Best Online Environmental Science Programs

Online bachelor's in environmental science programs lead to careers addressing issues like climate change and preventing or remediating environmental degradation. Explore our list of top programs.
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Updated on June 6, 2023
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A bachelor's degree in environmental science provides advanced training and education in a broad range of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Pursuing an environmental science bachelor's degree online adequately prepares graduates for careers as environmental scientists and specialists. Specific titles include climate change analyst, environmental health and safety specialist, and environmental restoration planner.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals earned a median salary between $71,130 and $80,890 in 2018, depending on specialization. This is a significant increase from the $46,170 median salary earned by environmental science technicians -- a related career obtainable with only an associate degree.

Popular Online Bachelor's in Environmental Science Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Environmental Science Programs

Deciding which college to attend is a highly personal decision impacted by a variety of factors, including location, cost, academic quality, and school reputation. When pursuing an online education, additional concerns apply, like program format and pacing. With all of these considerations in mind, we've created a ranking of the best online environmental science bachelor's degrees available. For each institution listed below, find both school- and program-specific information about curriculum offerings, admission requirements, and student services available to online learners.

Our rankings should provide a solid starting point for your college search. However, only you can properly evaluate your options and decide which online environmental science degree is the best fit for you. Take time to closely research the programs that catch your eye. Reach out to a school admissions specialist with any questions you discover along the way.

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Online Environmental Science Programs

Oregon State University

  • Corvallis, OR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $331
Out of State | $331

Credits to Graduate
180

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

OSU's online bachelor's in environmental science program runs asynchronously. Students complete hands-on fieldwork, a thesis, or a research and scholarship course. The program offers many specializations, including alternative energy, applied ecology, and earth systems. Other options include environmental agriculture and environmental water resources. 

Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and prerequisites in English, foreign language, science, and social studies.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,846
Out-of-state
$29,445
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,933
Out-of-state
$24,975
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
31,719
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Best Online Environmental Science Programs

Virginia Wesleyan University

  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes 

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $399
Out of State | $399

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

VWU offers an online bachelor's in environmental studies that emphasizes science, economics, and humans' position in the natural world. Students can complete the program in 12 months. Graduates may work in fields like corporate sustainability, environmental science, and natural resources conservation.

Applicants need a 2.0 GPA or a high school transcript or GED results. Prospective students submit SAT or ACT scores and any college transcripts.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$36,010
Out-of-state
$36,010
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,982
Out-of-state
$8,982
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
1,487
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
14% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Environmental Science Programs

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes 

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320
Out of State | $320

Credits to Graduate
121

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education

SNHU's bachelor's in environmental science program offers specializations in data analytics in science and natural resources and conservation. Asynchronous coursework focuses on real-life scenarios and problems. The school mails home-lab kits to enrollees. Degree-seekers can participate in hands-on field experiences, complete research projects, or gain skills in grant writing in science.

Applicants submit an online application, transcript release form, and an electronic attestation that they have completed high school or received a GED.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,756
Out-of-state
$30,756
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,810
Out-of-state
$18,810
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
113,514
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
94% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Environmental Science Programs

Wilmington University

  • New Castle, DE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $390
Out of State | $390

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education

WilmU offers a bachelor's in environmental science and policy online that features hands-on learning with program-provided home-lab kits. The curriculum focuses on hypothesis testing, scholarly writing, and problem-solving using scientific and digital tools. 

Course areas include an environmental science core, a public policy core, and core electives. The program also offers field experiences.

Admission requires official transcripts. Applicants with fewer than 15 transfer credits need a high school or GED diploma. They must also submit SAT or ACT or math and English placement scores.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,430
Out-of-state
$11,430
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,784
Out-of-state
$8,784
Retention Rate
60%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
14,730
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
75% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Environmental Science Programs

University of Arizona

  • Tucson, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $525
Out of State | $525

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission

UofA's online bachelor's in environmental science program prepares graduates to address problems like climate change and pollution. Students can choose between two emphasis areas: leadership, sustainability, and communication; or soil, air, and water.

Enrollees take classes like environmental justice, environmental microbiology, and geographic information sciences. Graduates may work in fields like agriculture and urbanization, sustainable resource management, and environmental restoration.  

Applicants complete an online application and submit transcripts.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,990
Out-of-state
$33,273
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,938
Out-of-state
$32,065
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
44,577
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
42% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

After reviewing the best environmental science online degree programs, read our comprehensive guide to explore admission details, common learning outcomes, and additional resources.

Environmental science graduates go on to work in a variety of industries, including government, business, and healthcare. Visit our career guide to explore your options.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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