coursework for environmental science degree

Environmental Science Degree

Environmental science as a field of study.

Within the natural sciences, the study of environmental science is very much a generalist degree. Focusing primarily on both the understanding of our natural and man-made environments, environmental science degrees is an interdisciplinary field and require a strong background in the more traditional sciences: biology, physics, chemistry, geography, ecology, and even biotechnology . In addition, environmental science degrees also draw heavily from the social sciences, such as economics, business, or sociology. The degree to which any of these fields of study becomes prevalent within an environmental science education largely depends on the specialization one chooses. Due to the fact that environmental science is a generalist degree, students often complete specializations within a more select area, i.e. energy, sustainability, conservation, etc. True to most science degrees, environmental science programs often require significant field work, lab work, or other data-oriented work.

Job Prospects with a Degree in Environmental Science

A degree in environmental science opens exciting prospects into a wide range of careers. Environmental scientists can enter the work-force immediately, or pursue higher education at the master's or doctoral level to further explore topics of their interest. A number of environmentally-minded career paths are becoming increasingly prevalent today and including:

• Sustainability
• Renewable energy
• Conservation
• Agriculture
• Urban planning and development
• Natural resource management

It can be seen that environmental science degrees are truly flexible in the scope of careers that they open doors to.

Branches of Environmental Science and Related Studies

Beyond the specializations that one often focuses their coursework on within an environmental science program, there are several variants that emphasize the social science qualities of the environmental debate to greater degrees. Several examples are:

Environmental Policy

A degree in environmental policy focuses on the creation and maintenance of legislation and regulations relating to the governance of our natural and man-made environments. Typically, environmental policy degree holders will go into careers that work with directly with the creation and upholding of environmentally-minded legislature.

Environmental Management

The management variant of the environmental science degree focuses primarily on the business and more managerial aspects of natural resources. Typically, the decisions that one makes as an environmental manager are based on business and economics, but must also be informed by a baseline understanding of natural science. Degrees in environmental management prepare one to maintain the world's precious natural resources.

Environmental Studies

Degree programs in environmental studies focus primarily on the human and social aspects of environmental complexities as opposed to the natural science aspects. Oftentimes, environmental studies degrees can be best envisioned as a marriage between environmental science and anthropology. Nonetheless, environmental studies programs still require solid foundations in the sciences.

Environmental Science Degrees & Overviews by State

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington, DC
• West Virginia

Like many other areas of study, Environmental Science has several degree levels ranging from Bachelor's to Doctorate degrees, listed below we focus on each degree type, including requirements, coursework, employment, and more.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Requirements.

Foundations are taken in physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, economics, and geography. The student will typically take electives within their specialization, focusing on a select topic within the environmental science sphere. They may choose to major in one of the “core sciences” such as biology, chemistry, geology, or physics, and either double major in Environmental classes, or have a minor concentration of Environmental classes. It depends how the school has their program established.

The coursework commonly consists of introductory/intermediate level courses in each of the natural sciences, mathematics, and social science courses. Elective courses often become more theoretical, project-based, or applied in nature. It's not uncommon for students to conduct research projects over the summer, or complete an honors thesis their senior year.

Employment opportunities for recent graduates holding B.S.'s in environmental science are numerous. Environmental problems, particularly within the realm of sustainability, are becoming more pervasive across the globe and thus demand remains high for environmental scientists. With further specialization in a core area, holders of environmental science degrees only become even more marketable.

School Spotlight

Florida State University Florida State University Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science offers B.S. and B.A. degrees in Environmental Science. Students need to take a major core of Environmental Science classes, and the difference between the two degrees is in the level of advancement of math classes require. B.A. students tend to take more classes in policy than science. They also offer graduate degrees with more emphasis on the aquatic sciences. The University of Texas as San Antonio The University of Texas at San Antonio offers a very intensive Environmental Science B.S. degree with a variety of core math, computer, GIS and science classes and many required Environmental subject areas including policy, ecology, and management.

Master of Science in Environmental Science

Requirements:.

