Are you ready to pursue your graduate degree in environmental science? This list of the top 50 online master’s degrees in environmental science can get you started!
An online master’s in environmental science gives students the skills and training needed for careers focusing on preserving our natural world. Environmental studies are ideal for online students interested in topics such as climate change, conservation, wildlife management, sustainability, and earth science.
An online master’s degree has many benefits over traditional on-campus programs. Online degree programs are designed with busy, working adults in mind. In most cases, you can access your coursework from anywhere in the world without disrupting your career. Additionally, a majority of these programs are asynchronous. So you can log in and complete your studies whenever it’s convenient. Finally, online degree programs tend to be more affordable. And there are no commuting or housing costs involved. Pursuing an online MS in Environmental Science is a great way to save money and get an advanced education in the most flexible way possible!
Career Outlook According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for environmental scientists will increase by five percent through 2030. Over the next decade, around 7,800 new job openings in the industry are projected each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also states that salaries in environmental sciences range from $67,710 to $103,530 annually.
Related: TOP 50 MOST AFFORDABLE ONLINE MASTER’S IN SUSTAINABILITY/RENEWABLE ENERGY
Top Environmental Science Masters Programs: Methodology
We’ve compiled a list of top programs for students who want to pursue a master’s degree in environmental science. While developing this ranking, we considered many factors. First, we consulted the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). From there, we created a list of all US colleges offering master’s degrees in environmental science. We ensured that each school was regionally accredited and verified its nonprofit status.
Next, we considered details such as acceptance rate, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and length of the program.
Once we narrowed our list to the 50 best online environmental science master’s degree programs, we ordered them by cost. The rates listed are in-state graduate tuition prices per academic year. Depending on your chosen school, the cost for non-resident and online students may differ.
Our list begins with the most affordable environmental science degrees and ends with the most costly ones. However, all the schools on our list offer financing options. There are many ways to pay for your master’s in environmental science, including financial aid, scholarships, and grants!
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Ranking The 50 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Environmental Science
Sul Ross State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Agriculture in Natural Resource Management
Sul Ross State University offers an online Master of Agriculture in Natural Resource Management. This program does not require students to visit the Sul Ross campus. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete the degree. And it can be finished in as little as one year. No thesis is required, although an internship is recommended.
Tuition: $4,162
East Central University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Water Resource Policy & Management
East Central University offers an online Master of Science in Water Resource Policy & Management degree. This degree program is an excellent option for those interested in water conservation. Online students will complete 30 credit hours of coursework, and it takes two to three years to earn the degree. Topics of study include Water Law, Tribal Politics, Hydrogeology, and more.
Tuition: $4,402
Montana State University
Master of Science in Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Sciences
Montana State University offers an online environmental science master’s. This 30-credit program will give students the skills needed to work in land and resource management. The degree can be completed in as little as two years. A few of the topics of study in this master’s in environmental science program include:
- Watershed Hydrology
- Land Reclamation
- Restoration Ecology
- Crop Diversification
Tuition: $5,089
Stephen F. Austin State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Online Master of Science in Resource Communications
Stephen F. Austin State University offers a Master of Science in Resource Communications. It is a unique cooperative program between the National Park Service and SFA. It takes one to two years to finish this 30-credit program. Online students can choose a thesis, non-thesis, or certificate option. This online MS in Environmental science is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in forestry, conservation, and similar fields.
Tuition: $5,262
Colorado State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Natural Resources Stewardship
State University offers this Master of Natural Resources Stewardship degree. Entirely online, it requires 30 credit hours of coursework. This program provides a holistic approach to natural resource management. And it will further your skills in ecosystem science and restoration. Online students in this program can choose from three specializations:
- Ecological Restoration
- Forest Sciences
- Rangeland Ecology & Management
Tuition: $5,821
Utah State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and Education
Utah State University has an online MS in Agricultural Extension and Education degree. The program emphasizes a range of teaching skills. Those who complete this program will become educational experts within their communities. It can be finished in two years with no campus visits required. years.
Tuition: $6,534
Texas A&M University
Environmental Science Degree:
Students at Texas A&M University can enroll in this online Master of Geoscience. A total of 30 credits are needed to complete this online program, which takes about two years.
