Columbia Southern University (CSU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management degree. The curriculum covers environmental hazard mitigation/remediation, applying technology and theory to environmental issues, evaluation of best management practices from an environmental perspective, how to develop a strong environmentally-focused team, and more. This program
Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Environmental Science
A number of significant factors, the primary being climate change, are increasing the need for specialists who study the environment, predict patterns, determine effective use of resources, and prevent and solve problems. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that in the U.S. alone, there will be an 8% increase in demand for environmental scientists over the next decade. The following is a ranked list of the best online colleges offering environmental science degrees at the bachelor's level, providing an excellent resource for prospective students to discover programs that fit their needs. Read on to learn more about degree-specific information, specializations, and answers to frequently asked questions about environmental science.
Online Bachelor’s in Environmental Science with the Highest Return on Investment

Our top-ranked online bachelor’s degrees in environmental science all have ROIs over $240,000 after 10 years. To compare programs, we used real-world data and factored in salary growth and loan interest to determine what 10-year alumni earnings and debt might be. The cheapest degree isn’t always the best investment over time and the most expensive doesn't guarantee the highest salary, which is why we account for both earnings and debt over time to see the actual impact on these degrees on their alumni. The majority of schools on our list offer bachelor’s degrees in environmental science with 10-year ROIs above the U.S. average of $314,900 (a number that accounts for on-campus programs in addition to online). For example, top-ranked Columbia Southern University’s ROI is $675,500, and Mississippi State University rounds out the top 10 with an ROI of $354,900.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Columbia Southern University | $7,050 | $68,219 | $21,505 | $675,500 | |
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | $15,098 | $60,320 | $42,062 | $568,600 | |
University of Maryland Global Campus | $14,970 | $53,984 | $20,000 | $530,900 | |
American Public University System | $8,550 | $46,380 | $25,528 | $445,700 | |
St. Petersburg College | $12,773 | $40,896 | $26,017 | $388,600 | |
Southern New Hampshire University Online | $9,600 | $39,585 | $17,834 | $385,300 | |
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $7,873 | $39,369 | $17,500 | $383,500 | |
Arizona State University | $15,626 | $38,289 | $19,500 | $369,900 | |
University of Phoenix | $11,940 | $40,981 | $42,446 | $369,000 | |
Mississippi State University | $11,369 | $37,158 | $22,609 | $354,900 | |
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry | $8,480 | $36,567 | $13,898 | $353,700 | |
South Dakota State University | $10,537 | $36,344 | $20,482 | $348,700 | |
Texas Tech University | $20,550 | $35,060 | $22,000 | $333,500 | |
University of Utah | $30,429 | $33,518 | $13,000 | $328,900 | |
Purdue University Global | $16,695 | $36,134 | $35,522 | $327,800 | |
Oakland University | $27,304 | $33,993 | $20,982 | $323,800 | |
University of Wisconsin-River Falls | $15,190 | $33,459 | $22,638 | $316,300 | |
University of Massachusetts - Amherst | $11,700 | $33,206 | $23,250 | $312,900 | |
Unity College | $14,100 | $32,594 | $27,000 | $301,900 | |
Florida State University | $27,354 | $31,640 | $22,300 | $298,000 | |
University of Florida | $15,000 | $30,483 | $14,958 | $295,900 | |
University of South Florida Online | $13,547 | $30,098 | $19,500 | $285,600 | |
Oregon State University | $14,310 | $32,936 | $24,118 | $284,100 | |
University of Arizona | $15,750 | $28,133 | $18,500 | $266,600 | |
Florida International University | $10,376 | $25,484 | $17,250 | $240,900 | |
University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign | $12,480 | $25,580 | $17,997 | $240,900 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Environmental Science Rankings Details
#1
Columbia Southern University
- 10-Year ROI: $675,500
- Median Salary: $68,219
- Annual Tuition: $7,050
- Median Debt: $21,505
#2
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- 10-Year ROI: $568,600
- Median Salary: $60,320
- Annual Tuition: $15,098
