While most environmental science careers require more than a 2-year degree, you can use an associate degree program to build the foundation for a 4-year degree that allows you to find work in the field. Review your options for earning an associate degree in environmental science via online study, and compare online and on-campus programs. Explore the courses you'd take in this program.
What Online Associate's Degrees Can I Earn in Environmental Science?
Associate's degree programs that cover environmental science are available online, but most programs are on-campus. As a student in this field, you can typically earn an Associate of Science in Environmental Science Technology or an Associate of Science in Environmental Science and Leadership. Some programs designed specifically for transfer students award an Associate of Science in Environmental Science.
Specialized tracks of study within these programs can prepare you for work in law, medicine or engineering. Areas of emphasis may include energy and climate, environmental policy, sustainability or ecological restoration. You can choose not to pursue a concentration if you haven't decided what type of career or 4-year degree you're looking for.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td>Associate of Science in Environmental Science Technology, Associate of Science in Environmental Science and Leadership (most programs are on-campus)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Class Structure</b></td><td>Utilize online course management system, such as Blackboard; review lectures online; download study materials</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Environmental management, biology, physics, geology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$46,850 <i>(Environmental Science and Protection Technicians)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>8% growth <i>(Environmental Science and Protection Technicians)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowAreOnlineProgramsDifferentFromCampusPrograms">How Are Online Programs Different from Campus Programs?</h3><p>In an online program, instead of taking classes in a lecture hall, you'll be able to access study materials by downloading them from your college's website. These materials may include text documents as well as audio and video files. Some schools also offer a course management system called Blackboard, where you'll be able to complete interactive lectures online and ask your instructors questions. You will need an Internet connection to download the course materials and interact with instructors.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanILearn">What Can I Learn?</h3><p>Online associate's degree programs in environmental science provide an overview of chemistry, biology, calculus, statistics, geometry and physics. As an environmental science major, you'll also learn about water resources, social concerns, economic issues and environmental management. Most programs cover areas included in a 4-year program. These subjects may include geology, environmental testing and wilderness exploration. If you're looking for a career in science or mathematics, you can complete many of the basic requirements for a 4-year degree in an online associate's degree program.</p>
