Indiana offers environmental science programs from bachelor's to master's levels at institutions like Notre Dame, Indiana University, and Indiana State University. Environmental scientists in Indiana earn a mean annual wage of $83,330, with employment projected to grow 13% through 2032-creating approximately 80 job openings annually from both new positions and workforce replacements.
Indiana offers a unique mix of climate and terrain in the central United States-moderate temperatures, varied topography, and a small stretch of Lake Michigan coastline. The state's natural assets include forests, waterways, and diverse ecosystems that support both wildlife and communities.
However, significant environmental challenges affect the state's air and water quality. A 2018 U.S. News & World Report analysis ranked Indiana 46th out of 50 states for air quality and 42nd for eco-friendliness. The state also manages some of the nation's most extensive toxic coal ash ponds from decades of coal-fired electrical generation.
These large-scale pollution issues require sustained scientific attention and cannot be resolved quickly. Environmental scientists will play an essential role in Indiana's environmental management and remediation efforts for years to come.
Why Study Environmental Science in Indiana?
Indiana's Environmental Challenges Create Career Opportunities
Indiana's environmental challenges create sustained demand for qualified professionals. The state's air quality issues, water resource concerns, and industrial legacy pollution require ongoing monitoring, assessment, and remediation work.
The toxic coal ash situation alone needs long-term management. Agricultural runoff affects stream and river water quality throughout the state. Legacy industrial pollution from decades of manufacturing requires assessment and cleanup. These challenges represent sustained career opportunities for environmental toxicologists, water quality specialists, and air quality monitors.
Strong Academic Programs With Established Reputations
Indiana's higher education system includes nationally respected environmental science programs. Notre Dame's integration of engineering and scientific disciplines through its Center for Environmental Science and Technology has produced influential research. Indiana University's program combines rigorous scientific preparation with policy analysis-teaching both the science and how to navigate the political and funding processes that turn research into action.
These programs have established connections with state agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions throughout the Midwest. That network matters when you're looking for internships and your first position after graduation.
Environmental Science Career Opportunities in Indiana
Understanding career opportunities helps you make informed decisions about your education and specialization. Indiana employs environmental scientists across multiple sectors, from government agencies to private consulting firms to corporate sustainability departments.
Salary and Compensation
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, environmental scientists and specialists in Indiana earn competitive wages that reflect the field's technical demands and importance:
Indiana Environmental Scientist Wages (May 2024):
- Mean annual wage: $83,330
- Median wage: $77,380
- 25th percentile: $57,640
- 75th percentile: $102,710
- 90th percentile: $128,870
The national mean wage for environmental scientists is $88,640, so Indiana wages are competitive with the broader market. More specialized roles command higher compensation-hydrologists in the state average $94,850, while conservation scientists earn around $71,110.
Your wage depends on your specialization, experience level, and employer type. Entry-level positions typically start in the $50,000-$60,000 range, with significant growth potential as you develop expertise.
Job Growth and Outlook
According to Indiana workforce projections, the employment outlook for environmental scientists in the state is strong. Indiana currently employs approximately 1,030 environmental scientists. From 2022 to 2032, employment is projected to grow from 830 to 940 positions-representing 13.3% growth over the decade.
This growth creates approximately 80 annual job openings from both new positions and replacements for workers leaving the occupation. That represents solid demand for a specialized field, driven by ongoing environmental challenges, regulatory requirements, and corporate sustainability initiatives.
Where Environmental Scientists Work in Indiana
Environmental scientists in Indiana work across multiple sectors. Companies throughout the state are addressing climate change impacts and advancing sustainability in their operations. Positions like climate change analyst, sustainability manager, and environmental compliance specialist have become increasingly common. Major employers like Cummins have strengthened their environmental strategy and compliance programs.
State agencies represent another major employment sector. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) hires environmental scientists for air quality monitoring, water resource management, and hazardous waste compliance. The Department of Natural Resources employs conservation scientists and park rangers to manage state parks and natural areas.
Environmental consulting firms throughout Indiana conduct site assessments, prepare environmental impact statements, and ensure regulatory compliance for clients. Non-profit organizations like the Citizens' Climate Lobby in Bloomington and the Hoosier Environmental Council need environmental science expertise to inform their advocacy work. These examples represent the types of employers in the state's environmental sector, though many other organizations hire environmental professionals.
For students interested in policy and regulatory aspects of environmental protection, there's a growing demand for professionals who understand both science and legal frameworks-including opportunities in environmental law after additional education.
