Our Methodology
Forbes Advisor Best Online Environmental Science Degree Options
Why the University of Florida Ranks as No. 1
Based in Gainesville, the University of Florida (Florida) offers an online Bachelor of Science program in environmental management that explores areas such as soil science, pest management, hydrology and agricultural ecology. UF offers the program’s lab courses on campus in a bootcamp format, but distance learners can sometimes arrange to complete these requirements at colleges in their communities.
Out of the 10 schools that made our list of the best online environmental science degrees, Florida received the top score in our methodology for average in-state tuition rates, median federal student loan debt, retention rate and graduation rate. Florida alumni also earned the top median annual salary 10 years after graduation among alumni of the 10 schools ranked here.
1. University of Florida
2. University of Arizona
3. Oregon State University
4. Washington State University
5. North Carolina Central University
6. Rogers State University
7. Unity Environmental University
8. The New School
9. Virginia Wesleyan University
10. Wilmington University
How To Find the Right Online Environmental Science Degree for You
Pro Tip
Make sure you fill out the FAFSA to reduce the cost of your education; do not take out loans to fund your degree unless you absolutely must.
You should consider each program’s cost, as well as its curriculum and how well it aligns with your career goals, when deciding which online environmental science degree is the right fit for you.
Consider Your Future Goals
A bachelor’s degree in environmental science can lead directly to a career as an environmental scientist or specialist. Bachelor’s degree holders in environmental science can also pursue further study in master’s or doctoral programs. That said, each program is unique, and it’s important to choose the option that’s best for you.
One of the main differentiating factors among programs is in-person experience. Whether it’s an internship, a field mapping course, a field trip to a research facility or an on-campus lab course, these in-person experiences let you practice some of the skills you’ll need to execute daily as a professional.
You might also consider whether or not your environmental science program involves a policy component. If you want to pursue advocacy in addition to science once you graduate, you might check your prospective school’s curriculum to ensure you’ll learn about environmental policy.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Excluding the major outlier (The New School), per-credit tuition rates for the other nine programs ranked here range from $129 to $601. Extrapolated over a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, these rates translate to approximately $15,500 to $72,100. Keep in mind that many of these rates reflect in-state tuition.
For a point of comparison, according to the National Center for Education Statistics as of the 2022-2023 academic year, the average four-year university charged $17,709 in annual tuition, which translates to slightly over $70,000 for a four-year bachelor’s degree.
To reduce the cost of your degree, make sure you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can help you access grants, scholarships and work-study jobs through the federal government. You can often pursue similar opportunities through individual schools themselves.
Accreditation for Online Environmental Science Degrees
You should only attend colleges with institutional accreditation; otherwise, you will be ineligible for federal financial aid, and your degree may not be worth much on the job market. All of the online colleges for environmental science ranked here are institutionally accredited.
What To Expect From an Online Environmental Science Degree
Each online environmental science degree is unique; however, they often share common elements.
Common Courses
Course titles vary by program, but you may encounter some version of the following subjects:
- Environmental physics
- Environmental sociology
- Energy and the environment
- Environmental issues
- Earth science
- Climate change
- Field mapping
- Oceanography
- The world’s water
- Environmental assessment
- Pollution science
- Research methods
In-Person Requirements
As a science discipline, environmental science often involves lab courses in soil science, chemistry and other related fields. Some programs require you to visit campus to complete these experiences, while others mail you kits and let you work at home.
Some programs also allow you to take field trips to research at marine biology facilities or include a multiday field mapping course in the backcountry. Others require internship experiences. All of these in-person experiences can help you apply your skills in the field or in realistic professional situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Environmental Science Degrees
What is the difference between environmental science and ecology?
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that centers around the interactions between humans and Earth, as well as current major environmental challenges. Ecology deals with the interactions between organisms and their environment.
What knowledge do you need to be an environmental scientist?
Environmental scientists need a strong background in core sciences like biology, chemistry and physics. They also must have specialized knowledge in areas like geology, soil science and hydrology, as well as some understanding of policy and the major challenges facing the environment. Professionals also need critical thinking, research and data collection skills.
What is the purpose of an environmental scientist?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , environmental scientists “conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.” They might work in offices, laboratories or the field, often for governmental agencies.