Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is Environmental Science?

Environmental science is a branch within biology that seeks to intimately understand the relationships that exist in the natural world including the way organisms operate in relationship to their environment.  The primary goals of an environmental scientist include the following:

  1. Assess how human’s affect the environment
  2. Comprehend how humans engage with their environment
  3. Understand how the natural world works

Environmental science is a multi-disciplinary area of study that incorporates several fields of study together.  Examples of the areas of study rolled into environmental science include: geology, chemistry, public policy, biology, ethics, philosophy, sociology, geography, political science, and economics.  By blending these disciplines together, an environmental scientist can prudently assess environmental challenges from a holistic point of view.

Environmental science is the study of physical, chemical and biological processes and how they affect the environment.  Additionally, environmental scientists attempt to understand problems such as pollution, climate change, and resource depletion in a scientific manner. Individuals in this field will work in various locations and with varied employers in order to ensure the safety and preservation of resources and ecosystems.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$83,600

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

55.66%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

120,970

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Environmental Science Degree

Yale University (New Haven, CT) is a member of the Ivy League. It is also known as the third oldest higher education institution in the United States. Yale has comprehensive undergraduate programs allowing students to pursue a major area of study. The school also offers dual bachelor or minor degree programs. The school offers programs on management, biological sciences, engineering and applied science, law, business, and others. The School of Environment Science has a long list of graduate programs and a few offered at the undergraduate level. Master of Environmental Science is a research-oriented master’s program. The program allows flexibility in course selection to meet the academic and career goals of students. 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university known as one of the top universities in the world. Columbia offers competitive undergraduate and graduate programs including professional degrees. The degree in Environmental Science is an undergraduate major that provides students with a solid background in all related science fields. Eventually, students will gain an in-depth knowledge of environmental science. Columbia University has a great international presence. The university maintains several Columbia Global Centers across the world. The school has a long list of relevant graduates from a variety of academic and professional fields. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Brown University (Providence, RI) is a private Ivy League research university fostering a specialized educational curriculum, the Brown Curriculum. This design of learning approach gives the students the freedom to create their syllabus. Undergraduate students can take up specialized courses outside their major. Also, the Brown Curriculum only gives students either satisfactory (Pass) or no-credit (Fail) remarks. Education, social studies, and interdisciplinary studies are just some of the long list of programs the university offers. The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society manages two undergraduate programs: A.B. in Environmental Studies and a Sc.B. in Environmental Science. Undergraduates are required to take core courses, track requirements, and a course or project-based capstone experience before earning either degree. 

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is one of the Ivy League universities. It is globally-recognized because of the quality of education and high research activity. Penn fosters an interdisciplinary approach to learning allowing students to gain further knowledge. Earth Science is one of the undergraduate majors offered at the university. It has three concentrations:  Environmental Science, Geology, Paleobiology. An Environmental Science degree is also offered as a separate undergraduate minor. Aside from academic programs, Penn also offers other educational opportunities including international programs, and study grants.  

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Pomona College (Claremont, CA) is a private liberal arts college that focuses on its undergraduate programs. It is one of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States. The college is affiliated with other Claremont Colleges allowing students to take up a few courses from other member schools. Environmental Analysis is offered at Pomona College. This undergraduate program is designed to train students to analyze and address environmental issues in the 21st century. Pomona takes pride to its notable alumni across different academic disciplines and professional industries. 

Acceptance Rate

7.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) is a reputable private research university, consistently ranked among the best undergraduate programs in the United States. The university also offers graduate programs, certification, and diploma courses. Earning a degree in Environmental Science is an undergraduate track that offers two pathways: science and policy. The basic courses of the two tracks are the same but the advanced courses that focus on specialized training in key areas differ. Northwestern has a pool of esteemed faculty some are members of prestigious groups in the country. The university also has strong and well-accomplished alumni across a variety of fields of study.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Rice University (Houston, TX) is a private research university notable for its applied science programs and courses. The university was once recognized as the top university in material science research. Rice has a wide range of undergraduate programs -- 50 majors and two dozen minors. The top rated degree in Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program. Students are trained to be critical thinkers to further understand the human-nature relationship. The program offers both BA and BS degrees. Students are given the freedom and flexibility to pursue multiple areas of study. Admissions are competitive with only an average of 19% of applicants admitted to the school.

