Online Masters in Environmental Science Degree Programs

For busy working professionals looking to advance their technical knowledge and expertise in environmental science, earning an masters in environmental science online might be a viable alternative to full time on-campus programs. More and more businesses are consulting with environmental scientists and specialists, especially with the rise of jobs involving green technology. While candidates with Bachelor’s degrees may be qualified for some entry-level jobs, earning an Online Masters in Environmental Science degree may give students currently working in the field, or with aspirations of advanced jobs, the opportunity to prepare for a variety of potential career paths.

Certainly for students who want to achieve a doctoral level education and pursue a career in academia or as an environmental scientist doing basic research may find it advantageous to use the Masters in environmental Science to begin fine-tuning their career intentions and might major in a more specific natural science such as chemistry, biology, physics, or geology, rather than a broader environmental science degree.

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary field in that it integrates the biological, physical, and earth sciences, such as geology. It not only explores the different components of the environment, by also examines the relationships of these segments with the organisms living in it and the effect of humans on the environment.

FUN FACT: Sustainability professionals help organizations achieve their goals by ensuring that their business practices are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.

Potential Benefits to Masters in Environmental Science Online Program

If you are considering pursuing an online degree in environmental science, it helps to be an independent learner, have a good computer set up and reliable Internet access. Distance learning is advancing in popularity as educational technology makes learning accessible to those students who either cannot manage a full time commute to a college or university, or need a more flexible format so they are able to maintain a work, life, study balance.

What you may need to verify with each school is whether, in addition to your coursework, there is any fieldwork or internship required which you might not be able to do online. Web-based learning comprises virtual classrooms and libraries, and students may stay in contact with faculty via digital tools and methods, so even mentorship might be done remotely.

As with any search, make a list and compare the different tuition costs, faculty, curriculum, admissions and program structure. GradSchools.com makes it easy for you to search and scroll through different program choices such as Online Master of Natural Resource Stewardship or Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy.

Potential Coursework in Online Masters in Environmental Science programs

Environmental science is referred to as an interdisciplinary field because it incorporates information and ideas from a variety of disciplines. Within the natural sciences, biology, chemistry, and geology are included in environmental science. In addition, environmental science includes some of the social sciences such as geography, economics, political science, as well as philosophy and ethics.

Coursework typically depends on the program, whether a generalized or specialized Environmental Science masters program. Some of the specializations students may want to explore might include

• Oceanography
• Conservation
• Agriculture
• Marine Biology
• Sustainability Science
• Waste Management
• Environmental Law and Policy

Explore a Career as an Environmental Scientist

Graduates holding a Masters in Environmental Science may be qualified for a variety of potential careers with an environmental focus. Environmental scientists and specialists are professionals who use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They are problem solvers who develop solutions to issues such as cleaning up polluted areas, advising businesses on how to minimize the environmental impact of projects, or helping companies comply with regulations and policies.

Some Environmental Scientists become specialists in a particular aspect of environmental science. For instance,

• Climate change analysts focus on how changing climates effects ecosystems
• Environmental health specialists study how environmental factors influence human health, or cause potential risks
• Environmental restoration planners evaluate polluted sites to find ways to clean up
• Industrial ecologists work within industry to increase the efficiency of operations to limit negative impact on the environment
• Environmental chemists study the effects of various chemicals on ecosystems

Environmental Scientists are employed in different industries. Those with the highest levels of employment include:

• Management, scientific and technical consulting services
• State government
• Architectural, engineering and related services
• Local government
• Federal Executive branch

Potential Salary For Environmental Scientists

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $76,530 in May 2021; the lowest 10% earned less than $46,200, and the highest 10% earned more than $129,070

Ready To Pursue an Online Masters in Environmental Science Degree?

Earning your masters in Environmental Science online may be a great way to fit advanced education into a full life. Whether you are approaching a master’s degree as a springboard to further doctoral studies, to potentially jumpstart an existing career, or prepare to be a future environmental science professional, start looking into Masters programs in Environmental Science online on GradSchools.com today!

GradSchools.com offers 24 Graduate Schools with Online Degree in Environmental Science Programs