- Median Debt: $42,062
Pennsylvania State University (PSU)-World Campus offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Energy and Sustainability Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Energy and Sustainability Policy. Both programs require 120 credit hours to complete the degree. Students study the policies surrounding the use and sustainability of energy in today's world. The university offers virtual internships
#3
University of Maryland Global Campus
- 10-Year ROI: $530,900
- Median Salary: $53,984
- Annual Tuition: $14,970
- Median Debt: $20,000
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers a concentration in sustainability or toxicology and hazard control. Students learn how to develop environmental management plans that comply with regulations to address air, water, and solid waste pollution. The curriculum includes courses in geographic information systems,
#4
American Public University System
- 10-Year ROI: $445,700
- Median Salary: $46,380
- Annual Tuition: $8,550
- Median Debt: $25,528
American Public University System (APUS) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with concentrations in sustainability, fish and wildlife management, environmental technology and management, and regional and community environmental planning. This 120-credit program instructs students in general biology, general chemistry, soil science, water science, environmental
#5
St. Petersburg College
- 10-Year ROI: $388,600
- Median Salary: $40,896
- Annual Tuition: $12,773
- Median Debt: $26,017
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Sustainability Management at St. Petersburg College (SPC) program teaches students how to develop and manage sustainable business practices. Students will learn how to create solutions and manage teams in the natural and energy resource sector. The 120-credit program can be completed entirely online.
Synchronous courses are delivered via Zoom.
#6
Southern New Hampshire University Online
- 10-Year ROI: $385,300
- Median Salary: $39,585
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
- Median Debt: $17,834
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science and BS in Geosciences at the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offer concentrations in data analytics in science and natural resources and conservation. SNHU also offers an online BA in Anthropology- Environmental Sustainability degree. Students will actively participate in labs with custom lab kits that are directly mailed
#7
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- 10-Year ROI: $383,500
- Median Salary: $39,369
- Annual Tuition: $7,873
- Median Debt: $17,500
The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) in Organizational Leadership - Environmental Policy and Planning programs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) focus on environmental preservation and policy. These degree completion programs are for students with some college credits or an associate degree. Students will receive an interdisciplinary
#8
Arizona State University
- 10-Year ROI: $369,900
- Median Salary: $38,289
- Annual Tuition: $15,626
- Median Debt: $19,500
Arizona State University (ASU) offers three online environmental science degrees for undergraduates: a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability, a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability, and a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food Systems. All three take 120 credits to complete. The sustainability B.A. focuses on social and policy issues around sustainability and the B.S. emphasizes
#9
University of Phoenix
- 10-Year ROI: $369,000
- Median Salary: $40,981
- Annual Tuition: $11,940
- Median Debt: $42,446
The online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of Phoenix (UP) provides students with education on contemporary environmental problems. Students will analyze issues, propose solutions, and manage resource sustainability. The 120-credit program and can be completed in four years. Students take one course at a time, which can be completed in five to seven
#10
Mississippi State University
- 10-Year ROI: $354,900
- Median Salary: $37,158
- Annual Tuition: $11,369
- Median Debt: $22,609
Mississippi State University (MSU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geosciences - Broadcast and Operational Meteorology degree, instructing students in a wide variety of meteorological topics. This 124-credit program can be completed on a part-time basis, with students taking two classes per semester.