Online students in this degree program can choose from three tracks:
- Geographic Information Science and Technology
- Petroleum Data Management
- Ocean Data Science
Tuition: $6,885
Texas Tech University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Plant and Soil Science
Texas Tech University offers an online Master of Plant and Soil Science degree. This environmental science master’s teaches students how to apply natural sciences to human-affected environments. Topics of study in this 36-credit program include:
- Plant Genetics
- Breeding
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Chemistry
- Crop Management
Tuition: $6,956
University of Colorado-Denver
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Management and Organization – Managing for Sustainability
UC-Denver offers a 100% online MS in Management and Organization – Managing for Sustainability. The 30-credit program can be completed in as few as 24 months. Courses are offered in an eight-week format and are asynchronous. This flexibility makes it one of the best master’s options for busy, working professionals. There are three start terms a year.
Tuition: $6,984
University of West Florida
Master of Science in Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Science
The University of West Florida offers an online MS in Environmental Science degree. This program prepares students with the skills to solve today’s pressing environmental issues. Courses in this program include geographic information science, sampling & analysis, and more. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete this environmental science master’s.
Tuition: $7,088
California State University-Fresno
Environmental Science Degree:
Online Master of Science in Water Resource Management
Students at Fresno State University can enroll in an online MS in Water Resource Management. Students will learn to work with geographic information systems to better assess the water needs of a given area. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete the program, and no campus visits are required.
Tuition: $7,176
California State University-Fullerton
Master of Science in Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
CSU-Fullerton offers an online MS Environmental Engineering degree. Students in this program will study water treatment, global warming, sustainable development, and more. The two-year environmental science master’s is based on a cohort model. And students move through the curriculum as a group.
Tuition: $7,176
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Sustainable Management
The University of Wisconsin-Stout offers a Master of Science in Sustainable Management degree. This fully online, 34-credit program combines business, environmental management, and sustainability coursework. Some of the courses in this environmental science master’s include:
- The Natural Environment
- Economics of Sustainability
- Geopolitical Systems
- Leading Sustainable Organizations
Tuition: $7,298
University of Idaho
Environmental Science Degree:
Master in Natural Resources and Environmental Science
The University of Idaho offers a Master’s in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. Candidates can complete the program online with no campus visits required. Courses are asynchronous, so online students can study whenever it is convenient. This flexibility makes it one of the best environmental science master’s programs on our list. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.
Tuition: $7,754
University of Arkansas
Master of Science in Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences
The University of Arkansas offers this next unique degree option. It’s a Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences. It focuses more and human health and offers two concentrations:
- Apparel Merchandising
- Product Development, Human Development, and Family Sciences
This program prepares students for a range of careers in the human health service field. A total of 33 credit hours are needed to complete this non-thesis program. It can be completed in about two years of full time study.
Tuition: $7,875
Black Hills State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Sustainability
Black Hills State University offers this online Master of Science in Sustainability degree. This program is designed to teach theoretical and real-world topics relevant to sustainability. Some of the courses in this online environmental science master’s program include:
- Science for Sustainability
- Environmental Economics
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Global Climate Change
Tuition: $7,998
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Master of Science in Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Safety and Health
UW-Whitewater offers an online MS in Environmental Safety and Health degree. You’ll need 30 credits to complete the program, which takes one to two years. This program focuses on environmental safety in the workplace. This environmental science master’s features real-world topics such as:
- Environmental Law
- Disaster Planning and Response
- Environmental and Safety Management
- Fire Protection and Prevention
Tuition: $8,270
University of South Florida
Environmental Science Degree::
Master of Arts in Global Sustainability
The University of South Florida offers an online Master of Arts in Global Sustainability degree. This program is an excellent option for students who want to work to help mitigate and slow the effects of climate change. Online students can choose from four concentrations:
- Climate Mitigation & Adaptation
- Sustainable Tourism
- Sustainability Policy
- Sustainable Business
The 36-credit program requires an internship or research project during the student’s final semester.
Tuition: $8,350
University of Illinois
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Studies
The University of Illinois offers a fully online environmental science master’s program. A total of 40 credit hours are needed to complete the program. A few of the courses in this master’s in environmental science program include:
- Ecosystem Management
- Advanced Ecology and Evolution
- Environmental Social Sciences and the Humanities
- Research Methods in Environmental Studies
- Aquatic Ecology
Tuition: $8,375
Troy University
Master of Science in Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental and Biological Science
Troy University offers an online MS in Environmental and Biological Science degree. Participants will learn how to influence public policy to alleviate critical environmental issues. This program requires a total of 30 credit hours to complete. And candidates can finish the program in one to two years. Financial aid is available.
