Environmental biology graduates typically recover educational costs within the first decade of work, particularly with graduate degrees that command higher salaries. The field offers steady employment with government agencies, providing job security and benefits that enhance overall compensation.
Education Costs
School costs vary significantly by state, region, and residency status. The University of Hawaii, for example, charges nearly three times as much for out-of-state residents (over $15,000 per year compared to approximately $5,000 for undergraduate degrees).
Your chosen school should provide information about available scholarships, grants, and other funding sources. Most PhD students in hard sciences secure funding for their studies through assistantships or fellowships.
Examine your school's costs carefully-housing and cost of living may vary dramatically between institutions, affecting your total investment beyond tuition alone.
Importance of Accreditation
You may choose to attend a school with an environmental biology program without completing the full degree, instead taking advantage of available courses or earning a minor or certificate. School accreditation significantly impacts future opportunities.
Accreditation is powerful when seeking employment or transferring to another institution. Most graduate schools require undergraduate biology classes with laboratories to have been taken at an accredited college for program acceptance. Ensure your chosen institution holds proper regional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between environmental biology and environmental science?
Environmental biology focuses specifically on living organisms and their interactions with ecosystems, emphasizing topics like wildlife management, conservation, and ecology. Environmental science takes a broader approach, integrating biology, chemistry, physics, and geology to address environmental problems holistically. If you're primarily interested in working directly with plants, animals, or ecosystems, environmental biology provides more specialized training. If you prefer tackling environmental challenges through multiple scientific lenses, environmental science offers greater breadth.
Do I need a graduate degree to work in environmental biology?
You can find entry-level positions with a bachelor's degree, including field technician, laboratory assistant, or research support staff roles. However, career advancement, independent research roles, consulting work, and leadership positions typically require a master's degree or higher. Many professionals earn bachelor's degrees, work for a few years to clarify their interests, then pursue graduate education with clearer career goals and often employer support or assistantship funding.
Can I specialize in marine biology with an environmental biology degree?
Yes, many environmental biology programs offer marine biology concentrations or allow you to focus coursework and research on marine systems. Schools near coastal areas typically have stronger marine biology resources, but some inland universities maintain excellent programs through partnerships with marine research stations. Consider programs that offer summer field courses or semester exchanges at marine laboratories if marine biology is your primary interest.
What's the job outlook for environmental biology graduates?
The field is experiencing strong growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% expansion from 2022 to 2032 for environmental scientists and specialists. Increasing environmental regulations, growing awareness of conservation needs, and climate change adaptation efforts all drive demand for environmental biology professionals. Government agencies remain major employers, but private consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and research institutions also offer substantial opportunities.
Can I complete an environmental biology degree online?
Complete online degrees in environmental biology are rare because the field requires extensive hands-on laboratory and fieldwork. However, some schools offer hybrid programs with online coursework combined with intensive on-campus laboratory sessions or summer field courses. Professional certificates and some master's-level coursework are available online, particularly for working professionals. If you need flexibility, look for programs offering weekend or summer intensives rather than purely online options.
Key Takeaways
- Diverse Specializations: Environmental biology encompasses multiple career paths from marine biology to wildlife rehabilitation to sustainable agriculture, allowing you to align your education with specific environmental passions.
- Competitive Salaries: Environmental scientists earn median salaries around $78,980, with related biological science careers offering comparable or higher compensation, particularly in specialized roles and with advanced degrees.
- Strong Growth Outlook: The field projects 6% employment growth from 2022 to 2032, driven by increased environmental awareness, expanding regulations, and climate adaptation needs, creating approximately 6,900 annual job openings.
- Clear Educational Pathways: Programs exist at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels with well-defined career outcomes at each stage-from field technician positions with a bachelor's to research leadership roles with a PhD.
- Geographic Flexibility Matters: Your location preferences should influence program selection, as many environmental biology careers connect to specific ecosystems or regions where you'll build expertise and professional networks.
Ready to explore environmental biology programs that match your interests? Discover degree options from bachelor's through doctoral levels and find the right path for your conservation and environmental career goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, Microbiologists, and Biological Scientists, All Other reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.