Best Online Environmental Science Bachelor’s Degrees

Environmental Science Degree Basics

An environmental science degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to tackle some of the planet’s most pressing challenges from climate change to pollution control. This interdisciplinary program blends biology, chemistry, geology, and ecology with environmental policy and sustainability studies. You’ll learn how to analyze environmental data, assess risks, and develop practical solutions for conserving natural resources.

Coursework often includes lab work, field studies, and research projects, providing hands-on experience in environmental monitoring and impact assessment. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in conservation, environmental consulting, government agencies, and private industries. With growing global demand for sustainable solutions, an environmental science degree opens doors to roles that drive meaningful environmental change.

Still interested? Let’s take a deeper look at career paths in Environmental Science and see which one might be the right fit.

Career Options for Environmental Science Students

Graduates in environmental science have career opportunities across several fields. You can pursue paths in policy, conservation, consulting, safety, or education, each offering rewarding ways to apply your passion for the environment. Here’s a closer look at these fields where your skills and interests can make an impact.

Salary and Career Details

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Environmental Science Degrees by Level: Which Do You Need?

Environmental science offers a range of options, from certificates that help you break into entry-level roles, to advanced degrees. Undergraduate certificates and bachelor’s degrees focus on building foundational knowledge and practical skills through real-world experience.

Graduate certificates and master’s programs dive deeper, refining expertise to accelerate your career. Doctorates emphasize original research, preparing you for academia or leadership roles. Knowing what’s right for you helps you confidently take the next step in your environmental science journey.

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificates in environmental studies are short, focused programs designed to quickly equip you with foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field. Typically 12–18 credits, these programs can be completed in about a year, making them ideal if you’re a recent high school graduate, changing careers, or a working professional looking to expand your expertise.

You’ll study environmental science basics, sustainability practices, policy frameworks, and solutions to real-world environmental issues. Accessible with just a high school diploma, these certificates provide a streamlined entry into environmental careers, opening doors to job opportunities in a rapidly growing field.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

University of Wisconsin – Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate

University of Wisconsin’s Environmental Sustainability Certificate is a fully online, 12-credit program designed for those passionate about sustainability. It features coursework focused on climate change, ecology, and practical resource management, blending theory with immediate real-world application. Students can quickly gain skills to address environmental challenges, advance their current role, or smoothly transition into UW’s bachelor’s degree.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$5,400	12	Online	Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in environmental science are two-year programs providing essential scientific knowledge alongside general education courses. These degrees are an accessible starting point for recent high school graduates, working adults, or anyone changing careers and seeking quick entry into the growing environmental job market. Students learn the basics of biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, and environmental regulations, combined with hands-on experiences through laboratory and fieldwork. Graduates leave equipped for entry-level positions or to continue into bachelor’s programs for deeper specialization.

With increased focus on environmental sustainability, these degrees offer an attractive pathway toward stable employment, competitive pay, and meaningful roles in conservation and environmental management.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

Great Bay Community College – Associate in Science (A.S.) in Environmental Science

Great Bay Community College’s fully online environmental science associate degree gives you practical experience in ecology, geology, and chemistry. Designed for immediate entry-level employment or easy transfer to a four-year program, you’ll build hands-on skills to confidently begin an environmental career or transition to further study.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$215 per credit/ $12,900	60-64	Online	New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)​

Bachelor’s Degrees

Online bachelor’s degrees in environmental science offer comprehensive, four-year programs that prepare you for various roles in sustainability and environmental protection. These degrees usually consist of about 120 credits, combining foundational sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science with applied environmental studies. You’ll explore subjects like ecology, geology, climate change, GIS mapping, environmental policy, and statistical analysis.

Admission typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, making programs accessible to recent graduates and returning students alike. Upon completion, you’ll have both the scientific knowledge and practical skills necessary to address environmental challenges in fields like conservation, policymaking, and resource management.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Oregon State University – Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences

Oregon State University’s online bachelor’s in environmental sciences combines biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and policy, giving you practical, career-focused knowledge. You’ll gain valuable skills like GIS mapping, remote sensing, field sampling, and data analysis, supported every step by experienced faculty.

With full online access to tutoring, libraries, and career services, you’ll be prepared for roles as environmental specialists, sustainability coordinators, or conservation analysts.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$366 per Credit	180 quarter credits = 120 semester credits.	Online	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate certificates in environmental education offer a focused way to enhance your professional credentials quickly, usually requiring just 12–18 graduate credits. They’re ideal if you already have a bachelor’s degree and are looking for specialized knowledge in areas like sustainability, environmental policy, GIS, or natural resource management.