Tuition: $8,550
University of Houston
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Science
The University of Houston offers this next online MS in Environmental Science program. If taken full-time, this 34-credit program should take one to two years. There are three specializations to choose from:
- Environmental Biology
- Environmental Geology
- Environmental Chemistry
Tuition: $8,713
Mississippi State University
Master of Science in Environmental Science Degree:
Mississippi State University offers an excellent online master of science in forestry degree. This program highlights natural resource policy, forest management, and economics. And it’s ideal preparation for those who want to pursue environmental careers in forestry. You will need to complete 30 credit hours to finish this program, which takes around two years of full time study.
Tuition: $8,800
North Carolina State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Environmental Assessment
NCSU offers a Master of Environmental Assessment. This 30-credit program can be completed entirely online and takes one to two years. Some of the courses in the program include:
- Environmental Stressors
- Environmental Risk Assessment
- Water Quality Assessment
- Data Analysis in Environmental Assessment
Tuition: $9,095
Louisiana State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Lousiana State University provides this next MS in Environmental Science degree. This online master’s is an excellent option for those who want to work in conservation, resource management, and similar fields. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete the program. And can expect to finish in about two years.
Tuition: $9,132
Goucher College
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability
Goucher College offers an online MA in Cultural Sustainability. Students can complete this online master’s in environmental science in as little as two years. It’s a 42-credit program that offers courses like:
- Cultural Sustainability
- Culture and Calamity
- Culture, Spirituality & Sustainability
- Organizing Communities: Advocacy, Activism, and Social Justice
Tuition: $9,180
The University of Tennessee-Martin
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources
UT Martin offers an MS in Agriculture and Natural Resources that can be completed entirely online. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, it’s one of the best environmental science programs on our list. This online master’s in environmental science degree offers three concentrations:
- Agribusiness & Risk Management
- Natural Resources Systems Management
- System Science in Agriculture
Tuition: $9,278
Slippery Rock University
Master of Science in Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Park and Resource Management
Slippery Rock University offers an online MS in Parks and Resource Management. Online students are encouraged to participate in an internship alongside this 30-credit program This is a great choice for students who want to work in conservation or park management. The degree can be completed in about two years.
Tuition: $9,288
Unity College
Environmental Science Degree:
Master in Environmental Studies and Sustainability
Unity College offers one of the best Master’s in Environmental Studies and Sustainability programs in the country. Through experiential coursework and fieldwork, candidates will complete this 30-credit program online. There are multiple start dates a year, and you can complete your studies at your own pace. Some of the immersive coursework includes:
- Community Planning for Resiliency
- Leading Sustainable Change
- Thinking in Systems
Tuition: $9,750
University of Missouri
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environment and Behavior
The University of Missouri offers an online Master of Science in Environment and Behavior program. This online degree requires a total of 30 credit hours for completion. This program is ideal for those pursuing consulting, architecture, and environmental design roles. The MS program culminates in a thesis. However, Mizzou also offers a non-thesis option with its MA Program.
Tuition: $9,950
University of Kansas
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Geology
The University of Kansas offers an MS in Environmental Geology. This program covers mineralogy, sedimentology, hydrogeology, and more. A total of 36 credit hours are required to complete the program. Some of the required coursework includes:
- Environmental Regulation and Policy
- Physical Hydrogeology
- Chemical and Microbial Hydrogeology
- Field and Laboratory Methods: Environmental Geophysics
- Geochemistry
Tuition: $9,989
Auburn University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences
Auburn University offers a unique MS in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences. This program provides the skills and training needed for a career in environmental science. A total of 30 credit hours are required for this graduate degree. Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Students can choose from a variety of courses in four key areas:
- Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences
- Entomology & Plant Pathology
- Horticulture
- Agriculture Economics & Rural Sociology
Tuition: $10,080
Clemson University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
Students at Clemson University can enroll in an online Master of Wildlife and Fisheries Resources program. This 100 percent online program is delivered asynchronously. So it’s one of the best online programs for those who need a flexible learning schedule. A total of 30 credits are required to complete the degree. New enrollees are accepted in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Financial aid is available.
Tuition: $10,600
University of Wisconsin
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems
The University of Wisconsin offers a unique MS in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems degree. This program teaches skills and knowledge regarding sustainable community food systems. Some of the courses in this 18-month program include:
- Collaborative Leadership in Community Development
- Organization and Program Management
- Best Practices in Program Development
- Grants and Funding for Small Projects
Tuition: $10,728
University of Florida
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Forest Resources & Conservation
The University of Florida offers an online MS in Forest Resources & Conservation. A total of 30 credits are needed to earn the degree, and no campus visits are required. Students can complete the program in as little as a year. That makes it one of the best online degrees for busy, working students. This degree is ideal for students who want to begin a forestry and forest management career.
