Kansas offers comprehensive environmental science programs from bachelor's to doctoral levels at institutions including Kansas State University, the University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and Haskell Indian Nations University. According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, environmental scientists and specialists in Kansas earn a mean annual wage of $83,680, with 6.1% job growth projected through 2032. The state averages 40 annual job openings, including both new positions (30) and replacement openings from retirements.
"Home on the Range" isn't just our state song in Kansas-it's an accurate description of our lifestyle. We're one of the most productive agricultural states in the union, exporting some $3.6 billion worth of beef, wheat, soybeans, and corn each year to the world.
It's a fine place for outdoor recreation, too, with hunting, fishing, and horseback riding all common hobbies for residents taking advantage of that wide-open prairie land.
We're about as far as you can get from any ocean, but water is a big deal for farmers, and the quality and management of the Missouri and Arkansas rivers are ongoing concerns for Kansas environmental managers. Below the surface, the ominous decline of the vast Ogallala Aquifer threatens the lives and livelihoods of everyone in the state.
It's a threat that has revitalized environmental science and environmentalism in a state that was long content to look the other way. Today, earning a degree in environmental science is a smart move for Kansans who want to make a real difference in protecting our agricultural heritage and natural resources.
Environmental Science Careers in Kansas
After dramatic budget cuts in recent years, the state government isn't the major employer it once was for environmental professionals. However, state agencies still hire environmental scientists for critical functions. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) employs specialists in water quality monitoring, air quality management, and hazardous waste oversight. The Kansas Department of Agriculture's Division of Conservation needs soil scientists and water resource specialists. Opportunities have shifted more toward private sector and federal positions, but state environmental work continues.
Industry and Private Sector Opportunities
Kansas industry employs environmental specialists across multiple sectors. Companies like Pfizer, South Star Central Gas Pipeline, and other manufacturing or industrial operations employ environmental scientists for compliance monitoring, environmental impact assessments, and sustainability initiatives. These positions often require knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, pollution prevention, and environmental management systems.
The agricultural sector-our state's economic backbone-offers particularly strong opportunities. With Kansas producing significant portions of the nation's wheat, beef, and soybeans, companies need professionals who understand soil science, water quality management, and sustainable agricultural practices. Hydrologists and soil scientists are in big demand with agribusiness companies throughout the state, as are agricultural engineers who develop sustainable practices.
Federal and State Conservation Roles
Federal agencies offer more stable employment than state positions currently. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employs soil conservationists, rangeland management specialists, and wetland specialists throughout Kansas. The National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service hire park rangers and conservation professionals for Kansas' national grasslands, wildlife refuges, and recreational areas.
County and municipal governments also need environmental specialists for water treatment facilities, stormwater management, solid waste programs, and local conservation districts.
Environmental Remediation and Consulting
There's a growing market for environmental experts who deal with the long-term consequences of past industrial activities. Boeing largely packed up and moved their big Wichita plant in 2012, for example, but after 85 years of heavy manufacturing there, the company is on the hook for decades of remediation work to roll back the environmental impacts. Projects like this need environmental toxicologists working on remediation projects, soil scientists, and environmental engineers.
What You'll Earn in Kansas
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, environmental scientists and specialists in Kansas earn a mean annual wage of $83,680-about $5,000 below the national mean of $88,640, though Kansas' lower cost of living helps offset this difference. The median wage sits at $73,300, meaning half of environmental scientists earn more and half earn less. Entry-level positions (10th percentile) start around $52,120, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $133,150 or more.
The field shows steady growth. Kansas projects 6.1% employment growth for environmental scientists through 2032, adding 30 new positions to the current 530 jobs in the state. When you include replacement openings from retirements and career transitions, the state averages about 40 job openings annually-a healthy outlook for new graduates and career changers.
Environmental Challenges Driving Kansas Jobs
Understanding Kansas' unique environmental challenges helps you see where career opportunities emerge and which specializations are in demand. These aren't abstract problems-they're real issues affecting Kansas farmers, communities, and ecosystems right now, creating an ongoing need for skilled professionals.
Water Resource Management
Our most critical challenge is water. The Ogallala Aquifer-which provides irrigation water for much of western Kansas agriculture-is declining at an alarming rate. According to U.S. Geological Survey monitoring data, some areas have seen water levels drop by more than 100 feet since large-scale irrigation began in the 1950s. This isn't just an environmental issue; it's an existential threat to Kansas agriculture and rural communities.
Environmental scientists work on aquifer monitoring, sustainable irrigation strategies, and water conservation programs. Hydrologists study groundwater flow patterns, while soil scientists develop farming techniques that reduce water consumption. Surface water quality is equally important, with the Missouri and Arkansas river systems requiring constant monitoring for agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and municipal waste impacts.
