Online Environmental Science Degrees

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Online Environmental Science Degree

To meet the need, many online schools now offer environmental science degrees. Scientists in this field want to build a greener future. This fast growingfield offers a range of rewarding career paths. If you hope to make a difference, an online degree offers a flexible format.

What is an Online Environmental Science Degree?

An online degree in environmental science (ENVS) studies earth systems and resources. At the same time, it looks at human impacts to find ways to reduce or solve pressing environmental issues.

One may find online degree programs in ENVS at all levels. Bachelor’s, master’s and PhDs. Bachelor’s programs explore basic sciences, policies and issues. Grads may be ready to enter the workforce or to study at the graduate level. Master’s programs offer a path to hone skills. Some scientific and others strategic. Grads may leave ready to develop the systems that manage resources or step into a supervisory role. PhDs are research focused. Some grads choose this path to teach, consult, direct and set policy. To earn a PhD one must input new theory or add value to the field through discovery.

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science

An online bachelor’s degree in environmental science is an entry level degree. It tends to cover sciences as well as the team player skills needed to launch a career. Grads may go onto start a job search or apply into a graduate program

Most online schools offer one of two types of degrees. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS). In some cases the BA is about environmental studies. Instead of more science classes, it may cover policy, sustainability and environmental law. To do this, you might look at certain examples through case studies.

Either kind of program may take four years to complete about 120 credits. Some of these focus on sciences. While others may touch on the problems we face to climate, air, water, land and forests. Along the way, one may learn how to bring solutions to the table through policy or compliance.

When searching for schools, you may notice tuition rates vary. In 2017/18, public college tuition averaged $17,797 per year. Private schools were (and tend to still be) more expensive. These cost in the range of $46,014 (private nonprofit) or $26,261 (private for profit) per year according to NCES.

That said, many students qualify for financial aid. To find out more, you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the due date. Take note that only accredited schools take part in this type of funding.

As a freshman applicant you need a high school diploma. When applying you may need to provide a list of HS courses, grades, test scores and awards. Some online schools also ask for an essay and full list of your extra activities. They may use this material to weigh admission and for scholarships.

Master’s Degree in Environmental Science

An online master’s is a graduate degree. Most online programs award a Master of Science (MS) in this field. To gain entry, one needs an undergraduate degree from an accredited school. Some online schools also look at GRE scores, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. It is a place to describe goals, and explain how you think a certain MS program fits your interests and aims.

Many programs take two years and cover 36 credits of online courses. These may study the links among ecology, economics, policy and culture. A final research thesis might also refine skills in critical thinking. ENV professionals may use the MS as a spring board to a leader role. The classes shed light on how to update policy to keep pace with the times. Also new ways to regulate and manage resources.

When looking into grad schools, tuition varies. The average graduate tuition and required fees at a public school is$11,617. You may find programs that are more affordable as well as ones that cost even more.

PhD in Environmental Science

A PhD is a research degree. It is the highest award in environmental science one might achieve. Some schools also award a Doctor of Env in Environmental Science and Engineering.Many who go for a PhD plan to remain in science, teach and work in research and development. While those who work towards a D-ESE may strive for a senior leadership role. For example, at the Environmental Protection Agency or Army Corps of Engineers.

Because both programs may be hands on, it is less common to find them fully online. Many come with residencies and research under the supervision of faculty. Often the first one to three years devote to classes and the remaining time, to this research. Admission to a PhD may require a bachelor’s and master’s. Many schools also ask for a sample of past research, a goals statement and references. Most are looking to see if your research interests match ongoing faculty projects.

What can I do with an Online Environmental Science Degree?

A degree in environmental science may be a gateway to a range of career paths. The need to solve environmental problems is generating jobs across sectors. Including science, technology, policy and management. Many of these careers are evolving, so there may be jobs for various levels of education. As a rule, scientistsin this field need at least a bachelor’s degree and many have a master’s or PhD. Here are some possible career opportunities for those interested in the environment.

1 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Environmental specialists and scientists work to protect the earth, resources and human health. Many work in the lab, offices or in the field where they diagnose samples of air, soil, water and food. The data they collect aims to remedy issues like global warming and carbon emissions.

