Worried about global warming, or how we can conserve species for generations to come? You might be a future environmental scientist and should pursue a Best Online Bachelor’s in Environmental Science.
Environmental Science is the exciting field of science pertaining to ecology, wildlife biology, natural resource conservation and management, and any other topics related to the vast and diverse world we live in. You’ll work in the lab as well as in the field, and use your skills to better the ecological world around you.
If you enjoy exploring the relationships between all organisms and how those relationships impact the global community, an Environmental Science degree might be the degree for you.
What is an Environmental Science degree?
A degree in Environmental Science allows graduates multiple opportunities for career specialization and personal exploration. While most degrees offer endless pathways, most students will begin by earning a basic undergraduate degree that includes courses like ecology, chemistry, geology, and biology.
As an Environmental Science student, you will also begin to demonstrate your knowledge in these topics by extending them to real-world environmental issues in the field and lab. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to work in a variety of fields, such as renewable energy, wildlife conservation, or environmental engineering, as well as to explore further studies.
How much can you earn with an Environmental Science degree?
Average earnings of Environmental Science graduates vary. Most earn at least $69,400 per year, with the highest paid professionals working for the federal government and in engineering services. Other well-paid individuals are those working for local governments or in consulting.
Environmental Science fields are facing increasing demands as the public becomes more interested in environmental protection. As our global population grows and more stress is placed on the environment, we need professionals to help analyze environmental problems and to respond to potential issues. As a result, graduates have good job prospects with an estimated 11 percent growth by 2026.
What is required for an Environmental Science degree?
Environmental scientists develop strong scientific, mathematical, and analytical skills. You will need to be a good problem solver and take basic coursework in topics like biology, chemistry, statistics and geology. Many students will also pursue customized plans with electives such as Wildlife Management, Ichthyology, and Environmental Engineering and Planning.
Some states and municipalities will require graduates to pass certain examinations before beginning their new careers, but internships and other work-related experiences are generally more desirable to potential employers. You will need to have extensive experience in the lab and field to be successful in your career.
What are the best Environmental Science degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