At the graduate level, the environmental science degrees take on a much more research-focused direction. Master of Science programs still require students to take full course-loads each semester, but one or two classes may be fulfilled with an “independent research seminar” in which the student devotes time towards their research project. Most significantly, the M.S. in environmental science requires the completion of a thesis, which is often a significant piece of original, independent research that is published by the student at the end of their program. A typical Master's degree in Environmental Science can usually be obtained in 2-3 years (perhaps longer if working while attending school). Your admittance to your program of choice may require a few basic steps; application fee, letter of interest, references, transcripts, and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. You may also need to take a subject test in the GRE's, but if your grades were high enough from undergraduate and you are communicating with the department of choice, this requirement might be waived.

A Master's program generally consists of 30 credits, with a breakdown of 24 for classroom, and 6 for thesis work. Your thesis work is generally under the supervision of your advisor. Funding may be more available as a graduate student than an undergraduate. If you are fortunate to find a researcher whose work you enjoy, you may want to approach them independently and inquire if they have any funding available for you. Be prepared that this means your work is their work. If they do have funding, it means they were given a specific task to complete already, and are bringing you in to complete it. Paying your own way may give you more freedom in a thesis topic, but your work is still the considered, at least partially, the work of your advisor. This is an important aspect of graduate school that many students don't quite understand before entering. Picking your advisor is perhaps the most meaningful thing you will do in graduate school. Why is picking an advisor so important? What if you just like the school, or the major? Even within small departments, professional reputations, funding resources, and overall character can vary greatly. One advisor may have funding, be a nice person, but have 50 students. Another may have funding for only one student at a time, but be studying something you really do not think you need to know. If it is in your field, it probably won't hurt you to know it. And the advisor with one student will have a lot more time to help with your coursework or questions, but they may rely too much on you, and slow you down. This is why you need to take the time and research the department. Try to talk with current or past students, generally their experiences will mirror yours. Be prepared for lots of advice and lots of stories about the student(s) that stayed forever!

Coursework typical of a M.S. in environmental science program is often intended to solidify a student's research methods, supply them with any necessary tools (i.e. GIS, statistics, etc.) that they may not have mastered in their bachelor's program, and delve into a few elective type courses. As the main focus of the degree is the completion of independent research, emphasis is given on coursework that supports the completion of the thesis project. As mentioned earlier, a Master's degree usually has 24 credit hours of class work and 6 credit hours of thesis work. Of course those 6 credit hours of thesis work usually take a lot longer than the classes. Many schools limit the time students can complete a degree to 7-10 years, so that the information is still fresh when the student graduates. Not only are you picking a school for its reputation, but the school wants to have the best students representing it!

Employment options for graduates of M.S. in environmental science programs are promising. Within the environmental sector, master's degrees are typically preferred for entry level positions unless the individual has extensive working experience. With a M.S. in environmental science, individuals can enter the workforce, advance within their workplace, and achieve highly fulfilling careers.

Ohio State University Ohio State University offers both thesis and non-thesis Master's degrees in Environmental Science. Students must make and submit their own Program of Study plan near the beginning of their second semester. They can concentrate in biological, physical, or social sciences. They have to present orally during the first year, and shortly before graduation. Master's are between 30-37 credit hours. Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester Institute of Technology 's Environmental Science Program has both a 5 year B.S./M.S. program as well as a regular 2 year M.S. Students may choose from one of the following concentrations; Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Ecology and Field Biology, Economics, Mathematics, Organismal Biology and Evolution, Public Policy, Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing, or Statistics. They have many international options as well as a solid GIS specialty available to them.

Doctorate in Environmental Science (Ph.D.)

The primary reason students enter doctoral programs within the sciences is to conduct independent research. Thus, the predominant requirement of a Ph.D. in environmental science is the defense of a doctoral dissertation. Depending on the program, this can take anywhere from between three to six years. Perhaps you have decided you want to be the one to pursue funding, lead others, be recognized as a leader in your field, and initiate your own projects. In that case, a PhD is likely the degree you should choose. If you thought the requirements for a Master's degree were arduous, be prepared to buckle down and really work for your PhD. The training is rigorous, mainly to prepare a student for the world away from being a student. Generally after a certain amount of coursework (usually about what is required to complete a Master's), a student sits for an eligibility exam. This is generally both written and oral, and may consist of a presentation or simply a round table setting. Usually 3-5 members of your advisory panel are the ones to present, and grade questions, and then come to an agreement as to whether you have met their requirements for having the knowledge and wherewithal to move forward and pursue the PhD. Once you have been deemed eligible for your doctorate degree, you are then a doctoral candidate, not just a student. You are then given a certain number of years to complete your dissertation, submit your thesis, and sit for another exam. Passing is generally determined by the entire department, not just your advisor.

