Individuals with an environmental sciences background are in need more than ever before. Every industry is starting to focus on sustainability and every natural system on earth is in need of assistance. This is the time to search for a masters ‘s in environmental science. Our ranking lists off some of the best programs in the nation and each program is markedly different. We recommend taking a gander at all of them to get a sense of which one matches your areas of interest. If you are looking to change policy or simply work in the great outdoors there’s something in this ranking for you. Take a look at what we came up with for the top 20 best online master’s degrees in environmental science.
1.) University of Florida
The University of Florida is a public research institution located in Gainesville. Their current student enrollment is over 50,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. UF offers comprehensive degree programming as well as professional certifications. They have been accredited by the Southern Association of colleges and Schools Commission since 1913. According to Carnegie, the University of Florida is a uesearch university with very high research activity. To support the success of their students, UF offers academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, and distance learning opportunities. The University of Florida continues to rank as one of the top public universities in the nation. In fact the university ranks as the 30th best school in the nation and highly for undergraduate teaching, business programming, undergraduate engineering, value and more all according to the US News and World Report. In recent years, UF has expanded their their offerings to include online programming for both undergraduate and graduate level students. In fact, undergraduates may pursue an online bachelors degree in biology and graduate students may pursue an online masters in electrical engineering just to name a few.
UF offers an online Master of Fisheries in Aquatic Sciences. This is a 32 credit hour program 16 of which must be fisheries and aquatic sciences courses. The remaining credits may be chosen from the school of forest resources and conservation. Some of the core courses include the following: algae biology and ecology, fission crustacean nutrition, ecology and restoration of invaded ecosystems, and surveying and mapping practices. Electives may be taken from other departments including in environmental engineering, soil and water science, aquatic animal health and more. If you’re looking for a flexible online program with emphasis and fisheries in aquatic life this is a good match for you.
2.) University of Houston – Clear Lake
University of Houston Clearlake is a public four year institution that enrolls nearly 10,000 students. The university has campuses in Pasadena and Houston Texas as well as branch campuses that are located in the Texas medical center.According to Carnegie UHCL is a masters college with larger programming. To support the success of their students the institution offers disability services veteran services, academic and career counseling and distance-learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. UHCL currently offers over 100 degree programs. Some of their online options include their online bachelors degree in finance, as well as their online masters degree in computer software engineering among others.
The University of Houston Clear Lake offers a master of science in environmental science. Thisdegree may be completed either on campus or online. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in one of the three following areas: environmental biology, environmental chemistry, and environmental geology. Prior to admission to the program students should complete general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics and calculus. The environmental science thesis option is a 36 credit hour program and includes course material in environmental scienceas well as a master’s thesis. The environmental science research project course option culminates with a graduate seminar. Some of their electives include aquatic toxicity testing, environmental biotechnology, ichthyology and coastal and estuarine ecology. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
3.) North Carolina State University at Raleigh
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public four year institution that enrolls over 36,000 students. NCSU is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity according to Carnegie. The university offers associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. Their students to faculty ratio is 14 to 1. NSUR has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1928. According to the US News and World Report, NCSU ranks as the 80th best school in the region and highly for veterans, value, innovation, public schooling, business programming, computer science, undergraduate engineering programming and more. In recent years, the university has developed their online presence and currently offers online programming for both undergraduate and graduate seeking students.
If you have an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline then you may wish to pursue an online master of environmental engineering. If you do not have an undergraduate degree in either civil engineering environmental engineering or construction engineering and management than you may have to complete additional coursework prior to entering this program. Citizens have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to be accepted to this program if you have an undergraduate degree in engineering from a US institution then the GRE requirements are automatically waived. This is a 30 credit hour program that offers courses at the 400, 500 or 700 level. At least 24 hours of this program must be at the 500 level or above and 400 level courses must be outside the discipline of civil engineering. Half of your program will focus on environmental engineering students have the option to complete a final project a project as part of their degree program. All remaining courses come from other departments. For more information about this program check out their website.
