2024 Best Online Environmental Management Degrees [Bachelor’s Guide]

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If you’re passionate about the environment, an environmental management degree could be a strategic step toward a fulfilling career.

Best Online Environmental Management Degrees

With many places facing environmental challenges, the world needs more environmental science practitioners. Environmental issues affect different industries, so environmental management graduates often have the opportunity to work in various sectors. They might provide insight into the relationship between the environment and the community while factoring in economic considerations.

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A degree in environmental management focuses on the protection of natural resources and the environment and also explores the relationship between humans and the environment.

Online Environmental Management Degrees

Online Environmental Management Degrees

The environmental management field deals with protecting the natural environment and identifying relationships between natural systems and the community. Natural resources can be scarce, so there is a need for efficient management. Environmental studies aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to preserve and allocate Earth’s resources efficiently.

Different institutions can use a variety of names for their degree programs in this field. Names for this type of degree include sustainability management, environmental science, environmental management, or waste management degree.

Despite the different titles, environmental studies programs explore the challenges facing the environment, physical environments, and cultural environments. This, in turn, helps you understand various interpretations of landscapes.

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You can learn about pollution, ozone depletion, and greenhouse gasses in an environmental management program. Some of the course topics you’re likely to find in this degree program include:

  • Environmental policy
  • Soil science
  • Water resources
  • Ecology
  • Sustainable economics

Since environmental issues affect many industries, you can also learn about social and economic considerations. Mathematical skills may be necessary for the calculations involved in making these types of assessments. Communication skills can also be necessary for some professional roles in the field.

Some positions involve presenting reports and informing government agencies about research. Environmental management professionals can be found in a variety of careers. Some work as environmental scientists, water quality analysts, air pollution analysts, or conservation scientists. There are a number of other related occupations as well.

Environmental studies practitioners can also choose to work in the field. Their tasks could include working in controlled lab setups, collecting samples and logging data, and assessing pollution impact. They might also tackle issues affecting water, air, and soil. Other professionals work in government facilities or offer consulting services on environmental issues to businesses or organizations.

Environmental Science and Management Careers & Salaries

Environmental Science and Management Careers & Salaries

A degree in environmental science can lead to a variety of career paths. Occupations in this field include sustainability consultant, recycling officer, nature conservation officer, environmental consultant, and environmental education officer.

Bachelors programs in this field can cover sustainability, waste management, environmental policy, and the study of water, soil, air, and other aspects of the environment. So, there are various areas of specialization you could choose to pursue. Some environmental science graduates also delve into occupational health and safety.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some career options related to environmental science and management.

Careers Annual Median Salaries
Natural Science Managers $137,900
Hydrologists $84,030
Geoscientists $83,680
Environmental Scientists and Specialists $76,530
Foresters $64,110
Conservation Scientists $63,750
Hydrologic Technicians $62,280
Fish and Game Wardens $60,730
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $47,880
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians $47,370

Environmental management practitioners often work with agricultural producers, government institutions, and consulting companies. They can also work for private companies. Environmental issues are not industry-specific, so your skills could be useful in many areas.

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Certain career paths in environmental studies may require further certifications. Your prior experience can also affect your eligibility for some positions. Extensive experience or further education might be required for leadership or research positions in the field.

Environmental Management Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses

Environmental Management Bachelor's Curriculum

Environmental management can be described as interdisciplinary. It requires knowledge from various fields, such as biology, ecology, marine sciences, and social sciences to understand the relationship between humans and the environment.

Here are some examples of courses you’re likely to encounter:

  • Climatology: This course introduces you to the study of weather patterns over long periods of time.
  • Hydrology: You’ll take an in-depth look at water, its quality, and the physical processes it undergoes.
  • Soil Science: This course explores the relationship between humans and the pedosphere, and it also covers the lithosphere, the hydrosphere, and the atmosphere.
  • Pest Management: You’ll learn how to identify pests, and you’ll learn about methods of eliminating the pest problem, pest prevention, and environmental protection during pest management.
  • Water Resources: This course introduces you to the biological and physical aspects of water, its occurrence in the environment, and water management.
  • Agricultural Ecology: You’ll learn about the components and functioning of various agricultural ecosystems and the surrounding landscapes.
  • Environmental Policy: The aim of this course is to equip you with information on environmental law and governance. It helps you develop analytical and communication skills, which are useful in environmental policy formulation.
  • Ecology: You’ll learn about biodiversity, the genetics of organisms, and the protection and conservation of the natural world.
  • Geology: You’ll learn about geological concepts and how understanding processes on the earth’s surface help us to better manage the environment.
  • Sustainable Economics: This course explores the relationship between economics and the environment, and you can learn about the decision-making process that tries to factor in economic viability without causing irreversible harm to the environment.

The coursework for this major primarily focuses on environmental science and the management of diverse ecosystems.

Bachelor of Environmental Management Admissions Requirements

Bachelor in Environmental Management Requirements

Institutions have different admissions requirements, but here are some general criteria requested by most bachelors in environmental management programs:

  • High school diploma
  • Minimum GPA requirement
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of recommendation

You could also check the credit transfer policy of your preferred online BS in Environmental Management program. Many colleges also have an application fee. You can go through the admission requirements on a school’s website or contact the admissions department for their specific information.

Accreditation

Bachelor in Environmental Management Accreditation

You’re spending time and financial resources to pursue an environmental management degree, so the quality of the program matters. The status of accreditation indicates that a third party has assessed a school’s quality.