By the time one enters a doctoral program, it is expected that the student knows the majority of the research-based tools he will need to excel. Courses at the doctoral level are typically seminars, in which candidates heighten their critical thinking, presentation, and communication skills. Additionally, doctoral students will often begin teaching courses at the master or bachelor level, as many are on the track towards becoming a professor. You will have completed most of the “classroom” work when admitted for candidacy for a PhD, most classes now are research credits, and perhaps ongoing seminar courses.

Individuals holding doctoral degrees primarily work within academia. Although there is the possibility of being “over-qualified” for a number of lower end jobs, holders of Ph.D.'s in environmental science should be competitive for a large number of influential positions, particularly within the research-dominated fields. While a Ph.D. primarily prepares you for a career as a professor, there are a number of other career options open as well, particularly within the research sector.

At the doctoral level, prospective students should gear their institutional searches towards the professors who are currently conducting research they are interested in. Rather than the institution itself, it is the quality of the professor and their work that are the most important factor as doctoral students are often treated more as colleagues than actual students.

Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University offers a PhD through their Environmental Science Graduate Program. The six specializations offered are Environmental Management Environmental Education Environmental Policy and Conflict Management Environmental Sustainability Environmental Chemistry Toxicology and Risk Assessment Water and Watershed Management 60 minimum credits after the M.S. degree are required. Ball State University Ball State University offers a PhD in Environmental Sciences based on a strong foundation of training in the classical sciences of biology, chemistry and geology, and involving lots of hands on training. Students must have a professor willing to be their mentor before being accepted to the program. The program is at least 90 credits with a variety of disciplines covered.

Comparison Table of Degrees

*Approximated

Is Environmental Science Graduate School for You?

Environmental Science degrees are becoming increasingly popular as colleges and universities add them to their offerings. Although a Bachelor's in Environmental Science is great for many applications, pursuing graduate school can open up more and more professional opportunities. When considering graduate school, thought should be given to choosing between a Master's or a PhD. Time, money, and career post-schooling should all be considered. Certain schools may specialize in one issue over another; wetlands, ocean studies, industrial remediation, agricultural rehabilitation, etc. Additionally, it is important to see if the school you have chosen has a specific breakdown between Environmental Studies, Environmental Policy, or Environmental Management.

Many professionals that begin their careers with a Bachelor's degree may choose to go back to school and receive a Master's or PhD in Environmental Science. What goes into this decision? Perhaps they are looking for greater responsibility, an increase in pay, or to switch their professional roles altogether. They may be in a position where their current employer will pay them to get further education, with an agreement that they will continue to work for that employer upon completion of the degree, or, at least for the duration of the schooling. Their choice may mirror that of their employer; is this individual worth the investment? Do they need additional training or job skills? Will having these make my company (or me, as the individual) more valuable? Will I be eligible to charge more for jobs or receive additional income for work I complete afterwards? Is there some specific reason to get another degree that training alone won't give me? If the answer to any or many of these questions is yes, then it is time to decide between a Master's or a Doctorate (PhD) degree.

Important Notes about Pursuing a Graduate Degree in Environmental Science

• Having experience as an undergraduate through internships and other jobs in your field will aid in your chances of entry to graduate school.
• Graduate degrees in Policy, Law, Affairs, Management, and Professional Sciences are not as likely to provide funding as some of the core science areas.
• Requirements (for admission, degree completion, graduation, etc.) will change from school to school, be sure to familiarize yourself with those where you would like to attend.
• Application deadlines are very real and being late could mean you need to wait a semester, or year, before you are considered.
• Your undergraduate GPA will be taken into consideration. If it was lower than the required entry for a program, they may suggest you take some additional undergraduate science courses and reapply…. Just ask!
• If you do decide to pursue a PhD, remember that most students obtain a “post-doc” position after graduation. They will begin to earn money at this point, but it may not be a lot for awhile.

Online Environmental Science Degree Programs

Online programs are most developed at the bachelor level. There are few accredited institutions that offer purely online courses at the master's or doctoral level due to the heavy research component associated with them. Nonetheless, online programs at the bachelor's level can be highly desirable for a number of reasons, including economic, geographic, or time-related. With a little bit of creativity, online programs will allow students to emerge with a degree under their belts, and significant real world/workforce experience.