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) is a notable public research university. It has consistently ranked among the best institutions for education, research, and medical healthcare. JHU is known to offer highly recognized academic programs. Environmental Science minor is an academic program that is offered to students who major in any science or engineering discipline. The university maintains campuses across the Baltimore-Washington area and in China and Italy. The university is organized into nine schools, however, each has its academic calendars. JHU awards degrees from bachelor’s to graduate studies. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN) offers a wide range of educational opportunities for students. The university has a Roman Catholic affiliation and it is reflected on the university’s core curriculum. It has programs in business and marketing, social science, and biological sciences. The online Environmental sciences degree is an undergraduate major that is fit for students who have an interest in ecology. Students under this major take science and non-science courses allowing them to be more exposed to more knowledge. The University of Notre Dame offers financial aid to deserving students through loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. The school also competes in the NCAA. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Washington University in St Louis (Saint Louis, MO) is a private research university founded in 1853 and named after George Washington. The school is organized into seven graduate and undergraduate schools. It has a highly recognized undergraduate ES curriculum, ranking among the best around the world. Some of the popular programs offered by WUSL are focused on business, legal profession, and allied health. The College of Arts and Sciences offers an Environmental Studies program. WUSTL also offers an Environmental Analysis major to address the global demand for experts in the field. The university has a selective admission process. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) is popular for its strong medical-health and environmental science degrees. USC is the melting pot of many new ideas and new technology were created and developed. The university encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary studies, hence, birth of innovations and inventions. The university offers an Environmental Science and Health undergraduate major that provides interdisciplinary courses. It also awards a Masters of Science in Environmental Data Science degree. This graduate program trains students with sophisticated analytical and computer-based methods to address environmental issues. The university also values public service and professional education. Learning from recognized and award-winning faculty is another advantage of USC. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Barnard College (New York, NY) is a private liberal arts college focused on providing undergraduate education. Students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science which provides joint programs and other degrees with Columbia University and other reputable institutions in the country. Some of the popular majors in Barnard are history, psychology, biological sciences, neuroscience, and computer science. The Department of Environmental Science offers Environmental Science, Environmental Biology, and Environmental Policy, and Environment and Sustainability majors. Students under these programs are encouraged to take internship programs. The college is known to be the most selective women’s college in the United States. 

Acceptance Rate

11.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Claremont McKenna College (Claremont, CA) is a private liberal arts college under the  Claremont Colleges consortium. The college focuses on undergraduate education. Programs are designed to help students in developing their skills for their employment or graduate studies. Government, economics, public affairs, finance, and international relations are just some of the popular programs at CMC. Students who take Environmental Analysis (Science Track) as an undergraduate major can pursue graduate studies in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, Physics and other disciplines. Graduates can also immediately assume relevant roles in the industry. Many students grab opportunities to study abroad or participate in one of two domestic programs located in Washington D.C. and Silicon Valley. 

Acceptance Rate

10.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

University of California – Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) is the second oldest campus established under the University of California system. It is recognized as a public Ivy League university. Apart from a wide range of undergraduate programs, UCLA also offers professional and graduate programs. The Institute of Environment & Sustainability grants a BS in Environmental Science. Students are required to conduct a senior practicum. It is a year dedicated for a capstone project. UCLA has continuously been ranked as one of the best public universities in the United States and inte world. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Virginia - Main Campus (Charlottesville, VA) is one of the original public Ivy colleges. The university is organized into 11 schools awarding academic degrees from bachelor's, master's, educational specialist degrees, up to doctoral degrees, and professional degrees. U. Va. is known to provide top quality education in the medical field. Environmental Sciences is an interdisciplinary program that grants both undergraduate and graduate level of education. Undergraduates can pursue either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Aside from science programs, the university also serves as a great training ground for leadership and governance. UVA also offers a variety of well-respected academic programs that focus on art, match, science, and business. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of California - Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) is an esteemed public research university in the United States and the oldest campus of the University of California system. UC Berkeley continues to prove its academic excellence through its prestigious and relevant graduates and faculty across a variety of academic fields. The university has been giving students highly recognized undergraduate and graduate programs. Environmental Science is a top-rated undergraduate major that offers three concentrations: Biological Science, Social Science, Physical Science. Students are required to do a senior research project for a year before being eligible to graduate. The institution organized this long list of programs into 14 colleges and schools. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Colby College (Waterville, ME) fosters a liberal arts college curriculum. It is focused on providing undergraduate degree programs with more than 50 majors offered and around 30 minor courses. The college emphasizes on its project-based learning approach. The Environmental Studies program prepares students to analyze and address both local and global environmental concerns. The program fosters an interdisciplinary curriculum allowing a better understanding of the relationship between human and nature. Colby College also offers volunteer and community engagement programs as well as internships and study abroad opportunities for its students.  

