Important Facts About Environmental Degrees
| Degree Levels | Associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, graduate certificate, Master of Laws |
| Degree Fields of Study | Atmospheric science, coastal zone management, environmental engineering, environmental chemistry and toxicology, environmental health, environmental law, fisheries management and conservation, marine biology |
| Online Availability | Partially and fully online programs available |
| Possible Careers | Agricultural Scientist, ecologist, environmental engineer, environmental lawyer, forester, geographer, geologist, microbiologist, oceanographer, wildlife manager, zoologist |
| Common Courses | Climatology, ecology, environmental law, environmental geology, sustainable ecosystems, water science and policy, wildlife conservation |
| Median Pay (2021) | $96,820 (environmental engineers)* |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 4% (environmental engineers)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
General Environmental Degrees
The two most common degrees in this field are environmental studies and environmental science. An environmental studies degree is an arts degree, looking at the environment from a humanities point of view. Aspiring scientists who are interested in the environment can major in environmental science, explaining environmental processes in terms of biology, geology, chemistry and other science fields.
Focused Environmental Degrees
If you like the idea of improving a specific type of ecosystem or environmental resource, there are many degrees you can pursue. Degree programs in air resources, aquatic biology, atmospheric sciences, coastal management, fisheries management, forestry or soil science are available for the student wishing to choose a specific field of study.
Applied Environmental Degrees
The environment affects society as much as society affects the environment. A degree program in agricultural science, agronomy or crop science will teach you about farming and the environment. Degree programs in environmental health, toxicology or environmental engineering will teach you how to keep people safe around potential hazards like industrial waste. An environmental law degree program will teach you how to interpret current laws and create new laws affecting the environment.
Other Environmental Degrees
Most science degrees, as well as many humanities degrees, can be applied to the environment. Some of these degrees include:
| Biodiversity | Biology |
| Chemistry | Conservation biology |
| Earth science | Ecology |
| Ecotourism | Energy studies |
| Environmental history | Environmental policy |
| Fire ecology | Geology |
| Landscape architecture | Natural sciences |
