Virginia offers exceptional environmental science programs at institutions like the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Hollins University, with unique focus on Chesapeake Bay conservation and water quality research. Environmental scientists in Virginia earn competitive salaries averaging $85,760 annually, with strong job growth projected through 2032. Programs range from bachelor's to doctoral levels, with online options available for working professionals.
Welcome to EnvironmentalScience.org, your comprehensive resource for environmental science education and career pathways. Virginia's environmental landscape is dominated by the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, spanning more than 4,500 square miles and supporting over 3,600 species of plants and animals. This creates extraordinary opportunities for students interested in marine ecology, water quality management, and coastal conservation.
Whether you're passionate about estuary restoration, climate change research, or environmental policy, Virginia's programs provide the foundation you need. The state's unique environmental challenges, from agricultural runoff to coastal erosion, require skilled environmental scientists who can develop practical solutions.
Career Opportunities in Virginia
Virginia's environmental science sector offers diverse career paths across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting firms. Your expertise will be valued whether you're focused on Chesapeake Bay restoration or broader sustainability initiatives throughout the Commonwealth.
At the state level, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality oversees implementation of state and federal laws aimed at air and water quality, water supply, and land protection. The agency works alongside businesses, communities, and educators to enhance environmental quality and support sustainability efforts across the state.
Other key state agencies include the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Forestry, the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, and the Marine Resources Commission. Each offers unique opportunities for environmental scientists with specialized interests.
Within the nonprofit sector, the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) leads conservation efforts by partnering with more than 100 organizations to unify advocacy across the Commonwealth. VCN oversees multiple beneficial programs, including the Clean Water Coalition, which advocates for clean water throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Environment Virginia, a citizen-based environmental advocacy organization, conducts groundbreaking research on environmental issues and uses that information to educate the public and influence policy decisions. If you're interested in combining scientific research with public education and advocacy, consider pursuing an environmental education degree program that prepares you for these dual roles.
Salary and Employment Outlook in Virginia
Environmental science careers in Virginia offer competitive compensation that reflects the specialized knowledge required for these positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists in Virginia earned an average annual salary of $85,760. Conservation scientists earned $65,630, while hydrologists earned $89,960.
The Washington D.C. metropolitan area, which includes Northern Virginia, often offers higher salaries due to the concentration of federal environmental agencies and policy organizations. This proximity creates additional career opportunities for Virginia-based environmental scientists working on national and international environmental challenges.
Job growth in environmental science remains strong, with the field projected to grow 6.5% through 2032, creating approximately 141 new positions annually in Virginia. This growth reflects increasing demand for environmental expertise as climate change and sustainability become more pressing concerns.
Master's in Environmental Science in Virginia
A master's degree in environmental science opens doors to advanced research positions, leadership roles, and specialized career opportunities. Virginia universities offer exceptional graduate programs with unique strengths in various environmental disciplines.
The University of Virginia offers an MA/MS in Environmental Sciences with a robust curriculum that includes specific training in ecology, hydrology, atmospheric science, and geoscience. You'll enjoy opportunities to engage in research across a wide array of fields, including environmental biogeochemistry, coastal processes, catchment hydrology, wetlands ecology, and terrestrial ecology.
Virginia Tech provides unique graduate study options through its Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability, including an Executive Masters of Natural Resources and a Global Masters of Natural Resources. These programs rank among the nation's top for studying natural resources and conservation, preparing you for leadership positions in environmental management and policy.
Bachelor's in Environmental Science in Virginia
A bachelor's degree in environmental science provides a comprehensive introduction to the field, preparing you for entry-level positions in private, public, and nonprofit sectors, as well as for graduate school. Virginia offers an excellent selection of undergraduate programs that combine rigorous academics with hands-on research opportunities.
The University of Virginia's BA/BS in Environmental Science includes outstanding opportunities for research and experiential learning. Students engage directly with Virginia's unique environmental challenges through fieldwork and laboratory research.
Hollins University's BA/BS in Environmental Studies/Environmental Science features exceptional study abroad opportunities in which you can study and research Australia's tropical rainforests, Cambodia's and Vietnam's river ecosystems, and Bhutan's Himalayan environment. These international experiences complement your understanding of Virginia's environmental issues by providing global perspectives on conservation and sustainability.