Acceptance Rate

9.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA) has an undergraduate curriculum that ranks among the best in the United States. The school maintains a tradition of excellence in education, which traces its mandate to its Jesuit origins. Boston College awards all academic degrees through its eight colleges and schools including Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences. A Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences is offered to professionals who aim to gain further knowledge about the area of study. All graduate programs provide a strong foundation in earth science and research. The school also is one of the most notable and picturesque providing an early glimpse into gothic style for collegiate institutions. 

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) has a variety of program options. This esteemed private university is divided into seven colleges and independent schools. Most programs offered are interdisciplinary. The Environmental science degree is an undergraduate course offered at CMU for qualified students. It fosters an interdisciplinary way of teaching students about the area of study. Carnegie Mellon expands its education internationally. The university has locations around the world, campuses in Qatar and Silicon Valley that offer several degree programs. It is also active on research with 20 research partnerships for support.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Colgate University (Hamilton, NY) is  a private liberal arts college. It is focused on offering an undergraduate education and most of the programs result in a  Bachelor of Arts degree. Colgate University also has a small Masters of Arts in Teaching program. The university has a comprehensive study abroad program accommodating a huge percentage of undergraduate students. Colgate has been ranked as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the United States. 

Acceptance Rate

22.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Emory University (Atlanta, GA) operates as a private higher education institution providing several academic programs. The university is organized into nine schools and colleges. Emory Healthcare is also under the university’s management. It is the largest healthcare system in GA. Environmental science program is an undergraduate program that leads to BA and BS programs. The curriculum is designed to sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the interest of. The university also operates several research facilities that focus on health-related studies. Emory University has a list of notable alumni in a variety of academic disciplines. 

Acceptance Rate

15.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) is one of the most highly regarded higher education institutions in the United States. UNC-Chapel Hill is known for its academic quality and its programs related to social engagements and relevant international presence. Environmental Science and Studies is a minor program UNC-Chapel Hill is also ranked among its research programs. Environmental Science is offered across both graduate and undergraduate levels. Many undergraduate and graduate programs from the university receive high marks. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Northeastern University (Boston, MA) Is a private research university known for its interdisciplinary curriculum and experiential learning. NEU has programs for undergraduate and graduate students. The university offers a mix of experience-based learning programs that include a cooperative education program, student research, global learning, and service-learning. Furthermore, online learning has the same level of scholarship opportunities as campus-based programs. Environmental Science leads to a bachelor's degree.  Students will examine and analyze the environmental issues and the ways on how to address them.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Boston University (Boston, MA) is a notable private institution that offers quality education. The university is consistently ranking locally and internationally for its academic programs, services, and research activities. The university offers 250 degree programs across 17 schools and colleges. Earth & Environmental Sciences course is offered to undergraduates. Earth & Environmental Sciences graduates can immediately assume entry-level employment. BU also maintains small class sizes allowing more hands-on and focused learning. The university has a diverse student population from across the United States and several foreign countries. BU has a long list of notable alumni in journalism, environmental science, entertainment, and many more. BA in 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) is a four-year federal service academy providing a wide range of degree programs. Programs are designed to help every candidate for their growth and development before joining the force. Students who aim to enter the academy must directly apply and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress. Environmental Science Cadets receive a bachelor of science degree upon completion based on their chosen specialization.

Acceptance Rate

12.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

What Does an Environmental Scientist Do?

An environmental scientist performs a number of different functions dependent upon the job and scope of the project at hand. For example, an environmental scientist may be tasked to assess the potential impact of a policy or procedural change on our natural resources. From this starting point, natural resources can be parsed into non-renewable natural resources and renewable natural resources. Non-renewable natural resources such as crude oil, minerals, coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy.

On the other hand, renewable natural resources include sun, wind, water, timber, soil, biomass, geothermal energy. From this simple example, an environmental scientist has a substantive challenge to assess natural resource management through a holistic lens that integrates science with humanities and public policy to arrive at an objective assessment of a change or modification to a rule or piece of legislation.

Best Environmental Science Degrees

A variety of on-site and online degree programs exist within the study of environmental science from accredited colleges and universities across the country. Environmental studies degree programs range from bachelor degree programs to graduate degrees in environmental science. To help you determine the program best for you, we have a brief summary of each below to further explore plus world university rankings and our annual rankings.

Bachelor Degree: Environmental Scientist

An on-site or online bachelors degree in environmental science is a four-year program if classes are taken on a full-time basis. The bachelor degree program is conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) depending on the design and content of the coursework. Students in a bachelor degree track will have the opportunity to take a series of liberal arts classes such as communications, creative writing, and psychology coupled with core classes to provide students with critical thinking skills and a holistic world-view. Core classes in environmental science typically include geography, oceanography, calculus, physics, biology, ecology, statistics, computer modeling, conservation biology, environmental chemistry, and environmental policy. By leveraging science principles with deep problem-solving skills, students will be equipped to launch a career in a variety of industries to positively influence issues on a local, regional, and global scale.

