Find your perfect college degree
Due to environmental scientists’ increasing job growth potential, many students worldwide are pursuing a master’s in environmental science. With so many options, it can be challenging to choose the right environmental science master’s degree.
To save you time and effort, we have rounded up the best online master’s in environmental science degrees below. Our insights will help you make an informed decision that can be crucial for your academic career success.
Best Online Master’s in Environmental Science Programs
Here are some of the best online programs in environmental science that different universities offer. Knowing about these degrees will help you decide which online program can be the right fit for you.
University of Denver
The University of Denver offers an online master’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management. It is a private institution that offers a reasonable fee structure for online programs.
The curriculum is designed according to the latest environmental policies and issues. This program consists of 48 credit hours and has eight concentrations.
It includes Environmental Health and Safety, Energy and Sustainability, Environmental Policy, Environmental Management, and others. It could take 18 months to get the degree. However, the completion time can vary depending on how you manage your course load in each semester. After earning this program, you can be an environmental field supervisor, policy manager, or company manager.
So, you can decide according to your area of interest. You can get complete access to the library, online coursework, and student resources at the University of Denver. It gives you access to all learning materials and the flexibility to manage your daily schedule by attending classes from anywhere. Furthermore, this degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is a regional accreditation institution.
North Carolina State University
The North Carolina State University (NCSU) is a public university that offers an online master’s of Environmental Assessment program. It comprises 30 credit hours, and the curriculum is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of science-based environmental concepts.
This program also contains courses related to data analysis in environmental risk assessment and environmental assessment.
You must fulfill all program requirements to graduate. It includes the completion of professional projects and relevant assignments, so it may take around two years to complete the degree. With this degree, you can explore career opportunities in project management, engineering, and other fields according to your preferences.
NCSU gives students access to Moodle to manage their online coursework. Whether you are a student or do a part-time job, you can manage the course load according to your daily schedule.
This program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Houston – Clear Lake
The University of Houston – Clear Lake (UHCL) is a public institution that offers an online master’s of environmental science degree. This program comprises 36 credit hours and is designed to teach students about environmental problem-solving methods. Also, you can opt for different specializations, including Environmental Geology, Environmental Biology, and Environmental Geology.
To complete all degree credit hours, you must participate in research projects and seminars and fulfill other academic requirements. With a full-time schedule, earning the degree may take around 16 months. After graduating, you can consider a career in different fields related to medicine, consultancy, and petroleum.
UHCL provides students access to Blackboard, an application that makes distance learning and online teaching easier. It also gives students access to relevant learning materials and resource centers. SACSCOC also accredits this program.
Duke University
Duke University offers an online master’s of Environmental Management degree. It is a two-year degree program that consists of 30 credit hours. The program deeply delves into environmental policies. Some core courses of this degree are related to environmental law and policy and the economy of environmental management.
Students use Sakai at Duke University, which is a learning management system. It enables students to access and manage their online coursework and keep track of different academic activities.
University of Idaho
The University of Idaho offers a 30-credit online master’s in Environmental Science program. You can choose between non-thesis and thesis paths, and both paths require 30 credits. Furthermore, ten credit hours are available for research purposes.
To become eligible for this program, a 3.0 GPA is a must. You also have to provide three recommendation letters along with a statement of purpose. It helps the admission committee know about your career goals, subject knowledge, and vision. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits this program.
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University offers a 36-credit online master’s of environmental science program. Students with a 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and higher GRE scores are eligible for this degree.
The degree structure is designed to teach students about the latest environmental solutions and help them understand the link between natural and social systems. If you want to establish a lucrative career in the environmental science field, then this degree can help you harness the relevant knowledge and skills.
Oregon State University
The Oregon State University offers a 45-credit online master’s in environmental science program. A minimum of 3.0 GPA and good GRE scores are required for students to enroll in this program. Completing an internship and a final-year project is necessary to get the degree.
Job Growth Potential of Environmental Science
Currently, there is a huge job growth potential for environmental science. According to a statistical study, employment opportunities for environmental scientists are expected to increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033. It shows a great job outlook for this field.
Additionally, earning a master’s degree in environmental science enables you to work in various industries and settings. Some of them are as follows:
- Environmental Technology
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Policy
- Energy Management
- Climate Change
- Water Management
High-level qualifications in environmental science can make you stand out in today’s job market. It makes you eligible for prominent leadership roles that can help you accomplish your career goals.
The average annual salary of an environmental scientist in the US is $67,363. It shows the significance of environmental science as a professional career in the modern era.
Top Jobs for Environmental Science Degree Holders
The environmental science field is growing rapidly due to climate change and pollution worldwide. Individuals pursuing a master’s or any other degree in environmental science can consider several job options. Here are some highly-paid jobs that you can consider.
- Environmental Technician
- Environmental Chemist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Specialist
- Environmental Geologist
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Manager
- Environmental Lawyer
The pay scale for the job positions mentioned above can vary, depending on your skills and qualifications. Also, you must know the requirements of each position, so do proper research to understand which position can be the right fit for you. The following skills can make you eligible for these positions.
- Critical thinking
- Data collection
- Organizational
- Communication
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Quantitative research
- Collaboration
- Ability to identify environmental issues and propose their solutions
Benefits of Choosing an Online Program
All of the degree options mentioned above are online programs, so you must know how distance learning can benefit you. It allows you to learn at your own pace and manage your daily schedule easily. You can prioritize your daily tasks and balance your academic and personal life. Some primary benefits of online learning are:
- Affordability
- Flexibility
- Personalized and interactive learning
- More spare time
- Accessibility of place and time
- Access to student resources and course materials
- Improved collaboration
Related Questions
Here are some common questions that most students who want to opt for a master’s in environmental science have in their minds.
Which Country Is Best for an MS in Environmental Science?
While the U.S. has excellent master’s programs for environmental science, there are some other top-rated countries you can consider if you want to pursue this degree internationally. Denmark is at the top of the list because it is the most environment-friendly country in the world. Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand are also good choices.
Is a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies Worth It?
Yes, it can be a great career choice for those who want to positively contribute to the environment while working in prominent positions. It can help you advance in your career and prepare you to make your mark in the environmental field with plenty of rewarding career opportunities.
Which Field Is Best in Environmental Science?
There are plenty of career options that individuals can consider in the environmental science field. Some of the rewarding positions are environmental engineer, waste management officer, nature conservation officer, water quality scientist, and minerals surveyor.
Conclusion
A master’s degree in environmental science can make you eligible for plenty of rewarding opportunities that can help you build a successful career. Furthermore, online programs ensure ultimate flexibility, which can positively impact your academic journey.
Ensure that you choose the online master’s in environmental science degree from a reputable and accredited university. It will make a valuable addition to your resume.