At the bachelor's level, classes are often taught by the same instructors that teach in person at the universities. Many schools prefer you transfer into them to complete the Bachelor's program, allowing you to take classes at your local community college or equivalent facility, possibly for less expense to begin.

Learn more about getting an environmental science degree online .

Education Costs

The cost of an education in environmental science varies greatly depending on the education institution, quality of the program, and your geographic location. For traditional four year bachelor's level environmental science programs in the United States, tuition can range from anywhere between $10,000 to $60,000 a year. Within Europe, a number of schools even offer tuition free programs. For online education courses, typically the cost of the program is based on a per credit rate. Within the United States, a typical three-credit course may cost several hundred dollars.

At the graduate school level, funding can often be found for tuition, research expenses, or even living expenses. Doctoral programs general receive much higher funding rates than master's degree programs, although it is possible to secure funding for either. At the same time, online courses at the graduate level are typically more expensive than those at the undergraduate level.

Importance of Accreditation

When deciding on an educational institution to further your studies, it is essential that you choose an institution that is accredited, particularly if you are opting for an unconventional method of instruction such as distance education, online courses or e-learning programs.

Accreditation is more than simply state approval of an educational institution, which merely guarantees that the educational facility has met minimum requirements set by the State in which it operates. Accreditation assures that a college or university meets educational standards that are recognized by similar educational institutions.

If the institution is accredited you have some assurance that you will receive a high standard of education that will be recognized by future employers, as well as by other universities and colleges should you wish to register elsewhere for a postgraduate degree on completion of the undergraduate program. Regionally accreditation is mostly for non-profit schools while national accreditation is traditionally for for-profit schools. Transferring from a nationally accredited (but not regionally accredited) into a regionally accredited school may be difficult.

If you question the accreditation of the school you are interested in attending, you can check with the Department of Education's (DOE) current list of accredited schools . The DOE does not handle accreditation, but rather keeps records of which schools are current and the correlating accrediting agencies. If you are unsure of the accreditation authority of the school which you are interested in attending, you can check which category they are in. Music schools, children's Montessori schools, and theologists are among the differing accreditation types. Obviously you would be looking for one of the major agencies to have accredited your school, but that agency depends on your location. Some of the regional accreditation agencies are Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (covering many East Coast States and Puerto Rico), Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (covering Florida, Alabama, Texas, etc.), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (covering California, Hawaii, and Pacific Islands).

There are also a few bodies that accredit Environmental Engineering education. One of them is ABET, concentrating on accrediting schools in applied sciences, computing, and engineering to name a few areas. Check here if your prospective school is accredited .

Another specialty accreditation agency is National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council. It establishes national guidelines for Environmental Health program education in terms of training, faculty, enrollment, and other managerial aspects of a major program.

School of the Environment

• Degrees and Emphasis Areas

Environmental Science Bachelor’s Degree

The bachelor’s degree in environmental science (EnvSci) produces scientists who can solve complex and important environmental problems at the intersection of the natural and social sciences.

About the Degree

Students receive interdisciplinary training and become skilled in the use of theory from the biological, chemical, geoscience and social sciences to solve applied problems and contribute to sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship in Idaho, the region, and elsewhere. Students develop an understanding of complex environmental systems, the organisms that inhabit and interact in them and the social systems that structure our interactions with the environment. They learn how to analyze and communicate scientific information, employ data science to develop and communicate novel solutions to existing environmental challenges and to assist with the sustainable stewardship of our economy.

Degree Emphasis Areas

Students can also pursue one of the following emphases as part of obtaining their environmental science degree.

View catalog and course details

Environmental Science Communication and Translation Emphasis

Environmental science graduates emphasizing science communication and translation practice communicating with other scientists, as well as translating science to non-scientists. These skill sets are in high demand for work as professional science communicators, science policy analysts and interpreters and implementers of science building towards best practices in private and public environmentally-oriented industries.

Data Science in Environmental Science Emphasis

As a graduate, you will be well-equipped to lead in data-driven fields.

Applied Environmental Science Emphasis

Receive focused training in entrepreneurship, project management and leadership, preparing you to be a critical developer of environmentally-oriented private and public industries.

Why get a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science?

