Online Masters Programs in Environmental Science

Online environmental science master’s programs prepare graduates for a variety of environmental careers. A multidisciplinary field, environmental science incorporates natural sciences like ecology, chemistry, and biology with disciplines like law, philosophy, and anthropology. As the global community faces increasing uncertainty about the future of the environment, the demand for skilled environmental science professionals should continue to increase.

Graduates of online environmental science master’s degree programs can find rewarding careers with government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. This guide discusses what prospective students can expect when earning their degrees, how to choose high-quality programs, and various career opportunities available after graduation.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Students who earn an online environmental science master’s degree gain in-depth knowledge of the fundamental theories and practices of environmental science. They also can specialize in a more narrow area of interest, like climate science, wildlife conservation, or environmental education. Learners gain critical thinking, communication, analytical, research, leadership, and interpersonal skills while earning their degrees.

Most online environmental science master’s programs require about 30 credits and take two full-time years of study to complete. Students who want to graduate more quickly can look into accelerated programs. Alternatively, learners who plan to work full time or maintain other personal commitments while earning their degree part time may take three or more years to graduate.

Students do not typically encounter significant differences between online and on-campus environmental science master’s programs. The curriculum and program requirements tend to be quite similar or identical.

Online environmental science master’s programs offer courses that cover natural sciences, environmental science research methods, and environmental law and policy. Many online environmental science degree master’s students must complete a thesis, capstone project, or internship, in addition to coursework. Available courses differ by school, although the sample classes described below provide an idea of what students can expect to encounter.

Online master’s in environmental science programs typically require students to complete a research or capstone project to graduate. Some master’s students in environmental science may need to complete a more intensive thesis project. Specific details and program requirements vary by school.

Research and capstone projects take place during the final one or two semesters of a program. Students completing a research project address an original research question in depth under the supervision of a faculty member. Learners develop strong research skills, write a professional paper, and give a presentation. A capstone project is usually less research intensive and more practice oriented than a research project. Capstone projects may explore an issue relevant to environmental science in a more creative or collaborative manner.

When looking for environmental science master’s programs online, prospective students should make sure to only consider schools that hold institutional accreditation. Colleges and universities may hold regional or national accreditation, and regional accreditation is typically viewed as more prestigious.

No subject-specific bodies provide accreditation for general environmental science master’s programs. However, the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council does provide accreditation to environmental health science and protection programs.

Students should evaluate the quality of environmental science programs themselves. Some criteria that may indicate trustworthiness and quality include pertinent course content, high graduation rates, experienced faculty, and high job placement rates. Students should avoid colleges that lack institutional accreditation. Another red flag includes programs that lack specific information about what to expect or student learning outcomes.

Graduates of online environmental science master’s programs can pursue careers in fields related to conservation, forestry, wildlife, health, and education. Individuals can find roles as environmental scientists, conservation scientists, and high school teachers. Environmental science master’s holders work for schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies. The following section describes some potential careers in the environmental science field.

Environmental scientists and specialists use their expertise to help protect the environment and human health. They may specialize in an area like climate change, industrial ecology, environmental health and safety, or environmental restoration planning. These workers collect environmental data, analyze threats to the environment, develop plans, provide guidance to policymakers, and prepare reports and presentations.

Conservation scientists and foresters manage forests, rangelands, parks, and other natural resources. A specialization in forestry or conservation can help graduates qualify for these types of jobs. These individuals oversee conservation activities, create plans for managing forests, collaborate with stakeholders, and determine how to minimize environmental damage.

Zoologists and wildlife biologists study the interaction between ecosystems and animals. They research animal behavior and human impacts on animals and their habitats. These workers may conduct studies, collect data, manage wildlife populations, and develop conservation plans. Students interested in this career path may want to add a specialization in biology.

Some graduates of environmental science master’s programs go on to work as high school teachers. A specialization in environmental education can help students gain the skills needed to teach at the secondary level. These teachers plan and deliver lessons, assess student learning, grade assignments, and communicate with students’ families. Most states also require high school teachers in public schools to obtain licensure.

Environmental health and safety specialists identify potential environmental hazards to individuals and organizations. They also create strategies to minimize risks and assess organizational policies for environmental friendliness. A concentration in environmental health can help students land jobs in this area.

Environmental science professionals can expect faster-than-average job growth in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) attributes this projected increase to heightened public interest in the environment. Pressure on the environment caused by population growth may also contribute to more opportunities in this field.

Joining a professional organization for environmental scientists can provide many benefits to current students and recent graduates of environmental science master’s programs. Members often gain access to job boards, networking opportunities, discounted annual conferences and workshops, and mentoring and other career services. Most groups offer students and recent graduates membership discounts.

Online environmental science master’s students pay for their degrees the same way that on-campus learners do. Most qualify for some type of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and/or student loans. To offset tuition costs, many students also work while pursuing their degrees. Some programs offer graduate students assistantships, research positions, and fellowships that include tuition reimbursements or waivers.

The federal government offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to graduate students. One of the biggest federal funding sources for graduate students includes Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans. Master’s students may also qualify for work-study programs. Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to find out if they qualify for any financial assistance from the government.

Many environmental science professional organizations coordinate scholarship programs to help students pay for their degrees. Students who want to apply for an environmental science scholarship can see if they qualify for the Jim Roberts Scholarship offered by NAEP.

Many environmental science master’s programs offer students assistantships, research positions, and fellowships. By completing some work for the department or school while pursuing a degree, students can offset tuition costs. For example, Duke University’s School of the Environment offers fellowships and assistantships to incoming master of environmental management students.

Many online environmental science master’s programs offer their own scholarships to support students. For example, the University of Illinois at Springfield boasts several scholarships for environmental science graduate students, including a $500 Environmental Studies Alumni Award.