Online students at MSU access their courses through the Canvas learning
#11
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
- 10-Year ROI: $353,700
- Median Salary: $36,567
- Annual Tuition: $8,480
- Median Debt: $13,898
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management degree. The program emphasizes practical solutions to sustainability issues. Students take courses in sustainable development, data analysis, sustainable energy policies, environmental justice, and managerial economics. The degree completion program takes approximately
#12
South Dakota State University
- 10-Year ROI: $348,700
- Median Salary: $36,344
- Annual Tuition: $10,537
- Median Debt: $20,482
South Dakota State University (SDSU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Geography program. The 120-credit degree focuses on the study of geography and how it relates to the world. Internships are available to students who have completed at least one year of their degree program. Certification and licensure prep courses are available for careers that may require a state board
#13
Texas Tech University
- 10-Year ROI: $333,500
- Median Salary: $35,060
- Annual Tuition: $20,550
- Median Debt: $22,000
Texas Tech University (TTU), a leader in wind energy education, offers students a fully online Bachelor of Science in Wind Energy (Managerial) degree. The 120-credit program is designed to be completed in four years. Students take courses in wind energy science, technology, grid integration, and modeling and design. Students must complete foreign language requirements and either
#14
University of Utah
- 10-Year ROI: $328,900
- Median Salary: $33,518
- Annual Tuition: $30,429
- Median Debt: $13,000
The Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism - Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management at the University of Utah (UU) covers tourism policy and economics, sustainability, conservation, destination marketing, and event management. Students can focus on sustainable tourism management, hospitality management, or tourism enterprise and marketing management. Students
#15
Purdue University Global
- 10-Year ROI: $327,800
- Median Salary: $36,134
- Annual Tuition: $16,695
- Median Debt: $35,522
Purdue University Global offers an online Bachelor of Environmental Science Policy and Management. The 180-credit curriculum covers research methods, environmental policy and law, environmental management, social responsibility, and environmental issues. The university offers multiple internship opportunities to students. Preparation courses for both certification and licensure
#16
Oakland University
- 10-Year ROI: $323,800
- Median Salary: $33,993
- Annual Tuition: $27,304
- Median Debt: $20,982
Oakland University's (OU) online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety instructs students in industrial hygiene, occupational safety, and environmental health. Students in this 125-credit program take 12-15 credits per semester and must complete an internship to graduate. Faculty in the program have real-world experience in the field.
Students at OU use the Moodle
#17
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- 10-Year ROI: $316,300
- Median Salary: $33,459
- Annual Tuition: $15,190
- Median Debt: $22,638
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management degree completion program. The curriculum includes courses in economics, sustainable agriculture, environmental information systems, marketing, logistics, and natural resource management. Students must complete 63 credits, including a capstone course in sustainable
#18
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
- 10-Year ROI: $312,900
- Median Salary: $33,206
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Median Debt: $23,250
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) - Amherst offers an online Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies -Sustainability Studies degree completion program. Students can tailor their program and choose from a wide range of courses in business, economics, public health, food production, agriculture, hydroponics, environmental policies, and more. The program requires 120
#19
Unity College
- 10-Year ROI: $301,900
- Median Salary: $32,594
- Annual Tuition: $14,100
- Median Debt: $27,000
Unity College (UC) offers many fully online bachelor's degrees in environmental science or management, allowing students to choose the program that fits their career goals. Students can select from programs in environmental justice and social change, wildlife conservation, environmental studies, environmental science and climate change, sustainable business management, and environmental emergency management and law enforcement
#20
Florida State University
- 10-Year ROI: $298,000
- Median Salary: $31,640
- Annual Tuition: $27,354
- Median Debt: $22,300
Florida State University (FSU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Science degree with a concentration in environmental studies. Students take general education courses in anthropology, economics, geography, and more. The program also covers climate change, the geography of water resources, energy, landscape ecology, and natural resource assessment.
