10 Best Online Environmental Science Degrees 2025

When studying online, it can be tempting to choose a major by looking at the best online degrees. However, if your passion is environmental science, there are many top online bachelor's degrees in environmental science across the country.

Additionally, many schools offer affordable online environmental science degrees to help students keep costs down. Below, we've highlighted the best online environmental science degrees in the U.S.

Best Online Environmental Science Schools

While environmental science isn't the most popular major for online students, there are still several schools across the country that offer these degrees online. We've highlighted some of the best online environmental science degrees below.

1. Antioch University

Antioch University offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in environmental studies online. The private institution is based in Culver City, CA, but has multiple campuses across the country.

In the bachelor's program, students focus on sustainability and science with online courses on conservation science, environmental ethics, environmental health, ocean science, and more. Optional field opportunities are available to environmental science majors.

The master's degree offers several concentrations, including conservation biology, environmental education, and sustainability. Additionally, the university offers a master's in natural resource management as well as graduate certificates in climate resistance and geographic information systems (GIS).

2. Florida International University

Florida International University is a public institution in Miami, FL. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in sustainability and the environment that includes courses on:

• climate change policy
• coastal and marine environmental policy
• natural resource valuation and economics
• U.S. environmental policy

This online program teaches students to develop creative, adaptive solutions to real-world challenges. Tuition is exceptionally low at FIU, at just $235.57 per credit hour for in-state students.

3. North Carolina Central University

At North Carolina Central University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in environmental and geographic sciences online. The public HBCU is based in Durham, NC.

The bachelor's degree includes courses on meteorology, applied geospatial statistics, atmospheric dynamics, and more. Students also have the option to earn an undergraduate certificate in geospatial intelligence, accredited by the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, as part of their program.

In the master's degree, students develop a broad understanding of geosciences with a focus on human-earth interaction. The program concludes with the student's choice of an internship or thesis project.

4. Oregon State University

Both an online bachelor's and a master's in environmental sciences are available from Oregon State University. OSU, located in Corvallis, OR, is a public institution.

The undergraduate program offers several areas of specialization, including applied ecology, earth systems, environmental water resources, and social sciences. An accelerated bachelor's to master's program is available for students who want to continue on to a graduate degree.

The master's degree at OSU is one of the top online master's degrees in environmental science in the country. Like the bachelor's degree, it also offers several specializations, such as biogeochemistry, climate change, natural resources, and water resources.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Science in environmental science online. This program offers two tracks: data analytics in science or natural resources and conservation.

In this program, students build the competencies needed to be leaders in conserving and managing the Earth's resources. Students can bring in up to 90 transfer credits.

SNHU is a private university based in Manchester, NH. While it doesn't offer a master's degree in environmental science, it does offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in sustainability and environmental compliance.

6. Unity Environmental University

Unity Environmental University is a private institution in New Gloucester, ME, that is primarily focused on environmental science and sustainability. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in environmental studies that focuses on a range of environmental issues, such as:

• climate refugee crisis
• forever chemicals
• ocean acidification
• renewable energy

Additionally, Unity offers a variety of other online majors that may be compelling to students interested in environmental science, such as majors in environmental engineering, marine biology and sustainable aquaculture, and wildlife conservation.

Similarly, while there is no online master's degree specifically in environmental science or studies, online degrees are available in fields like climate change adaptation and resistance, carbon ecology and management, environmental data analytics, marine conservation biology, and more.

7. University of Arizona

Students at the University of Arizona can earn a bachelor's and a master's in environmental science online. Located in Tucson, AZ, the university is a public research institution.

In the bachelor's degree program, students learn to find innovative and sustainable solutions to today's critical environmental problems. Core courses tackle topics like environmental management, pollution science, water quality, and environmental microbiology.

The master's degree is an interdisciplinary, collaborative program that helps students hone the critical thinking, data analysis, and stewardship skills necessary to become effective environmental scientists. Coursework includes subjects like environmental physics, scientific writing, and statistical analysis of ecological and environmental data.

8. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

An online bachelor's degree in earth, society, and environmental sustainability is available through the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Students in this program choose between two concentrations: science in the earth system or society and the environment.

UIUC, a public research university, is located in Champaign, IL. It also offers an online Master of Science in natural resources and environmental sciences, which offers a variety of core and elective courses on wildlife conservation, GIS for environmental management, ecosystem biogeochemistry, and more.

9. Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University offers a bachelor's and a master's in environmental studies online. The private school is located in Virginia Beach, VA.

The bachelor's degree prepares students for career opportunities in corporate sustainability, conservation, and environmental science, Courses explore subjects like environmental ethics, environmental policy, oceanography, and geographic information systems.

In the master's degree, advanced coursework focuses on environmental management, environmental policy, climate change, and water resources management. A capstone project is required to conclude the program.

10. Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private university in New Castle, DE. It offers a variety of online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and policy and a Master of Science in environmental science.

In the bachelor's program, students cover courses on environmental planning and policy, marine science, climate change, and geographic information systems. An accelerated bachelor's-to-master's path is available.

The master's program allows students to advance their career opportunities with courses on biodiversity, ecosystem management, environmental geology, and more. The program concludes with a research project.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the online environmental science programs listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools listed hold regional accreditation.
• Online options: Each program listed is available fully online.
• Reputation and rankings: All schools are well-regarded schools that are highly ranked in environmental science.

Benefits of an Online Environmental Science Degree Program

Environmental science programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the environmental sciences and sustainability. Earning an environmental science degree online provides far more flexibility than on-campus programs.

These degrees usually have set due dates, but allow students to complete the coursework on a schedule that works for them. As a result, it's easier for students to juggle jobs and family responsibilities while still earning their degree.

Common Coursework in an Environmental Science Program

Each program has its own curriculum, but some common course topics you'll find in an environmental science degree include:

• biodiversity
• climate change
• common environmental issues
• earth systems
• ecology and ecosystems
• environmental health
• environmental policy
• geospatial sciences and geographic information systems
• natural resources management
• sustainability
• water resources

Environmental Science Career Paths

A variety of career paths are available to students with a degree in environmental science. Some common options include:

• conservation land manager
• environmental data analyst
• environmental health and safety specialist
• environmental researcher
• park ranger
• soil and water conservationist
• sustainability project manager

Scholarships for Online Environmental Science Students

Several scholarship opportunities are available to high school and college students pursuing degrees in environmental studies and sustainability. We've highlighted a few below.

Note that most scholarships will require you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All programs listed above are from online colleges that accept FAFSA.

2025 Dale and Lynn Bentley Memorial Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,500

Application Deadline: March 14, 2025

The Dale and Lynn Bentley Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship open to students pursuing a degree in the environmental field at a Michigan college or university. To qualify, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA average. The application is available through the Michigan Water Environment Association website.

Green Up Vermont Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Deadline: February 12, 2025

The Green Up Vermont Scholarship is not limited to students studying environmental science, but it is for those who have participated in Vermont's Green Up Day and show dedication to supporting the planet. Applicants must be undergraduate students attending an accredited institution.

National Garden Clubs Scholarship Program

Award Amount: Up to $400

Application Deadline: February 1

The National Garden Clubs Scholarship Program is a scholarship for full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing fields in the natural sciences, such as agriculture, botany, wildlife sciences, and environmental sciences. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.25. More application information is available at the National Garden Clubs website.

Find Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

Find the perfect online degree in environmental science by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and tuition rates.