2023 Most Affordable Online Environmental Science Degrees

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a medium-sized, public institution offering two online degrees relating to environmental science: a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Geosciences and a Bachelor of General Studies - Sustainability. Each requires 120 credit hours. The first program combines geology and geography, while the latter is a liberal arts approach to sustainability. Sample coursework includes Global Challenges, Cultural Geography, and Environmental Geology.

At FHSU, online students complete online coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard, a popular learning management system. Online student support includes academic advising, technical support, and a writing center. The program’s admission requirements are a minimum 2.25 GPA, an ACT score of 21 or higher, or a minimum SAT score of 1060.

At Columbia Southern University (CSU) — a medium-sized, private, for-profit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management, totaling 120 credit hours. The program’s curriculum covers environmental theory, mitigation, and remediation strategies for environmental hazards. In addition, students use team-based approaches to address environmental issues. Example courses include Environmental Law, Pollution Prevention, and Toxicology.

CSU facilitates online coursework and discussion forums on Blackboard. Online student support covers academic advising, math and writing centers, and an online library. Program admission requirements include an application and a high school diploma or GED.

Delta State University (DSU) is a small, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences- Geospatial Technologies. Totaling 124 credit hours, this program requires students to complete a GIS internship before graduation. Program coursework includes Foundations of Environmental Science, Spacial Solutions to Natural Resources Issues, and Basic Photography.

At DSU, online students complete work asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. In addition, online students can access an online library and support. Admission requirements include an application, unofficial transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores.

Prospective students interested in studying environmental sciences can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) — a small, public institution. Totaling 60 credit hours, prospective students can expect to engage in a curriculum that ties real-world experiences to sustainability practices. Program coursework includes Sustainable Urbanism, Climate Change and Sustainability, and Ecology.

ESF facilitates online coursework, which is delivered in asynchronous and synchronous formats through the platforms, Blackboard, and Brightspace. Online student support includes IT services and disability support. The program’s admission requirements are an application and official high school transcripts, while college entrance exam scores are optional.

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) is a large, private nonprofit institution, which offers several online degrees in environmental science: (1) Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (121 credit hours), (2) Bachelor of Arts in General Studies - Environmental Studies Essentials (120 credit hours), (3) Bachelor of Science in Geoscience (120 credit hours), and (4) a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology - Environmental Sustainability (120 credit hours). All four programs cover the various aspects of environmental science, like sustainability, ethics, and geology.

At SNHU, online work is facilitated in an asynchronous format on Brightspace, meaning that students can study at their own pace. Online students can access academic advising, library services, and a learning center remotely. The program’s admission requirements are transcripts and an electronic attestation form showing proof of high school or GED completion.

Kean University (Kean) is a medium-sized, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Biology - Environmental Biology requiring 120 credit hours. This program allows students to address real-world environmental issues and engage in research-based projects. Example coursework includes Evolutionary Biology, Ecosystem Science, and Conservation Biology.

At Kean Online, students complete online coursework, which is delivered in an asynchronous format through Blackboard. In addition, online students can access academic advising, a writing center, tutoring, and career services. The program’s general admission requirements are an application, official high school transcripts, a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), and a FAFSA application.

The University of Wisconsin - Green Bay (UW - Green Bay), a medium, public institution, offers two online degrees in environmental sciences: a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Applied Studies in Organizational Leadership - Environmental Policy & Planning. Either option requires 42 emphasis area credits. Both programs are designed for students who are interested in saving the environment by creating efficient environmental policies. Sample coursework includes Environment and Society, Leadership in Organizations, and Fundamentals of Public Address.

UW - Green Bay's online students complete coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. Online student support includes tutoring, a writing center, and academic advising. Applicants must submit an application and official high school transcripts, while turning in ACT/SAT scores are optional.

American Public University (APU) is a large, private, for-profit institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science that takes 120 credit hours to complete. Prospective students can choose from five concentrations: (1) Sustainability, (2) Environmental Technology and Management, (3) General, (4) Fish and Wildlife Management, (5) and Regional and Community Planning. In general, the program combines science, management, and policy coursework while covering the natural and social sciences.

APU facilitates online coursework, which is delivered in an asynchronous format, on the platform Brightspace. Online student support can include academic advising and disability services. The program’s admission requirements involve submitting proof of high school completion, an application, a government-issued ID, and an agreement to the university’s policies and procedures.

Florida International University (FIU) is a large, public institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment. This program, totaling 120 credit hours, is designed to help students learn how they can create solutions to global sustainability issues. The future job outlook for graduates of the program includes Sustainability Coordinator, Sustainability Analyst, and Operations Manager.

At FIU, online students complete coursework remotely on Canvas at their own pace. In addition, online students can access success coaching, tutoring, and IT support. The program’s admission requirements include an application, official high school transcripts, and ACT/SAT scores.

At Wilmington University (WilmU) — a private nonprofit institution with a medium-sized student population — prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy, which requires 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to develop their critical thinking, scholarly writing, and problem-solving skills. Some courses included in the curriculum are Ethics for Life, Writing for Public Policy, and Contemporary Global Issues.

WilmU’s online students use Canvas to complete coursework both asynchronously and synchronously. In addition, online students can access academic advising, tutoring, and career services. The program’s admission requirements include an application, official transcripts, and immunization records.