Bachelor's Programs in Environmental Science
Before pursuing graduate study, you'll need an undergraduate degree. Indiana State University offers a BA/BS in Earth and Environmental Science with concentrations in atmospheric and surface processes or geoscience. These concentrations let you align your undergraduate preparation with your planned master's program and career path.
Manchester University provides flexibility with its Environmental Studies major. You can choose concentrations in policy, natural history, or technology depending on your interests. Past students have traveled to locations including the Bahamas and Florida Keys for field studies. More than 95% of Manchester graduates are accepted into graduate programs or secure entry-level environmental positions.
Master's Programs in Environmental Science
Graduate education allows for deeper specialization and research opportunities. Notre Dame maintains a top 20 academic ranking among American universities and runs a graduate program in biological sciences that leads in life sciences research.
The Center for Environmental Science and Technology anchors its program, pioneering the integration of engineering and scientific disciplines for environmental research and education. If you're interested in research that bridges multiple disciplines, Notre Dame offers that opportunity.
Indiana University in Bloomington offers a Master of Science in Environmental Science with a different focus. The program delivers rigorous scientific preparation for conservation careers while teaching analytical and policy-based frameworks. Understanding what needs to be done scientifically is one component-understanding how to implement that work within governmental and organizational structures is another.
Online Environmental Science Degree Options
Online environmental science degrees offer flexibility for students balancing education with work or family commitments. Attending class on your schedule rather than a fixed campus schedule can make the difference between pursuing your degree now and postponing your education.
Purdue University's Global Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management that can be completed online. They've designed an accelerated option that can position you for graduate study in a shorter timeframe.
Note: Program structure, online delivery format, and any in-person requirements should be verified directly with Purdue Global admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Environmental Science Degree Programs Are Available in Indiana?
Indiana offers programs at all levels. For bachelor's degrees, consider Indiana State University and Manchester University. For master's programs, Notre Dame and Indiana University in Bloomington provide strong options with different focuses-Notre Dame emphasizes research and interdisciplinary approaches, while IU combines science with policy analysis. Purdue Global offers online bachelor's programs for students who need flexible scheduling.
How Much Do Environmental Scientists Make in Indiana?
Environmental scientists in Indiana earn a mean annual wage of $83,330 according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The median wage is $77,380, with entry-level positions starting around $57,640 and experienced professionals earning $102,710 or more. Top earners in the 90th percentile make $128,870 annually. Your specific wage depends on your specialization, experience, and employer type.
What Are the Job Prospects for Environmental Scientists in Indiana?
Job prospects are strong. According to Indiana workforce projections, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 13.3% from 2022 to 2032, creating approximately 80 annual job openings from both new positions and replacements. This growth is driven by Indiana's environmental challenges, ongoing regulatory requirements, and increasing corporate focus on sustainability and environmental compliance.
Can I Earn an Environmental Science Degree Online in Indiana?
Yes, Purdue University's Global campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management that can be completed online. They also offer an accelerated option that can position you for graduate study. Online programs provide flexibility for working professionals and those with family commitments while maintaining academic rigor and accreditation standards. Verify program structure and any in-person requirements with the institution.
What Environmental Issues Is Indiana Facing?
Indiana faces several significant environmental challenges. A 2018 analysis ranked the state 46th nationally for air quality and 42nd for eco-friendliness. Major issues include extensive toxic coal ash ponds from coal-fired power generation, agricultural runoff affecting water quality, and legacy industrial pollution. These challenges create sustained demand for environmental professionals in monitoring, remediation, and compliance roles.
Key Takeaways
- Competitive Wages: Indiana environmental scientists earn a mean annual wage of $83,330, with experienced professionals exceeding $128,000-competitive compensation for specialized technical work.
- Growing Field: Employment is projected to grow 13.3% through 2032, creating approximately 80 annual job openings from both new positions and workforce replacements in response to environmental challenges and sustainability initiatives.
- Quality Programs: Notre Dame, Indiana University, and Indiana State offer respected programs with distinct strengths-from Notre Dame's interdisciplinary research focus to IU's policy integration approach.
- Career Demand: Indiana's environmental challenges create sustained opportunities in monitoring, remediation, and compliance across government agencies, consulting firms, and corporate sustainability departments.
- Flexible Options: Purdue Global's online programs provide accredited education for working professionals who need scheduling flexibility, though program structure should be verified with the institution.
Ready to explore environmental science programs in Indiana? Our school search tool can help you find accredited programs that match your career goals, location preferences, and scheduling needs.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