4.) University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland global campus is a public four-year institution that’s headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland. UMGC currently enrolls nearly 60,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1. According to Carnegie UMGC is a masters college with larger programming. The institution has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1946. As a global campus, UMGC is ranked regionally and currently has the ranking of ninth for the most innovative school in the region. According to the US News and World Report, University of Maryland College Park is currently ranked the 58th best school on the nation and highly for veterans, value as well as social mobility, business programming, undergraduate engineering and much more. As you can see the University of Maryland has grown to include a global campus and currently offers undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to pursue their degree online. The global campus features hundreds of online degrees for associates through doctoral degree seeking students. Some of their most popular online programs are in the fields of information science, psychology, and business management.
University of Maryland Global Campus currently offers a masters degree in environmental management. All courses are available online. However, students may select to pursue a hybrid format. This program requires 36 credit hours for completion and students may transfer up to six credits. Some of the courses include : waste collection, recycling and environmental monitoring, ARCGIS software, ecological risk assessment, and environmental management among others. All students culminate with a capstone experience. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
5.) University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point is a public four year institution that enrolls over 8000 students. UWSP offers Associates Bachelors Masters and Doctoral degree as well as the option to pursue programming online. To support the success of the students, UWSP offers academic and career counseling as well as dual credits and more. The university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1922. Stevens Point also offers online programming. In fact, undergraduate and graduate students may pursue programming online. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point is ranked regionally and highly for veterans, value, and social mobility.
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point offers a master of science in natural resources. Students may select to emphasize in one of the following areas: forestry, wildlife, fisheries, water resources, environmental education interpretation, soil sciences, and waste management. There are additionally a number of special out reach and extension programs available including the outdoors woman program and the Center for Land-use Education, the Center for Watershed Science and Education among others. The fisheries and water resources department includes course material in lake and river management, storm water, water treatment, hydraulic wetlands science. Each area of interest has a different focus. For more information about their programming check out their website.
6.) University of Illinois at Springfield
The University of Illinois at Springfield is a public four year institution that offers bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees.UIS currently enrolls over 4000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1. According to Carnegie UIS is a Masters College University with larger programming. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, distance learning opportunities, study abroad experiences and more. The University offers online programming for both undergraduate and graduate students. Some of their online offerings include their online bachelors in business administration and management, as well as their online masters degree in computer science.
The University of Illinois At Springfield offers an online master of science in environmental sciences. This is a fully online program that maybe completed in any location across the world. This is the same program as their on campus option. Some of the courses include: Environmental national sciences, environmental social sciences and humanities, and research methods in environmental sciences. This is a 40 credit hour program. For the masters courses students are required to complete one of the three closure options: The culminating experience in the form of a thesis, a carefully designed graduate project, or a finish in a while research draft of an environmental legislation policy. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
7.) East Central University
East Central University is a public four year institution located in Ada, Oklahoma. ECU enrolls just over 3000 students and has a student faculty ratio of 18 to 1. The university offers bachelors and masters degrees as well as some professional certifications. Carnegie classifies this institution as a masters college with larger programming. The student support services include academic and career counseling as well as distance-learning opportunities. Some of their most popular programs are in the fields of the visual arts, Parks and Recreation, business management, and education. Some of their online offerings Include their online bachelors degree in criminal justice as well as their online masters degree in educational leadership.
East Central University offers a Master of Science in water resource policy and management. This program may be completed in two years and is 30 credit hours in length. Each course is eight weeks long. This program accepts nine transfer credits. The degree is divided into three main component parts: required courses, elective courses and optional courses. The core courses include the following: policy research methodology, water law, water resource economics, and international environmental policy. Some of the elective courses are in the following areas: Advanced Native American law, public organization theory, and Hydro geology. When it comes to the optional courses students may select the internship in water resources, complete a thesis, or complete a seminar in water resources policy in management. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
8.) Utah State University
Utah State University is a public four-year institution located in Logan, Utah. The institution offers associates through doctoral degree’s as well as professional certification. Utah State currently enrolls over 27,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1. Student support services include academic and career counseling ROTC, study abroad opportunities and distance-learning programming. Undergraduate and graduate students alike may pursue programming online. According to Carnegie, USU is a doctoral university with high research activity. USU Ranks nationally as the 241st best school in the nation and highly for computer science, engineering programming, business programming, and more. Their academic offerings include programming in agriculture, education, engineering, visual and performing arts and much more. Some of their online offerings include their online bachelors in agricultural business management as well as their online masters degree in agricultural teacher education.
