Environmental Science Degrees
A degree in environmental science prepares students to work in a variety of careers within the science field. Environmental scientists and specialists combine different areas of science and work to protect the environment and human health. They examine environmental issues ranging from climate change to overpopulation to biodiversity. Many work in laboratories or offices, but also spend time out in the field observing the environment in person.
Top Bachelors Degree Programs in Environmental Science
Study.com evaluated hundreds of colleges and universities across the country to compile a trustworthy list of the best schools offering an environmental science program. To determine the programs' accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and overall value, we looked at relevant data from the Department of Education such as graduation and retention rates as well as tuition and other fees. We also considered the quality of research and experiential learning opportunities that schools can offer, and the availability of top-notch facilities and resources that students can access. This comprehensive list can be a useful guide for students who intend to pursue a bachelor's degree in environmental science.
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | $14253 | 16% | 93% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | Massachusetts Maritime Academy | $10018 | 91% | 76% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 3 | University of California-Davis | $14495 | 39% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $11639 | 87% | 56% | 83% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Yale University | $55500 | 6% | 97% | 64% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 8 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $8980 | 23% | 91% | 65% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $11390 | 74% | 69% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | California State University-East Bay | $7000 | 76% | 50% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | Binghamton University | $10201 | 41% | 82% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | University of Maryland-College Park | $10779 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | California State University-Monterey Bay | $7143 | 75% | 63% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $12028 | 61% | 71% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | University of California-Santa Barbara | $14391 | 30% | 83% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | University of Delaware | $14280 | 71% | 81% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | Western Washington University | $8343 | 90% | 68% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | University of California-Los Angeles | $13240 | 12% | 92% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | University of Vermont | $18802 | 67% | 77% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry | $9115 | 70% | 76% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $13691 | 70% | 86% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | Duke University | $57931 | 8% | 95% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $10725 | 54% | 88% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | University of Connecticut | $17226 | 49% | 84% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | University of Iowa | $9606 | 83% | 72% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 27 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | $17935 | 24% | 95% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | Iowa State University | $9320 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 29 | Indiana University-Bloomington | $10947 | 78% | 79% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $15407 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | University of California-Santa Cruz | $13991 | 51% | 75% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls | $8037 | 79% | 58% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 33 | University of Wyoming | $4747 | 96% | 60% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 34 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $7873 | 85% | 53% | 84% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | University of Colorado Boulder | $12500 | 78% | 69% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | University of Minnesota-Crookston | $12116 | 68% | 50% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 37 | San Diego State University | $7510 | 34% | 73% | 60% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 38 | University of Arizona | $12379 | 85% | 65% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 39 | Dartmouth College | $57204 | 8% | 95% | 62% | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| 40 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $9366 | 78% | 66% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 41 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 42 | Florida State University | $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 43 | Sonoma State University | $7880 | 91% | 62% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $15027 | 57% | 83% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | CUNY Queens College | $7538 | 49% | 56% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | $13680 | 75% | 62% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $11084 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 48 | California State University-Sacramento | $7368 | 82% | 55% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | George Mason University | $12564 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 50 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16540 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Environmental Science Degrees Are There?
Environmental science degrees are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels. Certificate programs also exist. In order to work in this field, you need to obtain at least a bachelor's degree in natural science or science based field for most entry-level jobs. In addition, employers value practical experience. Cooperative programs, which can provide college credit for job experience, are valuable for students to complete.
Associate Degrees in Environmental Science
An associate degree in environmental science can be obtained within two years and provides students with an introduction to basic courses within the major. The Associate of Science can be a good option if a student is not sure if this is the specific subject area they want to focus on. This degree serves as a good introduction to a bachelor's degree in environmental science. It consists of about 60 credits which can be completed at a community college in preparation to transfer to a four year university when finished (depending on transferability of courses taken). Students explore science, math, and humanities courses.
Bachelor's Degrees in Environmental Science
A bachelor's degree allows students to take more courses in order to further explore specific areas of science included in the major. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Arts degree includes both the social sciences and humanities, whereas the Bachelor of Science has an emphasis on natural and physical sciences and connecting those areas of study to environmental issues. For most bachelor's degrees in environmental science, students can choose to complete an internship. This opportunity allows them to gain first-hand experience and knowledge about the career field.
Master's Degrees in Environmental Science
You can continue to pursue your studies in environmental science by earning a master's degree. You'll need to focus on environmental science as a whole or choose to focus specifically on a physical or natural science within the field. The degree can be earned in about two to three years and consists of anywhere between 30 and 45 credits dependent on the program selected and university requirements. Students can choose to pursue a non-thesis option or a master's program with a thesis. The thesis option is usually for students who plan on working on advanced coursework.
Doctoral Degrees in Environmental Science
You can continue your education even further and earn a PhD/doctorate that prepares you to work for government agencies, become an educator, or conduct independent research. This can take anywhere between three and seven years to complete. To earn a PhD in environmental science, students are usually required to complete a research project that needs to be published.
Certificates in Environmental Science
There are many universities that offer certificates in environmental science, and these can be completed in 10-30 credits over the course of two or three semesters. Certificates can be completed in person or online. Many of these may focus on a specific area within the field of science. One of these is a certificate in geographic information systems. This certificate provides students with access to computing labs dedicated to geospatial technology, statistics, and data science. The experience they have completing this certificate helps prepare them for a career in areas such urban studies and public health along with environmental science.
There are also a wide range of certificates for graduate students. One of these is a certificate in weather and climate analytics. The curriculum in a program such as this one is designed to help prepare students to analyze atmospheric datasets, test hypotheses, and present the findings in ways that can be applied to create solutions to environmental problems.
