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Environmental Science Degrees Online Bachelor of Science (BS)

"Kylie Lorenzen, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2019, holding her framed diploma while standing in the quad on the SNHU campus."

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an environmental science degree online?

With the help of Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science degree, you could become a key steward of our planet. The program will provide a strong foundation in natural and physical sciences. You'll focus on current environmental issues and explore different areas of the environment, like natural resource conservation, wildlife ecology and water quality management. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning thanks to custom lab kits (mailed right to your home!) and data-driven projects supported by our award-winning arboretum.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Insight into the relationship between humanity and nature
  • Technology, lab and field-based research methods
  • Problem solving, critical thinking and data analysis strategies
  • Communication approaches for practical and sustainable solutions
  • Creative actions to address environmental issues
Kylie Lorenzen, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2019, sitting at an outdoor table and looking at an electronic device another woman is holding up to her.

Courses & Curriculum Environmental science degree online classes that champion the Earth

This program helps you build the competencies needed to be a leader in conserving and managing Earth's resources by combining natural and physical sciences (like biology, chemistry and physics) with real-world lab work and fieldwork.

Once enrolled, you'll have 30 free elective credits at your disposal. This is ideal if you're a transfer student who doesn't want to repeat courses, a student who'd like to pursue a minor or someone who wants to dive deeper into experiential learning with course topics like animal behavior or citizen science.

Concentrations

Online environmental science degree concentrations

As an environmental science major, you have the choice to focus on a general track or further specialize your knowledge with one of two concentrations.

Help solve real environmental challenges through data with the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science with a concentration in Data Analytics in Science program.

As an environmental scientist, your ability to use data to evaluate and inform decision-makers' work is critical to preserving the health of the planet. By supplementing your skills with expertise in statistics, data collection and database environments, you can take your work a step further — using data to tell stories for conservation organizations, policymakers and more.

Career outlook:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), big data is transforming organizations across industries.1 These large volumes of data can be analyzed to identify and solve problems, provide insights on processes and inform better solutions.

Data analytics can be an especially powerful tool for an environmental scientist. Corporate entities, for example, rely on data to help improve their sustainability efforts. Government agencies tap into data to pass public policies for environmental conservation. Furthermore, data can help shine a light on public health issues, like the release of pollutants and industrial chemicals into the environment.

Courses in the data analytics in science concentration are designed to grow skills that can help set you apart from other professionals in your field. You’ll learn how to apply quantitative and qualitative models for identifying, evaluating and making predictions to solve meaningful problems.

Courses may include:

  • Data Analysis Techniques
  • Data Validation: Quality and Cleaning
  • Emerging Technologies and Big Data
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Learn techniques for conserving the many aspects of our natural environment with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science with a concentration in Natural Resources and Conservation. This concentration is designed to prepare you to find ways of managing and preserving our planet's resources.

With this concentration, you'll explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. You'll also hone in on environmental justice and gain an ethical framework for your approach to protecting the planet.

Career outlook:

A BS in Environmental Science with a concentration in Natural Resources and Conservation can open a lot of doors when it comes to your career. You could become an environmental health and safety specialist, working to protect the environment by setting and enforcing regulations. You could also take on the role of environmental restoration planner, assessing polluted sites and working to get them back to their original state. Or perhaps you'd rather become a soil and water conservation scientist, helping advise organizations on how to limit their impact on our natural resources through research, practice and policy. Whatever path you choose, you'll be a critical part of protecting the environment.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of environmental scientists and specialists was $78,980 in May 2023.1 Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to increase by 6% through 2032.1

Courses may include:

  • Conservation Biology
  • Global Climate Change
  • Ecological Principles and Field Methods
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Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: March 3, 2025 | May 5, 2025

Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online environmental science degree?

A career in environmental science lets you apply your love of natural science in many ways — from office to lab to fieldwork. You might find work at local, state or federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and beyond. 

Occupations

By earning your online degree in environmental science, you'll be well positioned for numerous career paths, including:

Explore environmental health risks and work to create spaces that are safe for people and the planet. Adhere to EHS policies and procedures.

Protect the wildlife habitats, biodiversity, scenic value, and other specific attributes of preserves and conservation lands.

Discover, develop, implement and improve ways to use land that sustains its productive capacity. Conserve water and identify/mitigate potential ecology issues. 

Protect and manage federal/state parks and forests, ensuring the safety of campers and the environment. Enforce park rules, fire safety and search and rescue.

6%

Increase in roles for environmental scientists and specialists through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$78,980

Median annual pay for environmental scientists and specialists as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Amy Hunt '21
Amy Hunt '21

I fulfilled a goal I set for myself by earning my degree. SNHU made this both exciting and successful by having all the tools I needed as an adult learner.