• Receive focused career readiness training.
• Enjoy a flexible elective structure that enables you to obtain additional specialized training in a field or fields of your choice.
• Get certified in Data Science.

Get trained in a field that is in high demand

• Environmental Scientists are in demand and the demand is expected to grow.
• The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for BS trained Environmental Scientists has been growing, and will continue to grow at a pace of 5% per year, or at approximately 3,800 jobs/year.
• The 2021 median annual income of an Environmental Scientist is $76,530/year, a pay rate that is expected to keep pace with, or increase faster than inflation.

Blend your interests in multiple fields

The EnvSci degree has a well-crafted core coursework structure focused on two of three natural science core course sequence options (i.e., biological sciences and/or chemistry and/or geosciences) and one social science core course sequence (i.e., economic systems or social systems or political systems)

Get hands-on training in an area of interest.

• All students receive a significant experiential learning component to their training
• Acquisition of experience outside the classroom is important in the pursuit of Environmental Science careers.
• Students may participate in faculty research projects, vertically integrated project courses (i.e., VIP), or internships with government agencies, private or non-profit organizations, businesses, and other programmatically relevant professionals.
• These experiences can be local, regional, national, or international.
• These experiences are designed to help students explore different career pathways and gain valuable skills that are directly applicable in the workplace.

What can you do with a degree in Environmental Science?

You could pursue careers in the following areas (these are just some of the examples and range from non-profit, private, local, state, and federal jobs):

• Wetland Scientist
• Environmental Consulting
• Environmental Scientist
• Environmental Compliance Specialist
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Project Manager
• Environmental Remediation Manager
• Environmental Specialist
• Environmental Manager
• NEPA Communications Specialist
• Product Sustainability Engineer/Project Manager Environmental Planner
• Range Management Specialist
• Soil science
• General natural resources management and biological sciences
• Environmental Health Specialist
• Water quality scientist
• Non-profit sector (manager, scientist, etc.)
• Follow us on Linkedin

Environmental Science

Online bachelor of science in environmental science (bs).

0 Entrance Exams

About our Online Environmental Science Degree

Fulfill your passion for the safeguarding and management of our environment with a bachelor of science in environmental science from American Public University.

This degree program provides coursework in both the natural and social sciences while focusing on the complex relationship among science and public policy. 

Courses for this online environmental science program offer a conceptual understanding of environmental policy and analysis. The courses also cover environment management issues, such as sustainability, the stewardship of natural resources, pollution science, fish and wildlife conservation, waste management, and geographic information science (GIS). 

This online environmental science degree program is designed to aid students in developing skills they can quickly apply to solve real-world problems. In addition to gaining underpinnings in scientific methods, students can hone their critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and presentation skills. 

Environmental sciences courses are taught by expert practitioners. Many instructors are leaders in the field and have held positions at the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Nature Conservancy, and other prominent federal agencies and nongovernment organizations.

What You Will Do in our Environmental Science Program

• Explore how the health of the air, water, and soil impacts ecosystem health and human health.
• Utilize tools, including geographic information systems, to understand and evaluate environmental issues.
• Learn the factors that impact development of and compliance with environmental regulations
• Discover how historic, social, and economic factors impact the environment
• Understand how economic development and sustainable practices go hand in hand
• Learn about the impact of ecological disasters on human life, productivity, and social and economic welfare
• Determine how to overcome barriers to sustainability and responsible development  

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

This general concentration allows you to select from other concentration courses offered in this program.

Objectives:

This general concentration allows you to select from many other concentration courses offered within this program, enabling you to create your own focused area of study.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2944

Course ID: 3294

Course ID: 3295

Course ID: 4279

Offers an overview of concepts and principles of fish and wildlife resource management. Examines the agencies responsible for resource management and the competencies of professional fish and wildlife managers. Management techniques and methods, public lands management, and the regulations, policies, and politics that influence U.S. fish and wildlife management are also covered. NOTE: Students wishing to enroll in SCIN311, SCIN314, SCIN401, or SCIN402 for their concentration work MUST also take BIOL134 as a prerequisite. BIOL134 is NOT included in the BS Environmental Science major and is needed for these more specialized courses offered through the Natural Sciences program. This requirement cannot be waived. Please note that students can complete the Concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management without taking these specialized courses, but if these courses are desired the additional BIOL134 prerequisite must be completed as part of the student’s elective hours.