Online Environmental Science Degree Options from Virginia Schools
Online learning has become an increasingly valuable option for students who need flexibility due to work commitments or geographic limitations. Virginia universities offer quality online programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels that maintain the same academic rigor as on-campus options.
Virginia Wesleyan offers a BA in Environmental Studies that's delivered entirely online. This program features a dynamic online environment with easy access to instructors and extensive opportunities for collaboration and communication with your peers.
At the graduate level, Virginia Tech offers an online Masters of Natural Resources that combines online coursework with completion of an international field experience. This blend of online and hands-on learning ensures you receive a well-rounded, dynamic education. International learning opportunities are located in countries including India, South Africa, Cuba, China, Egypt, and Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with an environmental science degree in Virginia?
With an environmental science degree in Virginia, you can work in state agencies like the Department of Environmental Quality, join nonprofit organizations focused on Chesapeake Bay conservation, or pursue careers with private environmental consulting firms. Common roles include environmental scientist, conservation specialist, water quality analyst, and sustainability coordinator. Virginia's focus on coastal ecosystems creates unique opportunities in marine research and estuary management that you won't find in landlocked states.
How much do environmental scientists make in Virginia?
Environmental scientists in Virginia earn competitive salaries that reflect the state's strong environmental sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists and specialists earned an average annual salary of $85,760 in Virginia. Salaries vary by specialization: hydrologists earn $89,960, and conservation scientists earn $65,630. The Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, which includes Northern Virginia, often offers higher salaries due to federal agency opportunities and the region's higher cost of living.
What are the best environmental science programs in Virginia?
Virginia offers strong environmental science programs at several institutions. The University of Virginia's BA/BS and MA/MS in Environmental Sciences provide comprehensive training in ecology, hydrology, and atmospheric science. Virginia Tech is particularly known for its natural resources programs through the Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability, which ranks among the nation's top conservation programs. Hollins University offers excellent undergraduate programs with unique international study opportunities. Both undergraduate and graduate options are available at each institution, allowing you to find the right program for your educational goals.
Can I study environmental science online in Virginia?
Yes, several Virginia universities offer online environmental science programs. Virginia Wesleyan provides a fully online BA in Environmental Studies, while Virginia Tech offers an online Master's of Natural Resources that combines online coursework with an international field experience. These programs maintain the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus options while offering flexibility for working professionals or students with geographic constraints. Online programs are particularly valuable if you're already working in an environmental field and want to advance your career without relocating.
Why is Virginia a good state for environmental science?
Virginia is home to the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States, creating abundant research and career opportunities in water quality, ecosystem restoration, and marine conservation. The state faces diverse environmental challenges, from coastal erosion to agricultural runoff, requiring skilled environmental scientists to develop solutions. Virginia's proximity to Washington, D.C., provides access to federal environmental agencies like the EPA and policy organizations, expanding your career options beyond state borders. The combination of hands-on research opportunities, strong academic programs, and diverse career paths makes Virginia an excellent choice for environmental science education.
Key Takeaways
- Chesapeake Bay Focus: Virginia programs emphasize the state's unique coastal ecosystems, providing hands-on experience with the largest estuary in the United States and its complex environmental challenges.
- Competitive Salaries: Environmental scientists in Virginia earn above-average salaries, with opportunities for higher compensation in the Northern Virginia/D.C. metropolitan area through federal agency positions.
- Diverse Programs: Options range from bachelor's to doctoral levels at institutions such as UVA, Virginia Tech, and Hollins University, with programs that emphasize everything from marine ecology to environmental policy.
- Strong Job Market: The field is projected to grow steadily through 2032, creating numerous annual job openings across government agencies, nonprofits, and private consulting firms.
- Online Flexibility: Multiple Virginia universities offer fully online or hybrid programs, allowing working professionals to advance their education without relocating or leaving current positions.
Ready to start your environmental science journey in Virginia? Explore degree programs that align with your career goals and passion for protecting the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Conservation Scientists, and Hydrologists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