Prerequisites for a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science:
Most bachelor's programs in environmental science only require the completion of a high school degree and the official transcript of courses taken and grades received. Students should have a strong interest in science and math and have performed well in these classes.
Students should also examine their skills when it comes to their preparedness for this field. Working in environmental science requires you to have a wide range of qualities including professional and interpersonal skills, including communication skills, analytical skills, and self-discipline.
Environmental Science Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
Students have the ability to tailor their environmental science degree based on the career path they are considering. Depending on the university you choose to attend, there are a wide range of concentrations to choose from such as energy and climate or sustainability and conservation. Students can also choose to work with animals with a concentration on biodiversity and wildlife. Individuals can also work to protect the environment by choosing a concentration in environmental justice or law. Finally, concentrations in health and the environment or in food and agriculture are also available.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science
Students take courses in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. In order to have hands-on experience, many environmental science programs include an internship. Students should look to take courses that involve computer modeling, data analysis, and geographic information systems. These skills help prepare students as they enter the job market.
There are a variety of free online courses and training that can even be completed for credit towards your degree. However with an environmental science degree, fieldwork and labs are required. This may include spending time in university science facilities conducting experiments, tests and analyzing their findings. Students may also have the opportunity to go out into their local community or take field trips in order to explore a variety of locations examining those environments first hand such as what they might do in career such as an environmental protection specialist.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Environmental Science?
On average it takes 3-4 years and the completion of 120 credits to earn a bachelor's degree in environmental science. This depends on if students plan on attending classes part-time, full-time, or in an accelerated format.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Environmental Science Degrees
Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; the accreditation process involves an extensive review of a school's educational programs and student services. An institution's accreditation impacts course credit transferability. It also impacts a student's eligibility for federal financial aid. Students should look for the school to have earned both national or regional accreditation.
For an environmental science degree, accreditation is provided by the National Environmental Health, Science and Protection Accreditation Council. This is the only non-profit organization in the United States that accredits stand-alone environmental health academic programs.
Environmental Science Licensure & Certification
It is not necessarily required for someone working in environmental science to have a professional certification. If someone chooses to, however, the National Registry of Environmental Professionals does offer certification. The Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) is a credential establishing a professionals's understanding of the basic principles of environmental science. Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree in an environmentally related area, but three years of acceptable work experience may be substituted for each year of an academic degree program. Students must also have three years of work experience directly related to environmental science.
If you are planning on teaching or becoming an environmental educator, certification will be necessary. Certification requires having at least obtained a bachelor's degree, completion of a teacher preparation program, and supervised teaching experience.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science?
There are a wide range of options you can pursue within the field of environmental science. Some popular jobs include environmental scientists, environmental engineers and environmental health and safety specialists. Other jobs include lawyers, biologists or geologists that specialize in the environment and work to protect the planet. Another more creative option is an environmental designer who works with architecture. Further careers within the field of environmental science include anthropologists, archaeologists, meteorologists and zoologists.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for environmental scientists are projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029 which is higher than average. Due to the increased focus on the environment and threats facing the planet, there has been growth within this field in recent years. As of May 2019, the median salary for environmental scientists is $71,360, as per the BLS.
How to Become an Environmental Scientist
To work as an environmental scientist, individuals need to have earned at least a bachelor's degree. These professionals often start their careers as analysts, research assistants, or technicians. The majority of their time is spent in laboratories and offices, but as environmental scientists they may work out in the field and travel to different locations.
Environmental scientists can choose to work in a specific area such as the energy industry. With climate change and global warming, these professionals work to research and increase the usage of renewable energy. One of these sustainable solutions is wind energy. Environmental scientists work with wind farmers in order to help ensure they follow environmental regulations and policies. By using natural sciences, human behavior, and local culture they are able to analyze and reduce the negative impacts that may be inflicted on people and the environment that may come from energy sources. Environmental scientists who specialize in the wind industry may be hired by development companies to come up with solutions and visit sites where they can apply their research to wind power projects.
How to Become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist
To work as a zoologist or wildlife biologist you need to obtain at least a bachelor's degree. This can be in zoology and wildlife biology or a related science field such as environmental science. Prior to working in this career, students can gain experience through internships or volunteer work within the field which can include working with animal species and research conducted in labs. These scientists study animals, wildlife, and ecosystems. This includes monitoring species to ensure they are healthy and checking for any diseases or parasites that may harm their population.
Zoologists and wildlife biologists are similar in nature, but zoologists spend their time conducting research and investigating particular types of animals and animal kingdoms as a whole, whereas wildlife biologists study specific species or ecosystems. Wildlife biologists may study species that may be at risk for extinction and focus on conservation efforts to protect their population and habitats.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Environmental Science Degrees
Students planning on receiving a bachelor's degree in environmental science should complete the FAFSA to determine if they qualify for any federal aid. There are many large organizations that offer scholarships to students planning to pursue a career in environmental science. The National Science Foundation offers a STEM scholarship for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Along with independent organizations, there are several government agencies that offer scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students, including the United States Department of Energy and The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Professional Organizations in Environmental Science
There are many professional organizations within the field of environmental science in the United States and around the world. Scientists research, study, and protect the environment through their work. Then they collaborate with one another with the shared mission of protecting the planet. International organizations include the International Association for Society and Natural Resources which has 4,200 members in over 45 countries. Members are professionals who work in social science and natural sciences. The organization applies their research and strategies to help combat issues facing the environment and natural resources.
Domestically, there are organizations such as the National Association of Environmental Professionals. This is an interdisciplinary organization devoted to maintaining the highest standards of ethics in professions pertaining to environmental science.
Another organization is the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) which is made up of over 1,000 interdisciplinary environmental programs in North America and around the world. Its mission is to teach, research, and serve as well as to improve communication within the science community.