USU offers the master in natural resources program. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career that’s focused on the great outdoors than this program might be for you. This program is offered entirely online and it’s 33 credit hours in length. Some career options include: forrester, range land scientist, wetland ecologist, natural resource manager and more. The courses include ecological foundations, wetland ecology in management, ecology of animal populations, data management and manipulation using R, introduction to environmental federal laws and policies, and principles of remote-sensing of natural resources among others. Students participate in an integrative capstone. For more information and to apply check out their website.
9.) University of Missouri-Columbia
The University of Missouri at Columbia it’s a public institution that enrolls over 30,000 students. Missouri has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913. This public research institution is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity according to Carnegie. Their student support services include academic and career counseling, ROTC, teacher certification, and distance-learning opportunities among others. In recent years, the University of Missouri has expanded their online offerings to include programming for undergraduate as well graduate students in areas like business management, education, health services, human computer interaction, psychology, and much more. In fact, Mizzou offers a number of opportunities for nontraditional students.
The University of Missouri offers a master of arts/master of science in environment and behavior. This program is offered entirely online and is 30 credit hours in length . This is a master of science or master of arts in architectural studies that has an emphasis in environment and behavior. This program emphasizes research interior design and environmental design. Master of arts is project-based and the master of science is research-based. Some of the emphasis areas include: aesthetics of design, sustainable design, facility management and design, housing a neighborhood design, design education and more. Missouri utilizes the semester based system. The program is designed with working professionals in mind. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
10.) University of Idaho
The University of Idaho is a public flagship institution located in Moscow, Idaho. There are over 11,000 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio 16 to 1. Carnegie designates this institution as a doctoral university with high research activity. The University of Idaho has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1918. To support the success of their students the institution offers teacher certification opportunities, academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, distance learning opportunities and much more. In recent years their distance programming has grown to include online programming for both undergraduate and graduate seeking students. Some other online offerings include a certificate in natural sciences, and online masters degree in electrical electronics engineering and more.
The University of Idaho offers a number of online masters degrees and certifications in natural resources. Students pursue a master of science and environmental science online or a master of natural resources online. The master of science in environmental science online includes both a thesis non-thesis option.The non thesis option it’s 27 credits of coursework 12 which are the core requirement and 21 are from the 500 level on course requirements. Three credits are devoted to the thesis research project. To be eligible for this program he must have earned a bachelors degree from an accredited institution with the final GPA of 3.0. Course material is divided as such: depth requirements, breath requirements, and a research requirement. The depth requirements include biological science classes the school science and social sciences. Complete this flexible online degree at you own pace. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
11.) American Public University System
American Public University System is a distance learning institution based in Charlestown, West Virginia. This institution offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. APUS en rolls over 45,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 21 to 1. Carnegie classifies this university is a Masters College University with larger programming. To support the success of their students the institution offers credit for life experiences as well as academic and career counseling. As a distance-learning university all programs are offered online. Some of their most popular offerings are in the fields of computer information sciences, business management, Parks and Recreation and liberal arts and sciences.
APUS offers an online Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management. In this program you will study environmental management tools and deepen your knowledge in renewable energy, ecosystems management industrialization, landscape conservation and much more. The program teaches you how to incorporate ecological economic and social factors when making environmental management decisions. This is a 36 credit hour course that is divided into following components: a concentration area, a requirement area, general electives, and a final program requirement. The concentration areas are as follows: environmental planning, environmental sustainability, fish and wildlife management, general, global environment management and national environmental policy act. The national environmental policy concentration focuses on environmental impact analysis, intermediate environmental impact analysis and advanced environmental impact analysis. This concentration area is 12 semester hours. This is a highly flexible program that may be tailored to meet your needs. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
12.) Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University is a public four-year institution that offers bachelors masters and doctorale degrees as well as professional certifications. Texas Tech’s enrolls over 30,000 students and is classified as a doctoral University with very high research activity according to Carnegie. Accordinb to the US News and World Report Texas Tech University is currently ranked the 217th best school in the nation and highly for social mobility, undergraduate engineering, business programming computer science and more. To support the success of their students, Texas Tech offers distance learning opportunities, academic and career counseling, employment services for students, ROTC, weekend/evening college options, and study abroad programming.