Amy Hunt '21

Frequently Asked Questions

Perhaps the best part of earning a degree in environmental science – other than saving the world – is that you can apply your learning in so many different ways.

"There is no straight career path, but rather a journey that Southern New Hampshire University's environmental science program helps shape and launch you into," said Tyra Davey, associate dean of science. "In addition to academic preparation, students in the program have the opportunity to engage with Career Services from first term through graduation to determine what their career path can look like."

Federal and state agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service, provide some of the largest opportunities for employment in this field. Local agencies and private environmental consultancy companies provide good options as well.

With this dynamic, interdisciplinary degree, you have a lot of options to take your career wherever you want it to go. You can help protect and manage our state parks and forests as a park ranger or manage and remediate environmental hazards as an environmental scientist. Not to mention the opportunities you can gain to help advance the use of renewable energy or tackle issues related to global climate change. The possibilities are truly endless.

The SNHU Career Center is a great place for career support and advice at any time in your career, even after you've graduated. You can get support with resume writing or find connections for local professional organizations. You may find projects or internships, or even prep for interviews. As an SNHU graduate, you'll be part of a lifelong alumni network — perfect for networking and making connections in your field and beyond.

Absolutely! With a degree in environmental science, you can gain the skills needed to preserve and protect our planet and its precious natural resources.

In addition to a strong foundation in the physical and biological sciences, you'll gain many other skills. You'll learn communication approaches, earn project management experience, and receive research and analysis training. These competencies aren't valuable to the environmental sciences alone. They're applicable to many other careers, like those in the private sector or nonprofits.

Just ask Daniel Sylvester '23. "I got to focus less on pre-med and lab bio and more on a naturalist perspective on life," he said. "This is what drew me to science originally. I now feel like I can always work outdoors to preserve nature for future generations, and I have most valuably learned how to live more efficiently."

A highlight from his program? "ArcGIS is an awesome skill and I’m obsessed with maps now and geospatial data has so many applications," said Sylvester. "I had the pleasure of working with it while controlling invasive species with the Audubon and hope to work with it again."

According to Tyra Davey, associate dean of science, "There continues to be a growing need for career-ready environmental scientists, since challenges with conservation, resource management and sustainability exist in almost every industry. This offers a wide variety of career pathways for students pursuing their degree."

And with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 6% increase in job growth for the environmental scientists and specialists through 2032, the future of this career field is truly bright.1

As a truly interdisciplinary field, the environmental science major includes instruction in 5 key areas:

  1. Biology examines living organisms. Zoology, botany, microbiology and ecology all fall under the biology umbrella.
  2. Physics is the study of matter and energy. Engineering of any kind, including environmental engineering, is based on the principles of physics.
  3. Chemistry studies chemicals and their interactions with one another in a substance. Biochemistry and geochemistry are subsets of this, focusing on the chemistry of living things and the chemistry of rocks, soil and water, respectively.
  4. Sustainability focuses on a mindset and decision-making practices that lead to humans and nature existing in ways that support our present and future generations. Sustainability is studied with considerations at the intersection of ecological health, social wellbeing and economic fairness.
  5. Social science studies human beings and how they interact with each other and the environment. It also examines the behaviors that result from humans receiving and interpreting information related to the environment. Social science majors offered at Southern New Hampshire University include an online sociology degree and anthropology degree online.

Collectively, these fields ensure you are well-versed in the ways that the environment and all elements of it are connected. You'll study the earth's living and non-living elements, and how all things relating to matter and energy intersect. You can also study how human populations affect and are affected by changes in the environment.

Studying the environment, climate change and how humans play a major part in the health of our planet is exciting. Protecting the planet is a noble career. To succeed in this major, it helps to feel comfortable with science.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this degree, you'll learn writing and communication skills, along with math and statistics. This results in a well-rounded education that positions you to be highly capable of doing great work in the career you choose.

No matter which area of study you decide to earn your degree in, instructors with real-world experience will be there with you every step of the way.

Amy Hunt '21, a graduate of the BS in Environmental Science online degree program, said her instructors "provided additional resources to aid in my learning of the subject and provided detailed feedback on assignments, so that I could improve my understanding of the subject."

Yes! An online environmental science degree is a great way to learn about the natural world from right where you are. With online learning, you set the pace, so you can complete your work when and where it's best for you. Plus, your fieldwork can be performed close to home, allowing you to study the environment in your very own community.

"The online platform of this program provides our students with the flexibility they need to earn their degree and, best of all, allows them to make a difference in the world," said Dr. Kelly Thrippleton-Hunter, adjunct faculty for science at Southern New Hampshire University.

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Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.