Choose 12 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 2943

Course ID: 3305

Course ID: 3304

Course ID: 4371

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Course ID: 4351

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5175

Select 1 course(s) from the following:

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Course ID: 4867

Academic Calendar

Note: Not all courses are taught each month.

View Syllabi

Why learn about environmental science.

We’re facing increased pressures on our natural resources amid population growth, leading to a tipping point in the climate crisis. Environmental science provides a scientific understanding of how the environment works and the social context around it. Having this knowledge prepares you to understand, analyze, and tackle some of today’s most pressing social and environmental problems. There is much we can do to protect our natural world. 

Environmental sciences teaches practical, real-world skills to affect public policy; safeguard national parks; protect our water supply; or even grow food. And by understanding the basic principles of environmental conservation and environmental sustainability, you can also educate and motivate others to find ways to tackle environmental issues.

Environmental science majors also learn essential geographic information science skills. According to a report by Emergen Research, the geospatial analytics market is projected to exceed $134 billion by 2028, increasing the need for those who are well-versed in this technology. With knowledge of geographic information science, you can map any data type, making it easy to communicate ecological principles to those who are not scientifically inclined. 

The Environmental Science Profession

Global climate change and other crucial environmental problems are spurring greater interest in the field of environmental science. There are diverse career pathways for those in the field. Many people with a degree in environmental sciences can be prepared for responsibilities as an environmental scientist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth among environmental scientists and specialists to increase by 6% between 2022 to 2032, which is faster than many other occupations. 

According to the job site Indeed, environmental science degree holders typically pursue roles as a marine biologist, environmental chemist, health and safety officer, ecologist, and related careers. The environmental science field spans across local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; universities; consulting firms; the corporate world; and other settings. Work experiences vary greatly as well. You may spend your days traversing miles of national parks, exploring oceans, or immersed in a lab. 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed June 2024] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm . Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Learn from Practitioners Solving Real-World Problems

At American Public University, you have the opportunity to work directly with faculty who have served as marine wildlife biologists, environmental lawyers, environmental scientists, ecologists, and wildlife biologists. More than 50 of our faculty members have worked across soil science, environmental physics, environmental justice, wildlife ecology, and related fields. Our staff is committed to addressing environmental issues and educating the next generation of leaders to do the same. They bring environmental science to life through their professional experiences, sparking substantive conversations around affecting meaningful change in the world. 

Many of our faculty members also serve as campus leaders, participating in online campus activities and mentoring students. 

Combining Online Programming with Virtual Labs

Our bachelor of science in environmental science program combines the convenience of online classes with engaging virtual labs you can perform at home such as participating in a nationwide program mapping drinking water quality and analyzing cell biology. These experiential learning exercises teach you how to collect data, apply various analytical methods, and disseminate data in a compelling way.

Specializing in Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Our bachelor's degree in environmental science introduces students to the principles of fish and wildlife conservation and resource management. You can delve further into this field with a fish and wildlife concentration, where you'll learn about the agencies involved with resource management, management regulations and techniques, and more. Credit hours may include topics such as:

• Hunting and wildlife conservation
• Public lands management
• Conservation biology

Why Earn your Online Environmental Science Degree at American Public University?

High-quality education. American Public University is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Dedicated to your success. As a member of the American Public University community, you’ll have support from day one. Our academic advisors work with you to help you choose a degree plan that meets your goals, find the right balance of classes, and more. We also offer a wealth of career services as well as mental health resources . 

Built for working adults. Designed for busy professionals, our online learning program offers maximum flexibility. Rolling admissions make it easy to join the program when it works best for you. Aside from submitting weekly assignments, you can complete your classes at anytime you like. 

Affordability. In addition to affordable tuition rates , we offer generous transfer credits as well as no-cost ebooks for undergraduates, no-cost admissions for this program, and no-cost transfer credit reviews. 

Seamless transition to master’s degree program. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environmental science may immediately use those skills in the workforce or transition to our master’s degree in environmental policy and management to gain a deep understanding of environmental planning tools, technologies, and strategies.

Varied student activities. There are many ways for online students to get involved beyond the classroom, such as joining a student club, including the National Association of Environmental Professionals, Save the Earth, and the Wildlife Society; networking with peers; and volunteering.