Agricultural Sustainability and Soil Conservation
Intensive farming has taken its toll on Kansas soils. Erosion, nutrient depletion, and contamination from fertilizers and pesticides create ongoing challenges. The state needs environmental professionals who can help farmers implement conservation tillage, manage nutrient applications, and protect soil health for future generations.
There's also growing interest in carbon sequestration and climate-smart agriculture. Kansas grasslands and croplands have significant potential for capturing atmospheric carbon, and research in this area is expanding rapidly.
Native Prairie and Ecosystem Restoration
Kansas once contained vast tallgrass and mixed-grass prairies. Today, less than 4% of our original prairie remains. Conservation organizations, universities, and government agencies are working to preserve and restore these ecosystems. This creates opportunities for ecologists, wildlife biologists, and restoration specialists who understand native plant communities and prairie management.
Bachelor's Degree Programs in Kansas
A strong undergraduate foundation prepares you for either immediate employment or graduate study. Kansas universities offer several pathways, each with distinct strengths. Here's what you need to know about the major options.
University of Kansas (Lawrence)
The University of Kansas offers BA, BS, and BGS degrees in environmental studies-an interdisciplinary program that combines environmental science with policy, economics, and social sciences. This differs from a pure environmental science degree by incorporating humanities and social science perspectives alongside scientific training. The approach works well if you're interested in environmental policy, education, or nonprofit work, or if you're planning graduate study where interdisciplinary preparation is valued.
The program's strength lies in its flexibility-you can tailor your coursework to emphasize scientific content, policy analysis, or community engagement depending on your career goals.
Haskell Indian Nations University (Lawrence)
It might surprise you to learn that Lawrence hosts two strong programs. Haskell Indian Nations University-the premier tribal university in the United States-offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (not Environmental Studies). This is a science-focused degree exploring the interconnected living and non-living components of the natural world using current theory and technologies.
Haskell's program brings unique perspectives on environmental stewardship and indigenous ecological knowledge while maintaining rigorous scientific training in chemistry, biology, geology, and ecology. If you're eligible for admission, it's an outstanding option that often gets overlooked.
Additional Undergraduate Options
Several other Kansas universities offer related programs worth considering. Kansas State University's Division of Biology includes strong ecology and environmental biology tracks. Emporia State University offers environmental science programs with excellent field research opportunities. Fort Hays State University provides geography and geosciences degrees with environmental emphases.
Master's Degree Programs in Kansas
Graduate education opens doors to advanced research positions, specialized consulting work, and higher salaries. At the master's level, Kansas environmental schools offer superb education with extensive hands-on research experience. Though located in smaller towns, the quality and impact of research performed at these schools is impressive.
Kansas State University (Manhattan)
K-State, dominating the famous "Little Apple" of Manhattan, is particularly well-known for groundbreaking graduate research. Faculty and students conduct cutting-edge work on topics directly relevant to Kansas environmental challenges-from watershed management and soil ecology to sustainable agriculture and prairie restoration.
The program emphasizes hands-on research. You'll design and conduct your own field studies, often in collaboration with state agencies, conservation organizations, or agricultural operations. This practical experience is invaluable when you enter the job market.
Wichita State University
Wichita State University delivers a master of Science program in Earth, Environmental, and Physical Sciences that allows you to heavily customize your course of study to match your professional ambitions. If you're interested in environmental chemistry, geological sciences, or physics applications to environmental problems, WSU provides excellent faculty expertise and research facilities.
The program's flexibility is its greatest strength-you can essentially design your own specialization by combining coursework and research across multiple disciplines.
Online Environmental Science Degree Options from Kansas Schools
In a largely rural state, online degree programs can be a godsend. Beyond the incredible convenience of taking classes at any time of day, online programs keep you from having to relocate to more expensive college towns just to earn a degree.
Degree programs like the Fort Hays State University Bachelor of Science in Geosciences are tremendous time and money savers for Kansas undergrads. Through the school's Virtual University, you can complete the geography emphasis of the BS without ever setting foot in Hays.
Online programs work particularly well for working professionals looking to advance their careers or career changers who need to maintain current employment while studying. Just be aware that some environmental science programs require field components or laboratory work that can't be completed entirely online.
How to Choose the Right Kansas Environmental Science Program
With multiple strong programs available, how do you decide which one fits you best? Here's what we've found matters most after years of helping Kansas students make this decision.