The online university office the professional science masters degree in environmental sustainability and national resource management. This interdisciplinary program prepares you for a career in business, nonprofit or government sectors. Students may follow one or two tracks: the ecology and environmental sustainability track, and the natural resources management track. Ecology and environmental sustainability track is offered through the department of biological sciences as well as the College of Art and sciences. The natural resources management track is offer through the department of natural resources management and the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources. The curriculums ranges from 30 to 34 credit hours. 15 credit hours are elective courses meaning students have the option to tailor their degree to meet their specific interests. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
13.) Colorado State University
Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, Colorado. This public institution enrolls over 33,000 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1. Colorado State offers Bachelors Masters and Doctorale degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, Colorado State is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity. Additionally, according to the US News and World Report, Colorado State University ranks as the 153rd best school in the nation as well as highly for value, veterans, social mobility, public schooling, engineering, business programming, computer science and more. To support the success of their students Colorado State offers academic and career counseling, credit for life experiences, as well as distance learning opportunities. Undergraduate and graduate students may pursue programming online.
Among their online offerings is the online environmental sustainability program. This degree prepares you for a career in a wide array of sectors including environmental stewardship in planning, natural resource and forestry management, Rangeland conservation, restoration ecology, conservation biology, plant wildlife and soil research, and teaching. Additionally there’s an online masters degree with a focus on environmental sustainability. Some of the core courses include: ecosystem science and sustainability, wildlife conservation biology, natural resources, natural resource recreation and tourism, and more.. Colorado State offers a wide variety of online degrees in this area. We recommend taking a look at their website for more information.
14.) Mississippi State University
Mississippi State University it’s a four-year public institution located that enrolls over 22,000 students. The institution offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree’s as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, this institution has been classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support the success of their students the university offers distance learning opportunities, remedial services, academic and career counseling, employment services for students. According to the US News and World Report, Mississippi State ranks highly for engineering programming, social mobility, business programming, computer science and more. When it comes to online offerings, students may pursue programming in business management ecology, education and more.
Mississippi State Online offers a Master of Science degree in geosciences with a concentration in environmental geosciences. This is a 30 credit hour program that is 10 courses in length. This program includes the study of Ocean science, climatology, GIS and hazards. The majority of this program may be completed entirely online except for the final capstone experience. The capstone course is a field-based course which is offered through an on-campus workshop during the summer semester. For more information about this program check out their website.
15.) Troy University
Troy University is a public institution located in Troy, Alabama. This is the parent institution of Troy University which is located across the state. The institution offers associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. According to Carnegie, Troy University is a masters college with larger programming. To support the success of the students Troy offers academic and career counseling, distance-learning opportunities and credit for life experience. Some of their most popular programs are in the field of business management, criminal justice, counseling and psychology, and registered nursing.
Troy University offers a Master of Science in Environmental and Biological science. Studnets may follow either a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis track includes course material In food microbiology, population ecology, field botany, toxicology, conservation of some and much more. The program includes core courses as well as concentration elective courses. The thesis option includes core courses and fewer customization elective courses as well as six hours of thesis for a total of 36 hours. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
16.) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a public four-year institution that offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. The institution enrolls 8,778 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1. According to a Carnegie Slippery Rock University is a Masters College University with larger programming. To support the success of the students SRUP offers academic and career counseling as well as study abroad opportunities, ROTC, teacher certification and distance-learning options. In fact, undergraduate and graduate students alike may pursue a degree entirely online.
Among their online options as the master of education in environmental education. This program has been accredited through the North American Association for Environmental Education. This is a 30 credit hour masters program that’s offered exclusively online. The coursework focuses on theoretical as well as practical applications of experiential an inquiry-based environmental education. Upon completion students may attempt an 18 credit hour internship opportunity. Students may become certified through the North American Association for environmental education. Certification is not required but may help you to advancing your career. The degree includes course material in aquatic systems, terrestrial systems, wildlife education, environmental issues, environmental education, and parks and recreation/environmental education internship.For more information about this program check out their website.