Frequently Asked Questions about Environmental Science

Earning your environmental science degree online has many advantages. It offers you the flexibility to participate in a degree program while still working and balancing other life obligations. Being in an online learning program also gives you the chance to connect with environmental science majors from across the country who you might not otherwise meet. You can also still participate in hands-on labs through kits that are sent directly to your home.

It depends on what your goals are after college. A bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences covers the fundamental principles of how the natural world works and provides a broad education in protecting natural resources. There are also specialized degree programs in various disciplines within environmental sciences, such as environmental health, environmental justice, and wildlife ecology.

Environmental science is a rigorous program with many science courses. However, you do not need a strong science background to succeed in the program. Students who are self-motivated and have a scientific curiosity tend to thrive in the program.

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Undergraduate Major Environmental Science (BS)

Change your environment with an environmental science major.

Learn how to think and act critically and creatively to tackle important environmental challenges with an environmental science degree from Southern New Hampshire University. With the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science , you'll examine today's most vital environmental topics, including climate change, alternative energy, sustainability and the loss of biodiversity.

Concentrations

• Environmental Science (BS) - Wildlife and Conservation Biology

See Yourself Succeed as an Environmental Science Major

Through coursework, research, independent study and working closely with your professors, you'll gain the communication, interpersonal and technical skills needed to make a difference in the world. Whether you choose to work for a private company, nonprofit or governmental agency, or continue your studies at the graduate level, you'll leave prepared to meet the growing environmental challenges around the world. Highlights specific to this BS program include:

• Numerous field research opportunities on and off campus
• Faculty-led domestic and global learning experience opportunities
• Small classes that foster individual learning, independent study projects and internships to fit your career goals

As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of majoring in environmental science at SNHU include:

• Supportive community.  Join the SNHU campus community of students who are closely connected with faculty and staff dedicated to your success
• Affordability.  It’s our mission to make higher education more accessible. That’s why, SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in New Hampshire. 
• Accessible faculty.  Learn from highly credentialed faculty who are experts in their fields and interact with you in the classroom, dining hall, fitness center and the stands
• Opportunity.  Tap into our nationwide network of alumni and strong connections with employers for internship and career opportunities
• Campus experience.  Enjoy more than 50 student clubs, champion Division II athletics and fun events on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, N.H., named a "Best Place to Live" by Money magazine

Internships & Outcomes

With employment opportunities for environmental scientists and specialists expected to grow by 8% between 2020-2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning a college degree in environmental science prepares you to capitalize on the growing need for highly skilled environmental professionals. 1

Regardless of your particular area of interest, the program gives you the technical expertise and interdisciplinary knowledge base you'll need to address multifaceted environmental challenges creatively and analytically. As an undergraduate environmental science major at SNHU, you'll learn how to:

• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication necessary to construct, evaluate and present solutions to environmental problems
• Describe the structure and function of ecological systems and the interfaces between human and natural systems
• Construct solutions to environmental problems using interdisciplinary approaches
• Demonstrate thorough competence in understanding quantitative and qualitative research methods as applied to questions related to the natural environment
• Apply comprehensive concepts and practical experience to ethical issues related to environmental science
• Prepare for the challenges and expectations of graduate degree programs and/or environmental careers

The environmental science curriculum is based on a solid foundation in the natural and physical sciences, so you gain a broad-based interdisciplinary skill set that companies and organizations are looking for to solve complex environmental problems. Because your professors are passionate about environmental issues and bring specific expertise to the program, you can delve deeply into subjects that most interest you.

Courses To Prepare You For Your Life & Career

SNHU's bachelor's in environmental science program includes:

• General education courses
• Degree-specific courses

One course in the program – IT-242: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems – can only be taken online.

General Education Program

SNHU's required general education program, known as The Commons , aims to guide you toward success in not only your academic career, but your personal and professional life too.

Throughout the curriculum, you'll gain some of the most in-demand skills in today's workplace, including:

• Research and information analysis
• Diverse audience communication
• Critical thinking and ethical problem solving
• Leadership, emotional intelligence and collaboration

This expertise will prove practical, transferable and invaluable as you grow in your career and contribute positively to society.

Beyond foundational skill development, the general education program also provides the benefit of allowing you to explore a wide range of fields outside of your intended major.

Campus Undergraduate Tuition

Our Manchester campus aims to keep tuition and related costs  low for our students so that you can pursue your degree and your goals.

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