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Environmental science is becoming increasingly important as the world's population expands and natural resources diminish. These evolving factors have created critical problems, including climate change, insufficient sources of clean water, and the extinction of plants and animals that are essential to ecosystems around the globe. Environmental scientists are needed to propose solutions for sustainability and establish policies designed to protect the planet and all of its inhabitants.

Environmental science is the study of the environment and its systems, as well as the analysis and solution of environmental problems. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that uses concepts and information from biology, physics, chemistry, plant science, zoology, atmospheric science, oceanography, and other disciplines to help understand and explain environmental systems. Environmental scientists also incorporate concepts from the social sciences in an effort to understand human behavior, its effect on the environment, and appropriate policies for addressing environmental issues.

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 a degree in biology, ecology, Earth science, 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.

A bachelor's degree in environmental science typically requires the completion of 120-124 credit hours. Full-time students usually need 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.

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:

• Chemistry or Geochemistry: As classes that go beyond basic chemistry courses, environmental science chemistry courses focus more narrowly on chemical sources, reactions, and effects within the soil, water, and air. Some courses may also cover geochemistry, which is the chemical composition of the earth's rocks and minerals.
• Climate Change: This is one of the most fundamental classes for a degree program in environmental science. Coursework presents evidence of climate change and explores scientific projections for the future. Topics include weather patterns, the rhythm of the tides, and dendroclimatology, as well as the human impact on the environment.
• Energy and Sustainability: This class explores the ways in which environmental science works in conjunction with ecology, engineering, and even economics. Learners look at rapidly depleting natural resources and various solutions to the problems that must be addressed to sustain life on this planet. Thermodynamics and the search for a renewable fuel source are both important topics in the course.
• Environmental Measurement: This may be one of the more technical classes in a typical environmental science program. Measuring rainfall, air pressure, and wind requires delicate instruments that must be handled properly, and coursework is designed to give students hands-on experience with these important tools. Some students may also gain experience in utilizing and reading satellite images that help track major environmental changes over time. 

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:

• Climate Change: Overall, the courses in this concentration address the causes, effects, and possible solutions to global climate change. Students develop their skills in scientific research and environmental analysis while also discovering the legal, social, and economic influences on the environment. Some of the possible topics include biodiversity, overpopulation, deforestation, and water scarcity. 
• Conservation Biology: With this concentration, students learn to use scientific approaches to protecting and restoring biodiversity. Coursework covers topics such as climate change, overpopulation, habitat loss, pollution, and overharvesting. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to develop viable solutions and overcome common obstacles, including social, economic, and biological challenges.
• Environmental Policy: Students interested in public policy and regulations governing the environment may want to consider this concentration. Coursework typically includes the study of biodiversity, climate change, and corporate sustainability. Through case studies, students gain an understanding of environmental health, law, politics, and ethics.
• Fish and Wildlife Management: This narrowly focused concentration is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to conserve and enhance biological diversity among fish and wildlife. 91³ÉÈË learners study the biology and ecology of wildlife. They also learn possible methods for restoring fish and wildlife populations and their habitats, addressing common diseases among these populations, and resolving conflicts between wildlife and humans.
• Forest Ecology: Forests have been identified as one of our most important resources because of their ability to combat climate change, contribute to clean water, foster biodiversity, and provide valuable products for humans. This concentration trains students in forest ecology, sustainable forest management, land protection, and the policy and economics of natural resources.
• Geospatial Technologies: In combining environmental science with computers, geospatial technologies have evolved to include a range of tools that allow scientists to collect and analyze data regarding land, water, air, and human and wildlife populations. Some of the most common technologies covered in this concentration include remote satellites and cameras, geographic information systems (GIS) for mapping all types of geographically related data, and internet mapping software programs for sharing data. (There are also geographic information systems degrees available.)

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 further career advancement.

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. 

Because environmental science is such a broad, interdisciplinary field, graduates with an environmental science degree can follow diverse career paths based on their interests and preferences. Environmental science jobs can be found in both the public and private sectors, in small nonprofit organizations and larger corporations, and in urban and rural settings. For example, some graduates may want to become scientists, working in the field or in research laboratories, while others may prefer to become lawyers and policymakers focused on the environment.

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.

Most students pursuing master's programs in environmental science already have some sort of specialized interest that led them to pursue an advanced degree in the first place. Those who do not will likely go on to select one after exploring their interests through one or more master's-level introductory 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. Regardless of specialization, most master's programs require the completion of about 30 credit hours.

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

Ecology is one of several fields closely related to environmental science, along with environmental studies and environmental engineering. Ecology is the study of living organisms and how they interact with their environment. Environmental science encompasses ecology but is also concerned with identifying problems in the environment, such as climate change and pollution, and developing solutions.

Environmental science is usually the best choice for students who want more career flexibility and direct impact. It includes ecology aspects but focuses more in on identifying environmental problems (e.g., climate change, pollution, and resource management) and developing practical solutions. Ecology is better suited for students interested in biological research or conservation science more specifically, while environmental engineering is actually the best fit for those focused on technical design and infrastructure solutions.

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 and the each offer a current list of accredited schools.

One other essential decision is whether to pursue an environmental science degree online. 91³ÉÈË 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. 91³ÉÈË education may not be the ideal learning format for everyone. It often favors independent students with strong time management skills.