Overview
Environmental damage, such as water pollution, carbon emissions and deforestation, has become a chief concern for industry and global leaders, many of whom are worried about its effects on the economy. Climate change has reduced the U.S. gross domestic product by 1.6 percent each year, according to a study from DARA, an international humanitarian organization.
In a trend that may help fix these problems, green jobs are growing about four times faster than all other jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
An online bachelor’s degree in environmental science can prepare students for a variety of careers that promote clean energy and protect the environment.
Course Work
Example courses | |||||||||
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General chemistry | |||||||||
Principles of biology | |||||||||
Environmental geophysics | |||||||||
Introduction to oceanography | |||||||||
Physical and historical geology | |||||||||
Soil science | |||||||||
Environmental research | |||||||||
Ethics and environmental ethics |
Students in an online environmental science bachelor’s degree program will complete core course work in biology, chemistry, geology, ecology, oceanography, geographic information systems, ethics and public policy.
Elective courses such as hydrology, forest ecology, environmental law and global environmental health allow students the opportunity to gain more knowledge in an area of interest. By the end of the program, students will be able to interpret and develop solutions to urgent environmental problems.
Most online degree programs include an internship or capstone project option.
Job Outlook
Median salaries* | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental analyst | $41, 000 | ||||||||
Environmental scientist | $49, 000 | ||||||||
Environmental specialist | $51, 000 | ||||||||
Environmental consultant | $54, 000 | ||||||||
Sustainability consultant | $57, 000 | ||||||||
Environmental project manager | $65, 000 | ||||||||
Environmental health and safety manager | $79, 000 | ||||||||
Environmental consulting program manager | $80, 000 |
*per PayScale.com
Most professionals in environmental science work for the government or private consulting firms. Some jobs may require additional training or certification.
Median salaries range from about $41, 000 for an environmental analyst to about $57, 000 for a sustainability consultant. Some managers in the field can make more than $65, 000 annually, according to PayScale, an online salary database.
Professional organizations such as the National Association of Environmental Professionals and the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences offer members access to scholarly works and professional development services.