Is 30 Too Old To Get a Degree in Environmental Science?

Environmental science is the study of the earth, the environment, and the effect that humans have on both. An environmental science degree can help you get a career in this field.

Is this field friendly to adult learners? Is 30 too old to get an environmental sciences degree?

No, 30 is not too old to get a degree in environmental science. Keep reading as we break it all down.

Is 30 Too Old To Get a Degree in Environmental Science?

Many students start or return to school for environmental science degrees as adults, often over the age of 30.

Find an Environmental Science Degree for Adults Today

There are several colleges and universities in the United States that offer online degree programs in environmental science that are catered toward adults.

We've featured a few programs below in alphabetical order.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

This program establishes an understanding of Earth as a complex system, with a focus on the environment and the physical processes that affect it. Several specializations are available, including:

• climate and environmental change
• environmental policy
• natural resources
• sustainability

ASU is a flexible choice for adult learners with accelerated options, asynchronous courses, and transfer-friendly programs to help students succeed.

2. Florida International University

Florida International University is a public research university in Miami, Florida. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in sustainability and the environment online.

Students come to understand the increasingly complex environmental issues of natural resource management. Courses include:

• Earth Ethics
• Earth Resources
• Environmental Resources and Pollution
• Human Organization and Ecosystem Management

FIU offers fully online, innovative programs focused on current and future needs. Features like multiple start dates each year and success coaches for students help ensure adult students succeed.

3. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, Kansas. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in environmental geosciences.

This program combines geology and geography curriculums with an emphasis on human-environmental interactions. It includes courses like:

• Environmental Geology
• Geostatistics
• Global Environmental Issues
• Global Challenges

One of FHSU's central missions is to provide flexible, affordable, and high-quality online programs, which it does by employing innovative faculty and offering a wealth of student resources.

4. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public research university in Corvallis, Oregon. It offers a Bachelor of Science in environmental sciences online.

Students will come to understand and help resolve some of today's most challenging scientific and policy issues. Seven concentrations are available, including:

• aquatic biology
• conservation, resources, and sustainability
• earth systems
• environmental policy and economics

Oregon State is excellent for online students as it offers high-quality, flexible online courses, four start dates per year, and access to resources like career guidance and library services.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private university in Manchester, New Hampshire. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in environmental science.

This program focuses on current environmental issues, explores areas of the environment, and offers concentrations in data analytics in science and natural resources and conservation. It includes courses like:

• Ecological Principles and Field Methods
• Environmental Science Research Methods
• Field Methods and Technologies
• Global Climate Change

SNHU is great for adult students because it lets students transfer in up to 90 credits and also gives credit for prior learning experiences.

6. Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University is a private university based in New Gloucester, Maine that focuses on sustainability science. It offers a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and climate change and a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies online.

Students in the environmental science and climate change program delve into a holistic understanding of environmental challenges, connecting ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate change to ignite real change.

Meanwhile, those in the environmental studies program dive deep into sustainability, conservation, and global ecology.

7. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in human environmental sciences.

This program allows students to shape their program of study by choosing from a variety of classes that focus on areas like leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, management, health, and technology.

The university has tailored this program to be completely online, allowing students to take classes while meeting the rest of life's demands.

8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in Champaign, Illinois. It offers a Bachelor of Science in earth, society, and environmental sustainability online.

Students can choose from two concentrations: science in the earth system or society and environment. Courses include:

• Earth Materials and the Environment
• Earth Systems
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
• Water Planet, Water Crisis

The university designs its degree programs to be flexible for a range of students, including working professionals and those changing careers.

9. Washington State University

Washington State University is a public research university in Pullman, Washington. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in earth and environmental sciences.

This program provides a broad base of knowledge in biological and physical sciences relating to Earth's environment and ecosystems. It includes courses like:

• Earth's History and Evolution
• Natural Resources, Society, and the Environment
• The Environment, Human Life, and Sustainability
• The Science and Policy of Climate Change

WSU is one of the nation's top research universities and has created online programs that appeal to all types of students, with the average student age being 31.

10. Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private university in New Castle, Delaware. It offers a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and policy online.

Students in this program learn how to think like an environmental scientist but write like a policy maker. Courses include:

• Climate Dynamics
• Energy and Environmental Policy
• Environmental Informatics
• Environmental Planning

This program allows busy adult students to learn from anywhere by providing extensive lab kits for home preparation and guidance from experienced faculty members.

Find an Environmental Science Degree for Adults Today

Is 30 too old to get an environmental sciences degree? Several colleges and universities offer online environmental science degrees for busy adult students.

Check out the featured programs above to find the right match for you today.