Programs attract working professionals aiming for career advancement or a shift into niche roles. You’ll complete advanced coursework entirely online, building practical skills in your chosen specialty. With this targeted training, you’ll develop the expertise needed to advance your career, confidently pursue new opportunities, or position yourself as a leader.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

North Carolina State University – Graduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment

NC State’s online Environmental Assessment certificate is a 12-credit graduate program tailored for environmental professionals. It deepens your expertise in environmental policy, impact assessment, and regulatory analysis.

The concise curriculum (four courses) covers critical areas including environmental law, risk assessment, environmental stressors, and data-driven decision-making. Taught by experienced faculty from NC State’s College of Natural Resources, the certificate program offers practical skills without requiring a full degree commitment.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$546.50 per credit hour	12 credits (4 graduate courses)	Online	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Master’s Degrees

An online master’s degree in education is ideal if you want to deepen your expertise and step into leadership or specialized teaching roles. Usually completed in around two years of full-time study (30–36 credits), these programs expand on existing knowledge with advanced coursework in curriculum design, instructional technology, classroom management, and educational research. You’ll have opportunities to select specializations like special education, educational leadership, or literacy, shaping your career path.

By combining online learning flexibility with practical, real-world projects, you’ll develop skills employers seek, making you well-positioned for better-paying jobs, administrative positions, and increased opportunities within the education sector.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

UIUC’s online master’s in natural resources and environmental sciences emphasizes hands-on, practical skills in forestry, conservation, soil science, and GIS analysis. Designed for working professionals, this 32-credit, non-thesis program combines convenience with rigorous coursework. With full access to research support and faculty expertise, you’ll advance your career and help solve environmental issues.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$755 per credit, totaling about $24,160	32 credits	Online	Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Doctoral Degrees

A doctoral degree in environmental science represents the highest level of academic achievement, focusing on original research, leadership, and innovative solutions to complex environmental issues. While fully online programs are uncommon, hybrid or low-residency options exist, allowing experienced professionals to pursue advanced research without relocating.

You’ll engage in specialized coursework, such as systems ecology and advanced statistics, along with rigorous independent research leading to a dissertation. After defending your work, you’ll qualify for roles like senior researcher, academic professor, sustainability director, or environmental policy advisor. This degree is ideal if you’re passionate about creating significant impacts in environmental science and leadership.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

University of North Dakota – PhD in Earth System Science & Policy

The University of North Dakota’s online PhD in Earth System Science & Policy uniquely integrates scientific research with real-world policy solutions. Through in-depth coursework, faculty-guided research, and practical tools such as remote sensing and big data analysis, you’ll tackle pressing global environmental issues like climate change, graduating ready for leadership roles in research or policy.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$792.62 per credit	90 credits	Online	Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How Much Does a Degree in Environmental Science Cost?

Online Environmental Science degree costs vary widely depending on factors like degree level, school type, and program structure. In this guide alone, you’ll see tuition ranging from approximately $5,400 for a 12-credit undergraduate certificate at the University of Wisconsin to about $12,900 for Great Bay Community College’s 60-credit A.S. program. Bachelor’s programs can be higher; Oregon State University’s online B.S. in Environmental Sciences costs $366 per credit, potentially nearing $66,000 if you complete all 180 quarter credits. Moving to graduate studies, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s master’s program totals around $24,160, while doctoral programs such as the University of North Dakota’s can exceed $70,000 due to higher per-credit rates and additional research requirements.

Learning format also affects pricing. Online programs can be more affordable by eliminating commuting, housing, and meal costs, though some may include technology or support fees.

In-person programs often bundle campus-based services into tuition, raising the overall expense. Students should also consider transfer credits, financial aid, and scholarships, all of which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Ultimately, comparing both the base tuition and any extra fees is key to selecting an environmental science degree program that matches your budget and career aspirations.

Answering Common Environmental Science Student Questions

How important is program accreditation for an online Environmental Science degree?

Accreditation is crucial because it ensures the program meets rigorous academic standards. This validation affects everything from credit transfers to financial aid eligibility and even future job prospects.

