Pennsylvania offers environmental science programs from bachelor's through doctoral levels at institutions like University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, and Penn State. Environmental scientists in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $79,770, with 5.9% projected job growth through 2032 creating approximately 250 annual openings statewide.
If you live in Pennsylvania, chances are good that you've fished the lakes, boated the rivers, and taken a dip in the creeks. This state's unique topography, a largely mountainous region appreciated for its densely forested land that showcases rolling hills and deep valleys through which water twists and turns, has produced a beautiful landscape that has long attracted nature lovers.
Many areas of Pennsylvania, like Pittsburgh, however, weren't always so picturesque. Pittsburgh's transformation from an industrial pollution hub to an environmental success story stands as one of the most impressive urban reUSlizations in US history. Today, universities across Pennsylvania use this real-world case study to teach environmental remediation, air quality management, and sustainable urban development. Study environmental science in Pennsylvania, and you'll have a front-row seat to ongoing environmental efforts while gaining the skills to analyze, examine, and investigate environmental challenges that matter.
Career Opportunities and Salary Outlook in Pennsylvania
With environmental programs, initiatives, and legislation front and center on the minds of everyone from policymakers to environmental watchdogs to governmental agencies, the need for environmental specialists is greater than ever. Pennsylvania's environmental science sector offers diverse career opportunities across nonprofit, private, and government sectors.
Nonprofits and advocacy groups are abundant here, often producing programs designed to educate the public and drive change. For 45 years, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council has implemented local and regional projects that have directly informed state policy. Environmentalists here study some of the most pressing environmental issues in PA, including watersheds, trails and recreation, and energy and climate. Penn Environment is another big name in environmental nonprofits here. This statewide advocacy group researches environmental challenges and uses the knowledge they gain to educate the public.
Private environmental consulting groups like Moonstone Environmental in Allentown and Lotus Environmental Consulting in Harrisburg study and consult on environmental initiatives throughout the state, serving clients ranging from private businesses to governmental agencies. For example, in the last few years, Lotus has won several significant contracts with the PA Turnpike, PennDOT, and the Maryland Port Authority.
In the governmental sector, the major players in sustainability here are the Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), both of which implement programs, support legislation, and provide environmental assistance to the public.
Environmental scientists and specialists in Pennsylvania earned an annual average salary of $79,770 as of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This compares to the national average of $88,640. Pennsylvania currently employs approximately 2,570 environmental scientists. Looking ahead, the field is projected to grow 5.9% from 2022 to 2032, adding 170 positions and creating an average of 250 annual job openings when accounting for replacement needs and new positions.
Master's in Environmental Science in Pennsylvania
Master's degrees in environmental science provide aspiring or currently practicing environmentalists with advanced interdisciplinary study focused on the examination of natural resources and sustainability. Pennsylvania offers some of the nation's top environmental science schools, including Ivy League options.
The University of Pennsylvania's Master of Environmental Studies builds on the university's legacy of academic excellence, providing working adults with a comprehensive, research-intensive program with six concentrations: environmental biology, environmental policy, environmental resilience and adaptation, environmental sustainability, resource management, or urban environment.
Among public institutions, the University of Pittsburgh offers an MS in Geology & Environmental Science and a Professional MS in GIS and Remote Sensing, both within the internationally recognized Department of Geology & Environmental Science. These programs prepare graduates for careers requiring technical expertise in geospatial analysis and environmental assessment.
Bachelor's in Environmental Science in Pennsylvania
Undergraduate offerings in environmental science are abundant, providing students new to the field with a broad foundation. Pennsylvania's bachelor's programs emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application through hands-on experience and research opportunities.
Chatham University's BS in Environmental Science, through courses in biology, chemistry, hydrology, climate and science, and geology, provides a solid course of study that prepares you for jobs in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Plus, if you have aspirations of graduate study, you'll be able to complete both your undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years through the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment's Master of Sustainability Integrated Degree Program.
Robert Morris University's BS in Environmental Science is another impressive bachelor's program that offers dynamic experiential learning opportunities, including field trips, lab experiences, and internships. These practical components ensure graduates enter the workforce with real-world problem-solving skills.
Online Environmental Science Degree Options from Pennsylvania
Online programs have become a trusted method of learning for a variety of learners who need the flexibility that distance-based learning provides. Fortunately, online education has expanded to include environmental science degrees, some of which are available through Pennsylvania colleges.
Penn State University's World Campus offers a Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability, which is delivered entirely online for practicing professionals seeking to expand their expertise. This graduate course of study includes your choice of a concentration in solar energy or sustainability management and policy.
Villanova University's MS in Sustainable Engineering, another solid online graduate offering in Pennsylvania, is ideal for engineers and non-engineers alike, thanks to its strong selection of concentration options in areas such as alternative and renewable energy, environmental sustainability, sustainable materials, and water resources sustainability.
Many students pursuing environmental science degrees benefit from environmental science scholarships to help offset educational costs. Pennsylvania institutions offer various funding opportunities for both in-state and out-of-state students committed to environmental careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with an environmental science degree in Pennsylvania?
Environmental science graduates in Pennsylvania work across nonprofit organizations such as the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Penn Environment, private consulting firms such as Moonstone Environmental and Lotus Environmental Consulting, and government agencies including the PA EPA and the Department of Environmental Protection. Career paths include environmental consulting, policy analysis, conservation science, and urban sustainability planning.
How much do environmental scientists earn in Pennsylvania?
Environmental scientists and specialists in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $79,770 as of 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries vary based on experience, education level, and sector, with entry-level positions starting around $47,890 and experienced professionals earning upwards of $123,840 annually.
Which Pennsylvania universities offer the best environmental science programs?
Pennsylvania offers exceptional environmental science programs at the University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League master's with six concentrations), University of Pittsburgh (MS in Geology & Environmental Science), Penn State World Campus (online renewable energy programs), Chatham University (BS with five-year accelerated master's option), and Robert Morris University (BS with a strong experiential learning focus).
Can I study environmental science online through schools in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania institutions offer several online environmental science options. Penn State World Campus provides a Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability with concentrations in solar energy or sustainability management. Villanova University offers an online MS in Sustainable Engineering with specializations in renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and water resources.
What job opportunities exist for environmental scientists in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's environmental science field is growing at 5.9% through 2032, creating an average of 250 annual job openings. Opportunities span environmental consulting for infrastructure projects, nonprofit advocacy and education, government regulatory and compliance roles, urban sustainability planning, and water quality management. Pittsburgh's environmental transformation continues to generate research and remediation projects.
Key Takeaways
- Competitive Salaries: Environmental scientists in Pennsylvania earn an average of $79,770 annually, with steady 5.9% job growth projected through 2032, creating approximately 250 annual openings statewide.
- Prestigious Programs: Access to Ivy League education at the University of Pennsylvania alongside strong public institutions like the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State, offering programs from the bachelor's through doctoral levels.
- Diverse Pathways: Options range from traditional four-year bachelor's degrees to accelerated five-year BS-to-MS programs at Chatham University, as well as fully online master's programs for working professionals.
- Real-World Impact: Pittsburgh's environmental transformation from an industrial pollution hub to a sustainability leader serves as a living laboratory for studying urban remediation, air quality management, and sustainable development.
- Career Diversity: Work opportunities span nonprofit advocacy groups such as the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, private consulting firms such as Lotus Environmental, and governmental agencies, including PA EPA and the Department of Environmental Protection.
Ready to start your environmental science journey in Pennsylvania? Explore degree programs that align with your career goals and ecological interests.
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. Learn more at BLS.gov.