2 CONSERVATION SCIENTIST

Aconservation scientistprotects forests, parks, natural habitats and their resources. It is their role to ensure these areas stay intact. To do this, they need to understand government rules and ensure anyone who works on these lands complies.

3 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

Many who work in this field are lab techs who work with scientists or engineers. They collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials. When there is an oil spill, food poisoning or outbreak, these pros are in the lab running tests.

4 HYDROLOGIST

A hydrologist studies the way water moves across and through the earth. Some of the time they are on the computer analyzing data. In the field, they may have to get their feet wet to read and inspect equipment. Some workers enter the field with a master’s degree but for research roles, may need a PhD.

5 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ANALYST

Apolicy analystwho focuses on the environment may work for government agencies or nonprofits. Their role is to craft and research ENVS policies based on surveys, economic data and election results. Because these jobs are complex, one is likely to need a master’s degree or PhD.&

6 ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER

Anenvironmental engineeris a problem solver. These professionals use environmental technology, soil science, biology, and chemistry to address pressing issues. Whether to improve recycling, waste disposal, pollution or unsafe drinking water. Here, a grad degree may be useful if plans include teaching or research and development.

7 ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM MANAGER

Also called Fisheries Director, Water Team Leader and Natural Science Manager. Theseprofessionalsoversee the work of scientists. And direct activities related to research and development such as testing, quality control, and production. Apart from a bachelor’s degree, one tends to need a master’s or PhD.

Is an Online Degree in Environmental Science Worth it?

Jobs in environmental science are growing at a much faster rate than others. So, expertise may yield flexible skills, prospects and above average earning potential. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the outlook is bright. They predict about 7,100 new ENVS jobs to 2019. That signifies an 8% growth compared to the norm which is 4%.

Many of these jobs will be in government and industries that provide consulting services. The demand, says the BLS, reflects a need to come up with greener solutions that also limit damage to resources. Salaries in these areas vary. Also per BLS data, the median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $71,360 in May 2019. Of these workers, the lowest 10% earned less than $42,810. And the highest 10% earned more than $124,760.

Online Environmental Science Degree Jobs & Salary

Top States for Jobs as an Environmental Scientist

What classes will I take with an Online Environmental Science Program?

Topics tend to draw from general areas in the physical and natural sciences. Online students may take the same classes as on campus peers that may include,

• Atmospheric Issues
• Biodiversity
• Ecology
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Chemistry
• Modeling, GIS, Remote Sensing
• Resources 
• Law, Policy, Compliance

You may study many of these areas and even more when going for an ENVS degree online. But each level of study presents material in a different way. As a resource guide, we’ve put together sample degree plans to give you a clearer idea.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE CLASSES

Online bachelor of science programs in ENVS start with intro classes. These tend to frame the sciences, technology, policies and issues related to the environment. As the program moves forward, there may be field experiences that add a hands on aspect to online learning.

GRADUATE DEGREE CLASSES

Online courses at this level are likely to study where sciences overlap and inform policy. Students often look at how to apply solutions to treat issues like waste problems, global warming, and harmful effects of fossil fuels. Many programs also include a choice of anchor points to foster expertise in one sector. Energy policy, coastal engineering, resource management are a few. Apart from courses, students may gain research skills through a final thesis (MS) or dissertation (PhD).

How long does it take to get an Environmental Science Degree online?

The time it takes to complete a degree in this field varies by program level and course load. A bachelor’s takes about four years. If you bring in eligible transfer credits, it may take fewer. From there, a master’s tends to take two years with many online schools offering more time for part time learners. After a master’s, it may take about four more years to earn a PhD. Longer if needed for research.

15 Schools with Online Environmental Science Degrees

Many online schools offer environmental science degree programs. We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.

1. Prescott College
2. University of Florida
3. University of Illinois
4. Southern New Hampshire University
5. Oregon State University 
6. University of Maryland Global Campus
7. University of South California
8. Texas A&M University 
9. Louisiana State University Online 
10. Johns Hopkins University 
11. Walden University 
12. University of California – Los Angeles
13. University of Idaho
14. Drexel University 
15. University of North Dakota

FIND AN ONLINE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE DEGREE

Here’s a closer look at the environmental science degrees these 15 online schools offer.