Environmental Science Degree

Guide to Environment Sciences Degree Programs

Like many other fields, Environmental Science is a continuing to expand its availability of online programs from accredited schools. There are now several options of specializations within this field. By clicking on the links below, you can request more information for that school or degree.

BS - Environmental Sciences BS - Agriculture BS - Natural Resources BS - Horticulture MA - Natural Resources	Oregon State University — Oregon State offers numerous degrees in the environmental science field. Oregon State's BS in Environmental Sciences degree features an interdisciplinary curriculum in the basic sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Courses review the ozone layer, greenhouse gases, nuclear waste, and acid rain. The university also offers degrees in agriculture, natural resources, horticulture, and a Master's in Natural Resources.
BS - Environmental Management	Columbia Southern University — The 120-credit hour Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Columbia Southern University features a curriculum that reviews federal EPA and state environmental rules and regulations, explores environmental principles, and examines environmental protections. Courses study industrial waste, solid waste and hazardous waste management along with solutions for minimizing air, soil and water pollution.
BA - Environmental Studies BA - Org. Mgmt/Environmental Science	Ashford University — The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Ashford University provides training for future environmentalists, sustainability experts, consultants, and advocates. The curriculum explores cultural, social, and environmental issues at the local and global level. The Organizational Management/Environmental Science program features a greater emphasis on business management of environmental organizations.
BS - Environmental Policy and Management MS - Enviornmental Policy	Kaplan University — The Kaplan University Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management degree program provides for an interdisciplinary approach to environmental science. Courses study environmental issues and policies and examine relationships between public and private sectors. The MS in Environmental Policy dives deeper into the field, by questioning current trends in the industry.
AS - Renewable Energy	Carrington College California — The AS in Renewable Energy from Carrington College California is a great degree for those venturing out into the green industry. Upon graduation, students will be able to utilize project management skills to achieve performance objectives, demonstrate a working knowledge of an array of renewable energy sources, and prepare sample bids and sample project development plans.
BS - Environmental Science	University of Phoenix — The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree from the University of Phoenix provides students a diverse course of study that can be used in the preparation of a teaching career in secondary schools, colleges, and universities. Courses include Principles of Biology, Introductory Chemistry, Principles of Environmental Science, Physical Geology, and Conservation Biology.

Click here to see more online environmental science degrees

Search Degrees:

Definition of Environmental Science Degree

When obtaining an environmental science degree, students study the relationship between humans and the world around them, both living and nonliving. Human population is growing rapidly, along with lifestyles and climate. Working towards an environmental science degree, students learn how humans will adapt and grow with these significant changes in coming decades. You also study new resources and environmental changes that are affecting traditional resources such as water and fuel.

Students study common issues the planet faces such as deforestation, water pollution, damage of sea life, hazardous chemicals in the environment, ocean acidification and protection of clean air. The focus when studying environmental science is how these environmental problems work in conjunction to other issues. To develop sustainable solutions, scientists must take multiple environmental issues into account when attempting to find the answer. Environmental science students study many disciplines of science including physics, biology, ecology and chemistry. Working in environmental science, you also become aware of government policies and political agendas concerning the planet. Very seldom is there one black and white answer for an environmental issue; environmental scientists sometimes help policy makers and politicians better understand ecology and the proper course of action for solving or helping a problem. It is a challenging field that is rapidly growing and shows prominent job opportunities for graduates.

What Do I Study for An Environmental Science Degree?

Students look at environmental issues and learn how to assess problems without disturbing other things around the issue. For example, if a student is studying coral reef depletion, he or she will learn how to keep coral reef from dying without affecting the ocean or other ocean life around the coral reef. You study the impact human nature has on the environment and what social changes can take place to improve the quality of the planet. In many cases, little improvement can be had, shifting the focus to prevention and the issue of how can humans leave less of a negative environmental impact on the planet. Environmental science is considered an interdisciplinary field, which blends scientific methodology and conservationist ideals to improve the planet.

Your course work when studying for an environmental science degree is a blend of natural science, physical science, environmental law, math and environmental social issues. It is a combination of traditional classes, lectures, reading and lab work with other students. It is very common to work in groups or teams during environmental science classes. Seldom will you work alone for any project. Presentations and written reports comprise major grades for most environmental science degree programs.

Can I Get an Environmental Science Degree Online?

Environmental science degrees are available online. You study the same material as you would study in a traditional classroom setting; any online class is independent and requires a disciplined student to be successful in the program. Students will utilize online messageboards and online lectures when learning the material. These programs work well for students with any prior time commitments, such as a current job or a family at home that they care for. Online courses offer flexibility, so that students can learn and complete their degree at their own pace.

Where Can I Learn More About the Best Environmental Science Degree Programs?

What Can I Do With an Environmental Science Degree?

With an environmental science degree, you have a solid foundation for working in a science-related career, whether it’s in a lab or out studying natural resources. An environmental science undergrad degree can also serve as the base for someone going into policy making or environmental law, though you will need additional schooling through a masters, law school or PhD to make a leap into these careers. Environmental-related jobs are set to grow 25% in the coming decade. Green jobs are on the rise and many students are now pursing degrees in environmental science. Because of this, you want to make sure you’re getting work experience in conjunction to a degree. Explore internship or volunteer opportunities with the environmental science program at your school. The more experience you have upon graduating, the better chance you’ll have at landing a job when the competition is fierce.

Many of the best environmental degree programs are deliberately small to give their students one-on-one time conducting field and lab work, as well as working with experienced professors. These tight programs at traditional schools are a great way to explore the different areas of environmental science. This allows you to see the different facets of the industry you can work in. Some may excel by working independently in a lab. Others thrive on relationships and collaborating with like-minded scientists and will find themselves enjoying a career in green product development for a major company.

Environmental Engineer

Environmental engineering is a field slated for substantial growth (26%) in the coming decade. Environmental engineers explore solutions to existing environmental problems and look for preventative measures against future damage to the planet. Environmental engineers are employed by the government, private companies such as architecture firms and can also work as consultants.

Ecologists

Ecologists study the planet and the effect humans are having on environmental damage. They study organisms that are impacting the environmental change of the Earth. Most ecologists are employed by federal and state governments and may also be employed by major research facilities. Many ecologists work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This area is experiencing only subtle growth in the coming decade, at only 9%.

Wildlife Biologists

Like ecologists, the vast majority of biologists are employed by the government. Wildlife biologists focus on wildlife in both natural and controlled settings. Wildlife biologists with degrees beyond an undergraduate environmental science degree may be fit for a position working as a professor or working in a research lab. This position is also set to grow by only 9%.

Where Can I Find Green Jobs Leads?

Social networking sites are prime arenas for finding green job leads. You can also make contacts with people in the industry, which can potentially lead to a position utilizing your environmental science degree.