New Jersey offers comprehensive environmental science programs from bachelor's to doctoral levels at institutions like Rutgers, NJIT, Montclair State University, and NJCU. Environmental scientists in New Jersey earn a median annual salary of $79,920, with professionals addressing critical issues including air quality, coastal protection, and Superfund remediation across nonprofit, government, and private sectors.
Air quality challenges, rising sea levels threatening the Jersey shore, and the ongoing legacy of Superfund sites-these environmental issues define New Jersey's relationship with its natural resources. But here's the encouraging part: the Garden State is addressing these challenges head-on.
Thanks to organizations like the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, significant progress has been made. The closure of nearly all coal-burning power plants and new restrictions on high-emission vehicles have improved air quality. However, ozone levels continue to rise, and efforts to maintain the Clean Power Plan face ongoing challenges.
This work requires dedicated environmental professionals. With the proper education, you can join this growing movement and champion the state's most pressing environmental causes.
What Can I Do with an Environmental Science Degree in New Jersey
New Jersey's position along the eastern seaboard provides a unique setting for environmental work. The state's coastal environment, from beaches to wetlands, requires constant protection and management. Organizations like the Alliance for a Living Ocean (ALO) have been leading this effort since 1987, when the infamous 50-mile garbage slick appeared off the coast. Since then, ALO has worked to end sewer overflow, chemical waste dumping, and hazardous medical waste disposal.
The private sector also offers substantial opportunities. Companies like First Environment help federal, private, and public organizations solve complex environmental problems related to site investigation, remediation, greenhouse gas management, regulatory compliance, and auditing.
Environmental scientists in New Jersey address diverse challenges: monitoring water quality in the Delaware River Basin, assessing air pollution in urban areas, managing hazardous waste sites, restoring coastal ecosystems, and developing sustainable land use policies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists in New Jersey earned a median annual salary of $79,920 in 2024, with a mean wage of $85,440. The field shows steady growth prospects, with opportunities across government agencies, private consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state.
Master's in Environmental Science in New Jersey
New Jersey's master's program offerings in environmental science are extensive. Rutgers University leads with its MS in Environmental Sciences, which allows students to focus on specialties including ecological engineering, environmental chemistry, air pollution science and technology, and pollution prevention and control. The program's research opportunities span multiple disciplines, preparing graduates for both public- and private-sector careers.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers an MS in Environmental Science with a customizable curriculum. Courses include physical and chemical treatment, site remediation, biodiversity scaley, stormwater management, and sustainable politics and policy-research efforts at NJIT cover environmental microbiology, atmospheric and aerosol science, and watershed management and planning.
Both programs provide pathways to advanced positions in environmental consulting, government agencies, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Master's degree holders typically advance to project management, specialized technical roles, and policy development positions.
Bachelor's in Environmental Science in New Jersey
For students beginning their environmental science journey, New Jersey offers several strong undergraduate programs. Montclair State University provides bachelor's degrees in Geography, Earth and Environmental Science, and Sustainability Science. The BS in Earth and Environmental Science offers a well-rounded curriculum including contemporary electives such as earth surface processes and hydrology, environmental quality and remediation, and geology and geophysics.
New Jersey City University offers a BS in Earth and Environmental Sciences taught by faculty with expertise in GIS, medical geology, and groundwater/soil contaminants. This hands-on program prepares students for entry-level positions in environmental monitoring, field data collection, laboratory analysis, and environmental compliance.
Bachelor's degree holders often begin their careers as environmental technicians, field scientists, or laboratory analysts. These positions provide essential experience for advancement to professional environmental scientist roles or graduate study.
Online Environmental Science Degree Options from Schools in New Jersey
Online learning has become a trusted way to earn environmental science degrees, particularly for working professionals and those with geographic limitations. Montclair State University offers the MS in Sustainability Science, delivered as a fully or partially online program that can be completed in an accelerated or part-time format.
This flexibility allows professionals already working in environmental fields to advance their education without leaving their positions. Online programs typically include asynchronous coursework, virtual laboratory experiences, and occasional in-person intensive sessions for hands-on components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main environmental issues in New Jersey?
New Jersey faces several significant environmental challenges, including air quality issues (rising ozone levels despite improvements), coastal erosion and sea level rise along the Jersey shore, numerous Superfund sites requiring remediation, water quality concerns in rivers and coastal areas, and urban development pressures on remaining natural habitats. These challenges create diverse career opportunities for environmental professionals.
What's the job market like for environmental scientists in New Jersey?
New Jersey's job market for environmental scientists is strong due to the state's environmental challenges and strict regulatory environment. Opportunities exist in state and federal environmental agencies, private environmental consulting firms, nonprofit conservation organizations, research institutions, and corporateecologicall compliance departments. The state's proximity to New York City also expands job opportunities in the broader metropolitan region.
Do I need a master's degree to work as an environmental scientist in New Jersey?
A bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field is sufficient for many entry-level positions. However, a master's degree opens doors to more advanced roles, higher salaries, specialized positions, and research opportunities. Many professionals begin with a bachelor's degree, gain work experience, and then pursue a master's degree to advance their careers. For positions in environmental research, policy development, or senior consulting roles, a master's degree is often preferred or required.
Can I specialize in coastal or marine environmental science in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey's extensive coastline creates strong demand for professionals specializing in coastal and marine environmental science. Programs at Rutgers and other institutions offer relevant coursework and research opportunities. Career paths include coastal zone management, marine pollution monitoring, wetland restoration, beach erosion control, and fisheries management. Organizations like the Alliance for a Living Ocean and state agencies actively hire specialists in these areas.
What environmental organizations are based in New Jersey?
Major employers include state agencies like the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, federal agencies such as the EPA Region 2 office, environmental consulting firms (First Environment, Langan, Aecom), nonprofit organizations (New Jersey Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, Pinelands Preservation Alliance), research institutions (Rutgers, NJIT), and private companies requiring environmental compliance staff. The state's regulatory environment and ecological challenges ensure consistent demand across all sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Strong Program Options: New Jersey offers environmental science programs at multiple educational levels, from bachelor's to doctoral degrees, at respected institutions including Rutgers, NJIT, Montclair State, and NJCU.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: The state's environmental challenges-from Superfund sites to coastal protection-create varied career paths across government agencies, private consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions.
- Competitive Compensation: Environmental scientists in New Jersey earned a median salary of $79,920 in 2024 (mean: $85,440), with professionals in the private sector and federal positions typically earning at the higher end of the range.
- Steady Job Market: The field maintains consistent employment opportunities throughout New Jersey, supported by strict environmental regulations, ongoing remediation projects, and coastal management needs.
- Flexible Learning Options: Online and hybrid programs, such as Montclair State's MS in Sustainability Science, allow working professionals to advance their education while maintaining their careers.
Ready to begin your environmental science journey in New Jersey? Explore accredited programs, compare specializations, and take the first step toward protecting the Garden State's 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.
