Online Environmental Science Degree Program
Environmental scientists are stewards of the planet. They analyze environmental issues related to everything from climate change to overpopulation to biodiversity. They are the champions of clean energy, clean air and a thriving, healthy planet.
Southern New Hampshire University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science degree online program gives you a strong foundation in natural and physical sciences. You will gain the education and hands-on experience you need to pursue your passion for the environment.
Lab courses are conducted with custom lab kits mailed directly to students. Use this hands-on experience to develop practical solutions to the environmental problems affecting us all and promote sound conservation practices for the future.
Learn how to:
- Practice and apply effective communication strategies
- Analyze intersections of the human and natural world
- Propose practical solutions to complex environmental problems
- Articulate a personal ethical framework
- Apply technological and field-based methods to environmental study
- Design and execute projects that integrate the scientific method
As an environmental science major, you have the option of customizing your degree through the 39 free elective credits, or by adding on a natural resources concentration.
Career Outlook
The future is bright for careers in environmental science. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of environmental scientists and specialists is predicted to grow by 8% through 2028.1 This is faster than the national average for all professions.
A career in environmental science lets you apply your love of natural science in many ways. You will learn to protect the environment and human health.
Kylie Lorenzen ’19, who became SNHU's all-time leading scorer as a four-year standout on the university's woman's basketball team, said she plans to use her degree to make a similar impact in the environmental field.
“The environment is something that is changing, and it affects everyone,” Lorenzen said. “It affects wildlife. It affects humans. It’s a big topic nowadays and usually, we just see the policy and government side, but there’s a lot that goes into … protecting and conserving what we have while also utilizing it and being sustainable in the same way.”
Careers in environmental science lend themselves to office, lab or field work. You could work for local, state or federal agencies. You may work for nonprofit organizations to promote healthy environmental practices.
"The field of environmental science is a rewarding area in which to serve," said Jill Nugent, associate dean of science for online STEM programs. "People are able to make a positive difference in our world through science."
Careers in environmental science include:
- Environmental scientist, where you will use your knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health
- Environmental health and safety specialist, where you will explore environmental health risks
- Conservation land manager, working to protect habitat and biodiversity
- Climate change analyst, studying effects on ecosystems caused by the changing climate
- Soil and water conservationist, working to prevent erosion
- Geospatial analyst, examining changes to the landscape
- Park ranger, protecting and managing federal and state parks and forests
SNHU’s environmental science degree online blends analytical skills, communication skills and critical thinking throughout the degree program. These skills can prepare you to succeed in the exciting and challenging career of your choice.
In fact, the median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $71,360 in May 2019. That is notably higher than the median annual wage of $39,810 for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
You may also wish to explore combining environmental skills with business acumen by enrolling in SNHU's online MBA in Sustainability and Environmental Compliance.
Courses & Curriculum
A degree in environmental science provides a strong foundation to protect the planet. Our program combines the natural and physical sciences, like biology, chemistry and physics, with real-world scientific lab work.
Choose the concentration in natural resources and conservation to study the impact of climate change or go with the general track. Even without a concentration, you’ll have elective courses allowing you to explore environmental science, geography and science to create your own custom niche in the field.
Kylie Lorenzen '19 said she has a new outlook on the world thanks to her environmental science courses.
“It’s something that inspires me,” she said. “I’m passionate about traveling ... So, I’m really interested in other cultures around the world, and it’s something that’s important to me to protect and keep working at.”
With an environmental science degree, you will have many chances to apply your education to the workforce. Environmental expertise is valuable in all types of businesses. A minor in environmental studies is also offered for non-science students who would like to add another aspect to their learning.
"Environmental science is important to all of us because we have no Planet B," said Jill Nugent, associate dean of science for online STEM programs at SNHU. "We must understand the natural world in which we live, and use its resources wisely in order to sustain life on Earth."
SNHU’s bachelor’s in environmental science "provides 21st-century learners with the chance to explore and address real world environmental challenges," Nugent said. The curriculum can help you build a number of key skills, including:
- Oral and written communication
- Quantitative analysis
- Applied statistics
- Ecological principles and field methods
- Research methods
Due to shipping laws, lab courses requiring lab kits must be completed within the contiguous United States. New students living outside the lower 48 states may be eligible to transfer in lab credits from accredited institutions. If a currently enrolled student moves outside of the contiguous U.S., they may petition to take the labs at another institution for credit.
Our environmental science major boasts 39 free elective credits. That is ideal for transfer students who don’t want to repeat courses. This can also allow you to add a minor that complements your major or help you explore new interests.
"Our students are equipped to go straight into the job market upon graduation from this program," Nugent said. "Each of the program courses were developed by environmental science professionals with relevant job skills in mind."
Another special feature of the environmental science degree is the opportunity to engage in experiential learning. These classes let you explore special topics related to your major. You will also build key skills to help with career development. The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science offers 6 experiential learning topics:
- Field experiences: This topic allows you to extend your knowledge even further. You'll conduct research and apply the scientific process. Hands-on research skills and engaging in primary research will help when entering the fields of environmental science or geoscience.
- Citizen science: This topic allows you to engage in, and maybe lead your own citizen science efforts. Hands-on experience with crowd-sourcing scientific projects leads to leadership. That is important to have for a career in environmental or geoscience.
- Research experiences in science: This topic allows you to extend your knowledge of the scientific process. You'll engage in research projects that you design. Having hands-on research skills and participating in research are great skills for working in the fields of environmental science or geoscience.
- Certifications and licensures: This topic allows you to begin or continue studying for a certification or license exam. You will select a certification or license of your choosing, with help from your instructor. It is up to you to choose a certification or license for which you qualify. You will use the course time to work toward studying for the exam.
- Animal behavior: This topic allows you to engage in research practice that you design. The scientific process and animal behavior are the basis for this work. As with the other learning opportunities, hands-on research skills and engaging in primary research are great skills for the fields of environmental science or geoscience.
- Grant writing in science: This topic provides useful experience in writing grants. This skill is vital for a career in the nonprofit sector. Securing grant funding can be the key to getting a project off the ground. The written communication skills developed in this topic will be helpful in any career path.
Online learners also benefit through a partnership between the SNHU Arboretum and the online science programs. This partnership provides increased access to undergraduate research and learning opportunities. "The Arboretum, its technology and data extend the physical campus to the global learning community, opening up collaborative research opportunities between campus and online science students," said Nugent.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- General education courses: All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively. This provides the edge employers are seeking.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to provide access to the technology you need for your degree and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
- Earn credits for what you already know: Did you know certain work and life experience – like industry-recognized certifications, law enforcement training and math knowledge – could save you time and money at SNHU? Learn how you could get credit for work or life experience.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
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Online Undergraduate Programs
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Per Course
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Per Credit Hour
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Annual Cost for 30 credits |
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Degree/Certificates
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$960 |
$320 |
$9,600 |
Degree/Certificates
(U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)
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$675 |
$225 |
$6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
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