Online Environmental Science Degree Programs: Make Your Future Green

The environment is a hot button industry of late. An environmental science degree program focuses on the study of various aspects of the environment and finding solutions to environmental problems. Graduate from this program and you'll be ready to enter this growing career field.

Environmental Science Degree and Career Options

The standard undergraduate degree in the field of environmental science is a four-year bachelor's degree. Postgraduate offerings include both a master's degree and doctoral degree in environmental science. If you have your eye on research and teaching positions, you'll do well to continue your schooling to the postgraduate level.
Career tracks for environmental science program graduates include:

• Atmospheric Science
• Biological Science
• Conservation Science
• Earth Science
• Forestry
• Hydrology
• Microbiology

Employment Outlook and Potential Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of environmental scientists is projected to grow by a staggering 25 percent over the coming decade. Opportunities should be especially favorable in the government sector.
Median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $56,100 in May 2006. Beginning salary offers for graduates with bachelor's degrees in an environmental science averaged $38,336 a year in July 2007, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Typical Environmental Science Coursework

Courses you'll typically encounter in environmental science degree programs include:

• Introduction to Environmental Science
• Environmental Geology
• Oceanography
• Biogeochemical Cycles and Climate Change
• Special Topics in Environmental Science
• Advanced Seminar in Environmental Studies

The online degree program in environmental science works particularly well for students who appreciate the rich technological component not found in the traditional campus-based program. Students find that employers actively seek out candidates with experience in web-based applications and satellite performance environments.
Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Environmental Scientists and Hydrologists

Kelly Richardson has over fifteen years of creative and technical writing experience. He teaches secondary Honors-level English and writes ad copy for a variety of clients in industries such as medicine, technology, and education.