Master’s Degree in Environmental Science

The masters degree in environmental science is a 1-2 year program most frequently conferred as a MS or Masters of Science. Students in the masters degree track can elect to specialize in fields of study such as terrestrial ecology, toxicology, marine ecology, freshwater ecology, economics, policy, and law. The courses taken as part of the masters degree program will be a result of the area of specialization selected. Classes in an environmental science program will typically include the following examples: geography, atmospheric science, ecology, oceanic studies, evolutionary biology, civil engineering, economics, public policy, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, urban planning, and law.

Doctorate Degree in Environmental Science

The doctorate degree in environmental science is a 4-6 year program that includes upper-level courses, labs, seminars, hands-on learning, and a board approved dissertation project. Through the use of computer analytics, engineering acumen, technical writing prowess, and environmental knowledge, a PhD student will be equipped to step into a variety of management and leadership positions in a public company, private corporation, government agency, or non-profit organization. Classroom-based science degree environmental options and online doctorate degrees in environmental science may be available through select schools and may be worth investigating to complete your PhD program through the learning modality that makes the most sense for you.

Educational Requirements in Environment Science

Students seeking a degree in environmental science will be exposed to multiple scientific disciplines and learn to combine them in theoretical and practical settings.  Due to the variety of sciences necessary to be able to properly work in the field, individuals will have to have strong backgrounds in math as well be knowledgeable regarding scientific theories, methodologies and technologies that may affect the study of environmental science and the gathering and examination of research. Degrees are available at all levels, though a bachelor's degree is typically required to be considered for employment.

Coursework may include classes such as environmental science topics:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Geology
  • Ecology
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment for an Environmental Science Graduate

An environmental science graduate will seek employment either through government agencies or programs, or through private companies that seek to evaluate the effect of their business on the environment and how to be more eco-friendly. Additionally, employment within research studies or non-profit organizations is also possible. Higher level degrees allow individuals to be considered for grants to conduct their own research programs and employment as educators, with doctoral recipients often working within a university to conduct experiments and research.

Jobs for Environmental Science Graduates

Environmental science careers are expected to grow at a rate of 11% in the coming decade adding some 10,200 jobs during this reporting period. This increase in jobs can be attributed to increasing concern by governments, businesses, and individuals over the environment and how to prevent environmental disasters. The average wage for an environmental scientist is $68,910 a year. A large portion of environmental science graduates work for government agencies, but private businesses are beginning to employ more in an effort to keep green. Growth in environmental science careers is also being seen in private consulting firms.

Top Environmental Science Careers

Environmental science graduates can find themselves working in a number of different industries for a variety of employers. As part of your due diligence in the field, you need to understand the range of jobs that exist in environmental science to understand the jargon and job titles that map to the degree program. An example of the top careers in environmental science include:

  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Biological Survey
  • Safety and Health Specialist
  • Park Ranger
  • Wetlands Ecologist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Fisheries Biologist
  • Soil Conservation Specialist
  • Water Resources Specialist
  • Field Researcher
  • Natural Resource Scientist
  • Marine Biologist
  • Aquatic Toxicologist
  • Environmental Chemist
  • Naturalist
  • Endangered Species Biologist
  • Environmental Inspector
  • Restoration Ecologist

Top Employers of an Environmental Scientist

  1. Scientific and Technical Consultants 20,260
  2. State Government Agencies 19,140
  3. Local Government Agencies 11,740
  4. Architectural and Engineering Firms 10,340
  5. Federal Government Agencies 5,240

States with the Highest Employment of Environmental Scientists

  • California 14,790
  • Florida 5,320
  • Texas 5,050
  • New York 3,700
  • North Carolina 3,370

Top Paying States of an Environmental Scientist

  1. District of Columbia $109,620
  2. Texas $90,000
  3. Colorado $88,830
  4. Alaska $86,760
  5. New Mexico $85,880

Environmental Scientist Associations

If you are interested in environmental science, you may also like environmental studies, natural resource conservation and biology. As an additional resource, you can also read our blog post titledTop College Degrees for Animal Lovers for more information. The Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS) and the National Association for Environmental Professionals (NAEP) are world-class organizations in this field. Students may find benefit to learning more about each organization and how they may benefit their careers by visiting their respective websites.

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com