Online Master's Degrees in Environmental Science: Comparing Programs

Online Environmental Science Master’s Programs Uncovered

An online master’s program in environmental science is an exceptionally flexible degree, allowing graduate students the opportunity to augment core classes with various academic concentrations and electives. With concentrations from environmental education to climate change, you will be able to tailor this online degree to your academic interests and career goals.

Because this degree is typically multidisciplinary, students encounter various academic areas such as business, political science, and anthropology. As a result, students gain a broad knowledge base that applies to an equally broad spectrum of careers. Keep reading to learn more about popular classes and academic concentrations.

Online Environmental Science Master’s FAQs

How long does it take to complete a master’s degree in environmental science online?

While its typically takes 16-30 months to graduate from a master-level environmental science program, your status as a full- or part-time student can have a significant impact on duration. Keep in mind that program availability may influence academic timelines, so keep your plans flexible.

How much does an online master’s degree in environmental science cost?

Even though your online master’s degree in environmental science or your online master’s in environmental studies requires a substantial financial commitment, there are ways to mitigate costs. For starters, your status as an in-state student can significantly reduce tuition rates. Generally, public institutions cost less than private.

There are also some hidden benefits to online learning. When you subtract on-campus fees, online students often save considerable cash in the long run. Financial aid opportunities are also widely available.

What are the admissions requirements for online master’s environmental science degree programs?

Admissions requirements vary from program to program, but there are some essential things you’ll need to provide when applying to receive your online master’s in environmental science. Make sure you follow specific requirements for the school you are applying to. These are some standard admissions requirements you may find:

• Official academic transcripts
• Completed bachelor’s degree (in environmental science or something related)
• Cumulative GPA of approximately 3.0
• Professional and academic letters of recommendation
• Admissions interview
• Personal essay laying out academic and career goals
• Professional resume
• GRE scores
• Prerequisite courses in math and science
• Professional experience in a related field

Do I have to take the GRE to get into an online environmental science master’s program?

Some programs do require GRE scores for admission. That said, other programs don’t, and still others waive standardized test score requirements for high-achieving undergraduate students. Schools such as the University of Idaho and the University of Arkansas do not require GRE scores for admission. Additionally, Oregon State University waives GRE requirements for applicants with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.

Is an environmental science master’s degree worth it?

For potential graduate students interested in a flexible degree with a wide variety of career applications, an online master’s in environmental science or an online master’s in environmental studies could be a great choice. Most programs offer several academic specializations, allowing students to tailor their degree to meet their educational and career objectives. As a result, environmental science degrees often work in many careers.

Master’s in Environmental Science Concentrations

One of the benefits of an online master’s in environmental science is the ability to tailor degree requirements to your academic interests and career goals. While programs do have core requirements, most degrees offer specialized classes and electives. To help you know what to expect, we’ve compiled several common concentrations below.

Climate Change

For students interested in developing an understanding of climate impact and processes, a climate change concentration includes topics in the aquatic, atmospheric, and marine science areas. Climate change classes often include green infrastructure, ecological restoration, and global environmental change. Students also focus on community resilience and natural resource management.

Environmental Education

Whether you’re interested in teaching in the classroom, public outreach, or public relations, an environmental education concentration merges scientific knowledge with communication and pedagogical skills. Students select from classes such as social justice in education, socio-cultural dimensions of free-choice learning, and communicating ocean science to informal audiences.

Social Science

A social science specialization allows you to enhance environmental science knowledge while exploring how issues in social science impact the field. Concentration coursework includes topics like applied econometrics, environmental and resource economics, and statistical applications in anthropology. Students also look closely at research methods, design, and statistical analysis.

Climate Change

Designed for students interested in careers in areas such as consulting, business, and government, this track focuses on instituting sustainable solutions addressing both business and environmental concerns. Students also gain real-world skills in communication, management, and business.

Natural Resources Management

This academic track is traditionally tailored toward individuals working in the field who are interested in career advancement. From agency biologists to environmental consultants, this path includes business and management training and a close look at environmental policy and business issues. Degree candidates also explore professional skills like strategic planning, operations, and ethics.

Curriculum for Environmental Science Master’s

While courses differ between schools, online environmental science master’s programs and the closely related online master’s in environmental studies typically take an interdisciplinary approach. Core classes traditionally cover essential environmental science topics and are supplemented by concentration and elective courses. We’ve highlighted a handful of standard graduate-level courses below.

Foundations in Sustainability

Examining sustainability issues from business management and environmental management perspectives, students familiarize themselves with the fundamental theories of sustainability and challenges in natural resource management and community planning. Other topics include energy and natural resources, biodiversity, and global climate change.

Environmental Economics

Acting as an introduction to environmental and natural resource issues, students cover topics such as the principles of market efficiency, the economic concept of value, and environmental policy. By understanding economic principles, you’ll examine environmental issues, including pollution, renewable natural resources, and nonrenewable resource management.

Environmental Law

Providing a broad overview of issues in environmental law, students familiarize themselves with topics such as federal and state statutory protections, environmental justice, and regulatory prohibitions. By analyzing critical legal disputes and current environmental practices, students gain practical knowledge of the legal framework underscoring environmental issues.

Global Sustainability

Providing students with a working understanding of sustainability and its social and economic implications, this class covers sustainable strategies and social responsibility within a business context. Through case analyses and interactive assignments, students familiarize themselves with the complex relationship between businesses and the environment.

Coastal Resilience

In this online offering, students explore the many scientific fields at play in coastal areas. Students cover topics such as coastal geomorphology, sea-level rise, and coastal erosion and storms. Supplementing scientific studies, students examine issues in land management, population growth, and community planning.

Environmental Science Master’s Career Paths

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists analyze environmental problems by conducting extensive research to develop sustainable solutions. They assess pollution levels, study ecosystems, and evaluate human impacts on the environment. These professionals have expertise in environmental policy, laws, and regulations, often providing critical, data-backed guidance for businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations.

Their work may include performing field investigations, testing soil and water samples, and using geographic information systems (GIS) to track environmental changes. Environmental scientists also play a crucial role in crafting policies that mitigate climate change, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable practices in industries such as energy production, agriculture, and urban development.

Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists work to manage, protect, and sustain natural resources across diverse landscapes, including forests, parks, wetlands, and rangelands. They collaborate with government agencies, landowners, and conservation groups to develop land-use plans that balance economic development with environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities include conducting ecological assessments, overseeing land-use contracts, monitoring wildlife populations, and restoring degraded habitats. Conservation scientists also ensure compliance with environmental regulations and advocate for sustainable practices in industries such as logging, mining, and agriculture. Their work helps to preserve biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and safeguard water quality while supporting outdoor recreation and tourism.

Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement, distribution, and quality of water in various environments, from rivers and lakes to underground aquifers. Using fieldwork, laboratory testing, and advanced modeling software, they analyze water cycles, precipitation patterns, and the effects of climate change on water resources. Their expertise is crucial in addressing pressing water-related issues such as pollution, flooding, erosion, and drought.

Hydrologists often consult on infrastructure projects, including dam construction, irrigation systems, and water treatment facilities, ensuring that these projects meet sustainability and regulatory standards. They also work with policymakers to develop strategies for water conservation, flood control, and disaster preparedness, helping communities maintain safe and reliable water supplies.

Top Online Environmental Science Master’s

At this point, you should have the knowledge and tools needed to start your post-graduate education in environmental science. Below, we have ranked some of the best online programs in this field based on a few factors:

• Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
• At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online
• Career placement and academic counseling services

Weightings are given to the programs based on the above, as well as additional criteria that can be found in the methodology pop-up.