17.) Oregon State University
Oregon State University is a public four year institution located in Corvallis, Oregon. The institution offers bachelors, masters, and doctorale degrees as well as professional certifications. The student population is over 31,000 and the student faculty wish she was 18 to 1. According to Carnegie, Oregon State University is classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling along with distance learning opportunities, study abroad options, ROTC, and teacher certification among others. The US News and World Report ranks Oregon State University as the 153rd best school in the nation and highly for innovation, public schooling, value, veterans, social mobility, engineering and more.
Oregon State offers a Master of Science in environmental sciences. This is a 45 credit hour program. Students may choose from a number of specialization tracks in the following areas: bio geochemistry:, climate change, ecology, environmental education, natural resources, social science, quantitative analysis, and water resources. The program is divided into the following five areas: core courses, numerical skills, concentration area courses, elective courses, and a thesis or project. The core courses are in environmental perspectives and methods, environmental analysis and intercampus environmental conference which takes place on the Corvallis campus. This program is highly customizable. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
18.) Black Hills State University
Black Hills State University is a public institution located in Spearfish, South Dakota. BHSU offers associates, bachelors and masters degrees as well as professional certifications. The student population is 38,000 and the student to faculty ratio is 16 to 1. Carnegie classifies this institution has a masters college with larger programming. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling as well as distance-learning opportunities. Undergraduate and graduate students alike may follow the course of study entirely online. Some of the most popular online options are in organizational behavior studies, curriculum and instruction, secondary education training, and photography among others.
Black Hills State University office a master of science in sustainability. This program is suitable for city planners, architects, policy analysts, lawyers and more. Some of the required courses include fundamentals of sustainability, science for sustainability, human dimensions of sustainability, environmental law and policy, quantitative methods and sustainability, and resources environmental economics. This program culminates with a capstone experience. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for professions that focus on sustainability. With a degree from Black Hill State you’ll have the option to join in this ever going field. For more information about this program check out their website.
19.) University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public four year institution located in Lawrence. KU offers bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. Their current student population is 27,552 and student to faculty ratio is 17 to 1. According to Carnegie KU classifies as a doctoral university with very high research activity. Their student services include academic and career counseling, study abroad opportunities, distance learning options, ROTC, and much more. According to the US News and World Report, the University of Kansas rank as the 124 best school in the nation and highly for value, innovation, public schooling, engineering, business programming, computer science more. Some of their most popular programs are in the fields of biology and biomedical sciences, education, health, psychology, and computer information sciences.
The University of Kansas offers a professional science masters in environmental assessment as well as certifications in the same area. The Masters program is a 33 credit hour course that includes the following components: core courses, professional skills courses, science electives, and a capstone experience. This program is flexible and is offered online, on site, as well as in a hybrid format. The GRE is not required for students who have a 3.0 and above undergraduate. students may follow an accelerated 4+1 masters option. Students will learn about environmental restoration, environmental justice, regulatory compliance, community resilience, environmental impact assessment, and the firemen on policy. For more information about this program and to apply check out their website.
20.) Sul Ross State University
Sul Ross State University as a public four year institution located in Alpine, Texas. The institution enrolls 2,406 students and has a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1. Sul Russ offers bachelors and masters degrees. To support the success of their students the institution offers academic and career counseling, employment services, study abroad options, teacher certification courses, credit for life experiences and distance-learning opportunities. Undergraduate students and graduate students may both pursue programming online. Some of the most popular online degrees are in the field of education, business management, and parks and recreation.
Sul Ross offers the natural resource management program. Students may pursue an online degree in one of the following areas: agricultural business, conservation biology, range management, sustainable ranching, wildlife management and more. The conservation biology program is an action oriented science degree that focuses on protection and restoration. The wildlife management program is for individuals who are interested in learning how to manage North American resources with a special emphasis on game species. The range management program focuses on How to manage range lands for sustainable purposes. For more information about these programs and to apply please see their website.
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