Consider your career goals first. If you're planning to work in agricultural sustainability, K-State's strong ag connections are invaluable. If you're interested in urban environmental issues or environmental engineering applications, Wichita State's location and industry partnerships might serve you better. For careers in policy or environmental education, KU's interdisciplinary approach provides broader preparation.
Think about research opportunities. Graduate programs, especially, should be evaluated based on faculty research interests and ongoing projects. Look for programs where professors are actively working on topics that interest you-you'll learn far more from hands-on involvement in cutting-edge research than from coursework alone.
Evaluate program flexibility. Some programs offer structured curricula with limited elective options, while others let you customize your course of study extensively. Neither approach is inherently better-it depends on whether you need a clear structure or prefer to design your own path.
Don't overlook location and cost. Program reputation matters, but so does your ability to complete the degree without crushing debt. In-state tuition at Kansas public universities is remarkably affordable compared to out-of-state options. Living costs in Manhattan, Lawrence, or Hays are significantly lower than in major metropolitan areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary can environmental scientists expect in Kansas?
Environmental scientists and specialists in Kansas earn a mean annual wage of $83,680, according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The median wage is $73,300, with entry-level positions (10th percentile) starting around $52,120 and experienced professionals (90th percentile) earning $133,150 or more. These figures are about $5,000 below the national mean of $88,640, but Kansas's lower cost of living means your purchasing power is often comparable to or better than higher-salary states.
Which Kansas universities offer the best environmental science programs?
Kansas State University in Manhattan is particularly strong for agricultural and ecosystem-focused environmental science, with excellent graduate research opportunities. The University of Kansas in Lawrence offers flexible interdisciplinary environmental studies programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Wichita State University provides customizable master's programs strong in environmental chemistry and physical sciences. Haskell Indian Nations University, also in Lawrence, offers unique perspectives combining indigenous ecological knowledge with rigorous scientific training. Each program has distinct strengths-the "best" choice depends on your specific interests and career goals.
What environmental jobs are available in Kansas?
Kansas environmental professionals work in agricultural sustainability consulting, water resource management, industrial environmental compliance, remediation and consulting, conservation biology, soil science, environmental education, and government regulatory positions. The agricultural sector drives significant demand for hydrologists, soil scientists, and sustainability specialists. Manufacturing and energy companies need environmental compliance officers and monitoring specialists. There's also growing demand for professionals working on water conservation, prairie restoration, and climate adaptation strategies.
Do I need a master's degree for environmental science careers in Kansas?
It depends on your career goals. Many entry-level positions in environmental compliance, field research, and conservation work require only a bachelor's degree. However, a master's degree opens doors to advanced research positions, specialized consulting work, senior-level agency roles, and significantly higher salaries. If you're interested in academic or research careers, a master's degree is essential. For applied work in industry or agriculture, you can start with a bachelor's and pursue graduate education later if desired. Many working professionals complete master's degrees part-time while employed.
What environmental challenges does Kansas face?
Kansas' most critical environmental challenge is declining water resources, particularly the Ogallala Aquifer, which has dropped more than 100 feet in some areas since large-scale irrigation began in the 1950s. The state also faces soil degradation from intensive agriculture, water quality issues in rivers and streams from agricultural runoff, loss of native prairie ecosystems (less than 4% remains), climate change impacts on agriculture and water availability, and legacy contamination from past industrial activities requiring long-term remediation. These challenges create ongoing demand for environmental scientists who can develop practical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Competitive Kansas Salaries: Environmental scientists in Kansas earn a mean annual wage of $83,680 as of May 2024, with the median at $73,300 and top earners (90th percentile) exceeding $133,150-slightly below the national mean but offset by Kansas' significantly lower cost of living.
- Steady Job Growth: Kansas projects 6.1% employment growth for environmental scientists through 2032, creating 30 new positions and averaging 40 annual job openings when including replacement positions from retirements and career transitions.
- Diverse Program Options: Kansas offers bachelor's through doctoral programs at Kansas State University, University of Kansas, Wichita State University, Haskell Indian Nations University, and others, with options ranging from structured curricula to highly customizable programs and online degree pathways for working professionals.
- Agriculture-Driven Demand: Kansas' agricultural economy creates strong demand for environmental professionals in soil science, water resource management, sustainable farming practices, and agribusiness environmental compliance-opportunities that are particularly abundant compared to other states.
- Critical Water Challenges: The declining Ogallala Aquifer and surface water quality concerns drive the ongoing need for hydrologists, water resource managers, and sustainability specialists working on Kansas' most pressing environmental issue affecting agriculture and rural communities statewide.
Ready to start your environmental science journey in Kansas? Explore degree programs that align with your career goals and help you make a real difference in protecting Kansas' agricultural heritage and natural resources.
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.