For instance, many government agencies require degrees from regionally or nationally accredited institutions. Look for accreditation from bodies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Also, specialized accreditation (like ABET, though more common for engineering) can be a bonus in highly technical roles. Before enrolling, confirm the accreditation status on the school’s website or via the Department of Education database.

Will an online degree adequately prepare me for field and lab work?

Many online environmental science programs include virtual labs, at-home lab kits, and field experience components. Schools like Oregon State University offer hybrid field courses during summer sessions or partner with local facilities for internship opportunities.

If hands-on learning is critical, confirm how the program handles lab requirements. While fully online coursework delivers core theory and data analysis skills, expect to complete some in-person activities. These experiences will help you hone practical techniques like sampling or GIS mapping and build a professional network, ensuring you graduate ready for real-world environmental challenges.

Can I specialize in areas like climate change or conservation through online programs?

Yes, many online degrees now offer specialization tracks or elective clusters. Programs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and North Carolina State University, for example, provide focused coursework in climate policy, sustainable agriculture, or ecological conservation.

By choosing a concentration, you can tailor your studies to your career goals. This specialized knowledge not only strengthens your expertise but also sets you apart in the job market. Prospective employers often seek candidates with in-depth skills in emerging fields like climate resilience or wildlife management.

How do employers view online Environmental Science degrees?

When the degree is earned from an accredited institution, employers typically view online and on-campus programs similarly. What matters most are the skills you bring like scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and project management. In fact, many established universities with strong reputations (e.g., Oregon State University, University of Wisconsin) offer robust online tracks.

During interviews, highlight group projects, internships, or research experiences completed online. Demonstrating how you balanced work, life, and school can further emphasize your time-management skills.

Are scholarships or grants available specifically for Environmental Science students?

Yes. Beyond general financial aid like Pell Grants or Stafford Loans, various organizations offer scholarships specifically for environmental studies. For instance, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation provides funds for undergraduates focusing on sustainability, while the Udall Foundation awards scholarships for leadership in environmental policy. Many universities also have internal scholarships for STEM majors, including those in ecology or conservation. Always check your school’s financial aid page and external scholarship databases. Applying early increases your chances, and combining multiple awards can substantially lower your total tuition.

Making Your Decision

Now that you’ve read about degree levels, career opportunities, and program costs, it’s time to decide if an environmental science degree aligns with your passions and long-term goals. Reflect on what drives you: do you want to influence policy, preserve natural habitats, or pioneer new sustainability strategies? Next, focus on finding a school with the curriculum, learning format, and resources that meet your needs.

Talk to admissions representatives, attend virtual open houses, and explore further details on our site to solidify your choice.

Choosing the Right Online Environmental Science Program

Selecting the right online environmental science program significantly influences your academic experience, career readiness, and overall satisfaction. A well-chosen program aligns with your goals, provides specialized knowledge, practical skills, and essential financial support. Here are key considerations to help guide your decision:

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Is this the right field for my interests and career goals?

It’s important that environmental science roles match your personal passions and career aspirations. Reflect on your interests in areas like sustainability, scientific discovery, or environmental problem-solving. Selecting a field you’re genuinely passionate about ensures that your career remains fulfilling and motivates you through challenges and accomplishments alike.

2. Which degree level aligns with my current education and future aspirations?

Choosing the appropriate degree level — associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral —directly influences your career trajectory. Think carefully about how each degree aligns with your current education level and professional objectives. Understanding your educational needs and aspirations will streamline your path and position you effectively for career advancement.

3. Does the program offer specialized courses that match my career focus?

Finding a program that offers specialized courses tailored to your career interests is essential. Review course offerings thoroughly to ensure they address current industry trends, innovative practices, and hands-on experiences relevant to your career objectives. A curriculum closely aligned with your goals ensures you gain targeted expertise, significantly boosting your employability and competitive edge.

4. How does the program support practical, hands-on learning experiences?

Look for programs emphasizing experiential learning through virtual labs, fieldwork, or internships. Practical experiences ensure you gain real-world skills necessary for your career. Programs offering immersive learning opportunities enhance your professional confidence, making the transition from academic studies to employment smoother and more successful. Look for online learning resources to help you build essential study skills.

5. What financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available?

Financial considerations play a significant role in your education planning. Investigate financial aid and scholarships tailored for environmental science students. If you’re pursuing your studies primarily online, you may also qualify for online student scholarships. Knowing your financing options ahead of time helps you manage education expenses as you pursue your degree and career goals.