#21
University of Florida
- 10-Year ROI: $295,900
- Median Salary: $30,483
- Annual Tuition: $15,000
- Median Debt: $14,958
The University of Florida (UF) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in environmental management in agriculture and natural resources. Coursework covers hydrology, soil science, pest management, water resources, and agricultural ecology. The program requires 120 credits, 60 of which students can transfer from previous studies. First-year
#22
University of South Florida Online
- 10-Year ROI: $285,600
- Median Salary: $30,098
- Annual Tuition: $13,547
- Median Debt: $19,500
The University of South Florida (USF) offers a fully online Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in environmental policy. The 120-credit undergraduate degree-completion program is designed for mid-career and adult students who need a flexible learning format. Students must complete at least 30 of the 60 environmental policy concentration credit hours at USF. The curriculum
#23
Oregon State University
- 10-Year ROI: $284,100
- Median Salary: $32,936
- Annual Tuition: $14,310
- Median Debt: $24,118
Oregon State University (OSU) offers a variety of online environmental science bachelor's degrees that require 180 quarter credits to complete (equal to 120 semester credits). Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences with seven possible concentrations, a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Sociology with a concentration in environmental and natural resources,
#24
University of Arizona
- 10-Year ROI: $266,600
- Median Salary: $28,133
- Annual Tuition: $15,750
- Median Debt: $18,500
The University of Arizona (UA) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences through the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. This 120-credit program offers students a choice of two concentrations: soil, land, and water or leadership, sustainability, and communication. The curriculum emphasizes science, communication, and leadership in issues facing the environment,
#25 (tie)
Florida International University
- 10-Year ROI: $240,900
- Median Salary: $25,484
- Annual Tuition: $10,376
- Median Debt: $17,250
Florida International University (FIU) offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment. The 120-credit program emphasizes natural resource management and identifies sustainability issues and possible solutions. Students take courses in the global environment, American government, applied field ecology, environmental economics, and complete a capstone
#25 (tie)
University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign
- 10-Year ROI: $240,900
- Median Salary: $25,580
- Annual Tuition: $12,480
- Median Debt: $17,997
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an online Bachelor of Science in Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability. Two concentrations are available within the degree: society and environment (ecosystems, climate change, and green chemistry) and science in the earth system (environmental policy, economics, and ethics). This 120-credit degree mirrors the on-campus
Online Environmental Science Degree Overview & Career Information
Environmental science degrees are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and certificate levels in both traditional and distance learning settings. The education level you'll need in environmental science will largely depend on the career you plan to pursue after graduating. Associate degree programs in environmental science concentrate on basic forestry, resources, and energy conservation. They take approximately two years to earn and are primarily used as a prerequisite for a bachelor's degree.
An accredited bachelor's degree program will require a four-year commitment and will include classes in political science, communications, business, basic math and science, the national park system, global warming, conservation efforts, and wildlife threats. The master's degree in environmental science is an interdisciplinary graduate program, focusing on the natural environment and environmental problems. Students in these programs learn about environmental threats in different regions, the natural science principles behind environmental problems, and policy issues surrounding environmental protection.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Environmental Science
The online Bachelor of Arts in environmental science provides an interdisciplinary look at ecology, earth science, biology, geology, and other natural and social sciences. Students begin the degree with introductory courses in environmental science, which discuss basic scientific principles and major issues in environmental science today. These four-year programs explore the science of the earth from many different angles and often include coursework in pollution, water resources, ecosystems, and methods of protection, management, and restoration of environments. Other courses include public policy, climate change, and environmental law, as environmental scientists are often involved in crafting regulations surrounding environmental use.
Online bachelor's degrees also include an array of general education courses in topics like math, statistics, humanities, and other liberal arts areas. Communications courses, including English, history, and composition are important for environmental science students. Some schools allow students to earn credits by participating in internships with local environmental agencies and organizations.
Most entry-level jobs in environmental or green companies require at least a bachelor’s degree. Those with a bachelor's degree in environmental science can qualify for entry-level positions as environmental scientists and specialists. For those interested in environmental regulatory fields such as government agencies or consulting firms, it is imperative that geology courses are also part of the curriculum. While a bachelor's degree is sufficient preparation for most entry-level government positions, a master's degree is often necessary for employment in the private sector or for further career advancement.
The Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation is a process by which colleges, universities, and degree programs receive a comprehensive evaluation by an authoritative, independent agency. Legitimate accrediting agencies are recognized by the US Department of Education and will be found in the USDE database. While it isn't mandatory to attend an accredited school, doing so can provide you with a level of confidence that your degree program meets high academic standards and that it will be acceptable to graduate schools (should you decide to pursue a master's or doctoral degree), future employers, and licensing boards.
Accreditation is also important for students who wish to apply for scholarships or financial aid, as most organizations and lenders will only grant aid to students who attend an accredited school. Many professional licenses, such as a professional engineer license or a license to practice law, also require applicants to have a degree from accredited institutions. Visit the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for a list of accredited schools.
What Students Will Learn in an Online Environmental Science Program
Students who study environmental science will focus on current environmental issues, as well as the legal and financial restraints that govern the way environmental protection is approached politically. They will take a range of courses that explore scientific techniques and processes. A typical course may include the politics of energy, conservation biology, international economics, or the science of global warming. Undergraduate courses in environmental science often focus on practicality as opposed to theoretical approaches. Many schools offer internships as part of their degree, varying from field research to political internships. With more widespread acknowledgment of the impact of climate change, these opportunities are increasingly more present.
Most master's degree students who study environmental science already have some sort of specialized interest that led them to pursue a degree in the first place. Those who do not will likely go on to select one after exploring their interests through a variety of classes. The specialization they choose will affect the courses they take, their thesis and research options, any internships or volunteer opportunities they participate in, and the kinds of jobs available to them upon graduation.
The following list provides an example of some of the courses that students may take in an accredited undergraduate or graduate environmental science degree program:
- Chemistry or Geochemistry: All environmental science students will study chemistry. Most chemistry courses at the graduate level will focus specifically on geochemistry, or the major chemical processes that govern the way the environment functions. This class may also include an exploration of nuclear waste and the ways in which is it disposed.
- Climate Change: This is one of the most fundamental classes to a degree program in environmental science. Topics include weather patterns, the rhythm of the tides, and dendroclimatology.
- Energy and Sustainability: This class explores the ways in which environmental science work in conjunction with ecology, engineering, and even economics. Thermodynamics and the search for a sustainable fuel source are both important topics in the course.
- Environmental Measurement: Measuring rainfall, air pressure, and wind requires delicate instruments that must be handled properly; however, the main focus of an environmental measurement class for environmental science graduate students will be utilizing and reading satellite images that help track major environmental changes over time. This may be one of the more technical classes in the program.
- Geohydrology and Water Preservation: There are millions of people in the world who do not have access to clean drinking water, and because water is becoming increasingly polluted and scarce, many students who are studying environmental science will find that they have the option of taking a course in geohydrology or in water preservation.
- Nonfiction Environmental Writing: In order to express independent, original thoughts and research in this discipline, students need to understand the precise writing style expected of them. Place narration and proposal writing will be included.
- Population Geography: This class focuses on how the patterns of movement and settlement exert an influence on the environment and the lay of the land. A specialty under the heading of human geography, students will encounter issues like immigration and mortality rates.
Career Specializations for Environmental Science Graduates
Careers in environmental science focus on protecting the earth's resources by identifying things that are harming it and working to reverse environmental degradation. In order to help realize these goals, environmental scientists work in both public agencies and private firms in a variety of specializations. Some work for the government, testing and analyzing environmental resources and suggesting policy items and regulations. Others work as consultants, helping businesses comply with government regulations and develop sound environmental practices. Academic environmental scientists may work on more theoretical research and may apply a variety of disciplines to the study of the environment, such as math and chemistry.
Job opportunities for students of environmental science are growing both in the public and private sectors. Recent congressional stimulus and budget packages have allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to clean energy and environmental research, which creates many grants and programs for professionals. Many NGOs (non-governmental organizations) rely on the research and work of students of environmental science to publish reports, lobby governments and to help ensure their practices meet state and federal guidelines. Even energy companies hire many environmental science graduates to analyze aspects of their businesses. In the public sector, many environmental science majors go into teaching.