One of the benefits of regional accreditation is that it could be easier to transfer credits to another college or program. Attending an accredited school is also an eligibility requirement for federal financial aid. In addition, many employers check the accreditation status of a candidate’s school during the hiring process.

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You can check the accreditation status of prospective colleges and universities on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Bachelor in Environmental Management Financial Aid

As you research online bachelors programs in environmental studies, you can also explore their financial aid options. Some schools offer scholarships based on academic merit, athletics, or area of study. Scholarship programs can be offered by outside organizations as well.

To see whether you qualify for federal aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Common forms of federal aid include student loans and grants. Student loans typically have lower interest rates, but they do have to be repaid after graduation. Some employers also have programs that provide aid to employees who want to pursue further studies.

What Can You Do with an Environmental Management Degree?

Environmental Management Degree

A degree in environmental management could help you qualify for entry-level jobs in environmental science. Career options such as environmental scientists, conservation scientists, and water quality analysts are likely entry points for practitioners in the field.

Environmental professionals may also work for government agencies and corporations that focus on research in the field. Others with a background in environmental management may pursue careers as conservation officers or sustainability consultants. A degree in environmental management could also act as a solid foundation for graduate studies.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Environmental Management Online Degree?

Environmental Management Online Degree

If a bachelors program follows a traditional 16 week semester, it will generally take 4 years to complete with full-time enrollment. Many online programs follow an 8 week semester, which could allow you to finish sooner if you take classes year round, including during the summer. Part-time studies will often extend the length of your program.

Some programs also have a placement year for learners to gain experience in the field. Since online degree programs tend to offer more flexibility, including online bachelors, online master of environmental management and even online PhD in environmental management programs, you might be able to complete the required coursework within a time schedule that works for you.

Is a Degree in Environmental Management Worth It?

Bachelor in Environmental Management Careers

Yes, a degree in environmental management is worth it for many students. Since many industries interact with environmental issues, environmental graduates might have the opportunity to work in a variety of sectors. Graduates may also work as consultants on a wide range of projects.

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Sustainability management is a key factor in infrastructure, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing fields, influencing the need for environmental practitioners. Overall, employment for environmental management occupations is on the rise. Environmental scientists and specialists, for instance, are expected to see 8% job growth over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Environmental Management Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

American Public University

American Public University

American Public University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Students in the program may choose to pursue a concentration in Sustainability, Environmental Technology, Fish and Wildlife, and Community Planning.

The program is designed to be accessible for students from a variety of professional and educational backgrounds. It requires no entrance exams, and students with qualifying credits may transfer up to 90 of the 120 required credits from outside institutions.

APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Lynn University

Lynn University

Lynn University offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management. The program is designed for students who are passionate about preserving natural resources and possess leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The program is attended fully online and admits new students three times per academic year. The degree can typically be completed in 4 years.

Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. This 180 credit program is housed entirely online and reviews applications four times each year. The curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching environmental policy. It aims to help students leverage their scientific, social, and leadership skills to manage precious natural resources and mitigate environmental change.

Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Purdue University

Purdue University

Purdue University offers a Bachelor’s in Environmental Policy and Management. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of research methods, environmental policy and law, socially responsible leadership, and global environmental issues. Students typically need to commit 15 to 18 hours per week to coursework during each 10 week term. They can usually finish the 180 required credit hours in 4 years of full-time study.

Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science. The curriculum balances instruction in natural and physical sciences with hands-on learning through guided lab study, volunteer work, and internship experiences. Students can transfer in up to 90 qualifying credits from other institutions toward the 121 credits required for the degree. All courses are offered online.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Arizona

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an online program for a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science. The curriculum covers core skills in resource management, technical writing, data analysis, and field research. To graduate, students must complete 120 credits. Students can customize their studies according to their professional goals by selecting an emphasis in either Soil, Air, and Water or Leadership, Sustainability, and Communication.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Florida

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Environmental Management in Agricultural and Natural Resources. Once general education courses are completed, students can attend all major-specific required courses online. Graduates often pursue professions in conservation science, environmental and sustainability consulting, natural resource management, and ecology.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management. This program aims to help students develop marketable and widely applicable skills in research, data analysis, leadership, and problem-solving. Core required classes cover concepts such as ecosystem principles, environmental policy, occupational safety, and environmental health and disease.

The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. The program is designed to provide students with the essential knowledge and skills required to succeed in the environmental science sector. This 120 credit, 4 year program utilizes the flexibility of online, asynchronous learning to help make education accessible for those with busy schedules.

The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin - Madison

The University of Wisconsin offers a Bachelor’s in Sustainable Management. After completing general education requirements, students in the program must earn an additional 63 credits in their discipline. The curriculum covers topics in systems thinking, resource management, sustainability, social responsibility, and climate change. All major-specific courses are held online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace.

The University of Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your Bachelors in Environmental Management Online

Bachelors in Environmental Management Online

If you have a passion for environmental issues, you might consider earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental management online. You could learn how to protect our natural environment and how to use natural resources sustainably.

Online environmental degrees from accredited universities give you the chance to receive a high-quality education while offering you more flexibility than a traditional on-campus program. Not only can a degree in environmental studies help you qualify for a fulfilling career, but it can also give you the chance to make an impact on the environment.

Professionals in this field could also have opportunities to work in other sectors that interact with environmental issues. If you’re interested in entering this rewarding field, you can start checking out and comparing online environmental management programs to find the one best suited for you.

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Ben Flynn
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Ben has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northwestern University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Project Management from New York University. Ben's work focuses on the intersections of education, leadership, community college reform, and workplace training and development.