2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Environmental Science

While environmental science has been a formal discipline for hundreds of years, U.S. colleges didn't start offering degrees for environmental scientists until the 1960s. However, as environmental issues have become increasingly critical over the last several decades, these programs have become more prominent and diversified.

Today, environmental science degrees are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and certificate levels in both traditional and distance learning settings. The extent of higher education you'll need will largely depend on the career you plan to pursue after graduating. 

At the bachelor's level, some schools offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science, while others offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental Science. Both are interdisciplinary programs, but a BS program will be slanted more toward the sciences, such as ecology, Earth science, biology, geology, and other natural sciences. These 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. BA programs typically feature many of these same courses, but they may include a few more social science courses that explore public policy and environmental law, as environmental scientists are often involved in crafting regulations surrounding environmental impact.

Degree Requirements

A bachelor's degree in environmental science typically requires the completion of 120-124 credit hours. Full-time students usually need four to five years to complete degree requirements, and part-time students may need longer. As with most bachelor's degree programs, about half of the required courses will be general education subjects, such as literature, algebra, and political science, and several electives chosen by the student. The rest of the courses focus on environmental science topics.

The environmental science curriculum often includes lab courses that require students to conduct experiments and research either virtually or in person. Some programs also require other types of fieldwork, as well as a capstone project.

Many bachelor's degree programs also require an internship to gain real-world experience in the field of environmental science. Students may want to consider the type of work they'd like to do after graduating before applying for internships so that their work experience is relevant to their career goals. For instance, students who are leaning toward careers in science or research may want to work for a government agency that specializes in environmental science, while those who are drawn to public policy work may want to intern with a nonprofit organization or a law firm that specializes in environmental law.

Courses

Environmental science majors take a range of courses that explore scientific techniques and processes. Undergraduate courses often emphasize practical applications as opposed to theory and conceptual approaches. Coursework is also designed to help students develop essential skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Some of the more common courses in an environmental science program include the following:

Admission Requirements

Admissions timelines vary depending on the type of school and admissions format. However, for many of the more competitive schools, prospective environmental science students need to submit their applications as early as November of the year preceding the fall semester when they plan to start attending college. Other schools set a deadline of January 1, and most schools notify students regarding acceptance on March 1.

The steps involved in applying to college also vary depending on the school, but many four-year colleges require applicants to provide the following items along with an online application:

• Official high school or GED transcripts, usually with a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Satisfactory scores on college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT
• A personal statement or essay
• Letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, supervisors, or other mentors
• A resume or list of extracurricular activities, jobs, and volunteer activities, including any awards or honors

Most jobs in environmental agencies 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. While a bachelor's degree is sufficient preparation for many government career opportunities, a master's degree is often necessary for employment in the private sector or for further career advancement.

Environmental Science Specializations

Environmental science is a diverse and complex subject encompassing many specialized areas of study. The five major fields within environmental science are atmospheric sciences, ecology, environmental chemistry, geosciences, and social sciences. However, many online environmental science degree programs encourage students to narrow their focus even further by selecting one of the following concentrations:

Further Education

While there are many occupations and career options open to bachelor's degree holders, environmental science professionals may want to pursue further education or credentials, so they can advance their careers. This is particularly important to those who want to work in consulting firms or in academia.

Potential Careers

Careers in environmental science focus on protecting the earth's resources by identifying harmful influences and working to reverse environmental degradation. 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 policies and regulations. Others work as consultants, helping businesses comply with government regulations and develop sound environmental practices. Some of the many possible job titles include environmental scientist, agricultural engineer, conservation scientist, environmental analyst, wildlife biologist, and environmental advocate.

Job opportunities for students of environmental science are growing both in the public and private sectors. Many government agencies and nongovernmental organizations rely on the research and work of environmental scientists to publish reports, lobby governments, and ensure their practices meet state and federal guidelines. Even energy companies hire many environmental science graduates to analyze aspects of their businesses. 

Perhaps the most important consideration when selecting a degree program is whether it will equip you for the career you have in mind. Environmental science could be the ideal major for you, or you may want to consider other STEM degrees and careers. Be sure to choose a program that offers the specialization that most interests you, and if you plan to go on to graduate school, make sure the program prepares you for advanced study. 

It's also important to choose a school that is accredited. Accreditation is a process in which recognized agencies evaluate and confirm that a college or university — including all of its programs, faculty members, facilities, and services — meets national standards of academic rigor and quality. Enrollment in an accredited program is generally required for you to receive federal financial aid and transfer credits, and it may influence your acceptance into a graduate program. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation each offer a current list of accredited schools.

One other essential decision is whether to pursue an environmental science degree online. Online degree programs usually offer more flexible schedules than traditional programs, making them well suited for busy students. However, some programs feature synchronous classes that require you to log on at specific times, as opposed to asynchronous classes that you can engage in anytime. Online education may not be the ideal learning format for everyone. It often favors independent students with strong time management skills.