Entry-level environmental science positions in government and some private firms typically require an undergraduate degree in environmental science, earth science, or a related area. Master's degrees are required by some consulting firms and are often necessary for advancing to higher positions. Environmental scientists at colleges and universities will usually need a doctoral degree in an environmental science area. Mastering the technology used in environmental science and earning the available professional certifications can also help an aspiring environmental scientist land a job.
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that provides many opportunities for specialization. During their undergraduate or graduate degree program, students can tailor their studies to focus on political, scientific, natural, or social issues. Determining which specialty is right for you may require some research. Here is a list of some possibilities:
- Conservation Scientist: Conservation scientists often work as foresters who preserve and protect natural lands. They also manage habitats for various wildlife and protected lands. Licensing is required in some states in order to practice forestry.
- Environmental Advocate: Environmental advocates navigate the political process and work for non-profit or lobbying firms to help erect, amend, obstruct, or pass laws regarding the environment.
- Environmental Analyst: Analysts tend to work with a team helping to ensure that companies or organizations meet environmental regulations. In this case, it is beneficial to have certification in environmental risk management.
- Environmental Business Consultant: Corporations and businesses all over the world hire professionals who are dedicated entirely to improving a company's environmental record. They are hired as consultants to point out areas where corporations can decrease their carbon footprint and increase their positive impact on the environment.
- Environmental Scientist: The number of environmental science jobs increases each year. Many such scientists have PhDs, but earning a master's degree in environmental science is often the first step. Successful environmental scientists are problem solvers; they will be charged with finding solutions to pollution and other scientific problems, and they may spend many years working on one particular issue. Patience and the ability to work well with large groups is of the utmost importance for environmental scientists.
- Green Architect: Green architects assist other professionals in the architecture field by researching, assessing, and planning greener ways to build homes and structures using renewable energy and energy efficient strategies.
- Lawyer: Lawyers must have a Juris Doctorate degree, which take three years to earn, but combining a law degree with an environmental science master's degree will lead to a whole new array of opportunities. Students will have a unique mastery of environmental law that will enable them to work in top positions and make effective, positive changes.
- Political Advocate: A political advocate can work for a government organization but will more often work for a third-party lobbyist organization. Most advocates are dedicated to a specific issue, and they seek to garner more public interest that will aid them in meeting their end goals. They also work with government agencies to encourage new legislation or better enforcement of laws. A number of political environmental groups employ graduates of master's in environmental science programs.
- Renewable Energy Consultant: These consultants help companies and other groups find ways to cut their carbon footprint and assess their levels of waste.
- Surveyor, Cartographer, and Mapping Technician: These professionals measure and map the earth’s surface on land and water. They are trained to write descriptions for legal, construction, and scientific purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Environmental Science Degrees
How much can I make with an online degree in environmental science?
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows environmental scientists and specialists earned an average annual salary of $71,360 in 2019. However, there is a wide range of salaries for environmental science professionals depending on sector and experience. For example, the highest-paying industry for environmental scientists and specialists is the federal government with an average annual salary of $102,910.
Do I need a degree to work in environmental science?
Students' long-term career goals will influence which level of education they wish to pursue. Entry-level environmental science positions at the government level, as well as at some private firms, typically require a bachelor's degree in environmental science, earth science, or a related area. Master's degree are often necessary for advancement to higher positions, especially in consulting firms. To teach and/or conduct research at colleges and universities, an environmental scientist will need a doctoral degree in an environmental science area.
What is the demand for positions within the environmental science field?
A number of emerging issues, such as the evolving effects of climate change and the dangers of hydraulic fracturing (fracking), are expected to drive above-average growth (8%) in demand for environmental scientists and specialists over the next eight years. Professionals with the right combination of education and experience will thus be eligible for many employment opportunities across a range of disciplines in the field of environmental science.