Tuition: $10,770
Arizona State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Sustainability Leadership
Arizona State University offers an online Master of Sustainability Leadership degree. This program teaches organizational leadership from the perspective of sustainability. And it prepares students to advance environmental and social responsibility. A total of 30 credits are required. A few of the courses in this online master of science include:
- Pathways to Sustainability
- Leading Sustainability Transitions
- Essentials of Leadership in Sustainability
- Mastering the Global Sustainability Context
Tuition: $11,720
Oregon State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Sciences
Oregon State University offers an online Master in Environmental Sciences program. This science-based degree program has a narrow focus. Students will learn to understand complex interrelationships among the various components of ecosystems. A total of 45 credit hours are needed to complete this degree program. And students can graduate in about two years.
Tuition: $13,446
Virginia Tech
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Natural Resources in Global Sustainability
WVU features an incredible online Master of Natural Resources in Global Sustainability. This online MS is online except for a ten-day intensive on campus. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to complete the degree. Some of the courses include:
- Global Issues in Environmental Sustainability
- Leadership Communication for Sustainability Professionals
- Biodiversity Stewardship
- Human-Wildlife Conflicts
Tuition: $14,098
Prescott College
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Studies
Students at Prescott College can enroll in an online Master of Science in Environmental Studies program.There are multiple start dates each year for this 36-credit degree.The dynamic program teaches students about how humans interact with their local ecologies. And it encompasses many disciplines, including:
- Policy
- Law
- Ethics
- Conservation
- Restoration
Tuition: $14,880
University of Maryland
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Management
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online MS in Environmental Management degree. It is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to be effective in environmental leadership roles. Topics covered in this 36-credit program include:
- Land Use Management
- Water Resources Management
- Environmental Auditing
- Waste Management
Tuition: $15,360
University of Washington
Environmental Science Degree:
The University of Washington offers an online Master of Forest Resources. Students will learn how to assess the health and well-being of a forest. And they will study the various interventions needed to maintain a forest’s health. The 45-credit program is designed to prepare students for a successful carer in forestry.
Tuition: $16,605
University of Findlay
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental, Safety & Health Management
The University of Findlay offers an MS in Environmental, Safety & Health Management. This program prepares students for leadership positions in the environmental industry. This online master’s degree in environmental science is also offered on-campus or as a blended program. Students focus on five key areas:
- Business Knowledge
- Analytical Skills
- Managerial Skills
- Technical Knowledge
- Integrative Skills
The program requires 36 credit hours for completion. This environmental science master’s degree has been ranked among the best in the nation.
Tuition: $17,106
University of Connecticut
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Natural Resources and the Environment
The University of Connecticut offers an online MS in Natural Resources and the Environment. This 30-credit program is one of the best programs for flexibility and affordability. It’s ideal for aspiring forest managers, conservationists, geoscientists, and others. Topics in this masters environmental science online program include:
- Conservation and Management of Forests and Wetlands
- Fisheries and Wildlife
- Climate and Weather Resources
- Landscape Ecology
Tuition: $17,532
Villanova University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Villanova University offers a Master’s in Environmental Science degree online. Students can choose from a thesis track, a non-thesis capstone project track, or a non-thesis portfolio track. Some of the courses in this environmental science masters online include:
- Remote Sensing for Environmental Analysis
- Land Use and Environmental Assessment
- Sustainable Environmental Systems
- Paleoclimates
Tuition: $21,099
Thomas Jefferson University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Sustainable Design
Thomas Jefferson University offers a part-time online MS in Sustainable Design. It takes 24 months to complete the program. While it is designed for remote learners, students can also attend classes on campus if they choose. Some of the available courses in this STEM-designated program include:
- Net Zero Buildings
- Models and Metrics for Sustainable Organizations
- Sustainability Advocacy and Change Management
- Building Information Modeling for Sustainable Design
Tuition: $22,068
Pennsylvania State University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master’s in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems
Penn State offers a Master’s in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems degree. Students in this 33-credit program will become renewable energy and sustainability systems experts. And they will also develop strong leadership and project development skills. The environmental science online masters focuses on seven key areas:
- System Thinking and Analysis
- Sustainability Assessment
- Energy System Performance Analysis
- Project Development
- Business Acumen
- Environmental Policy Analysis
- Advanced Critical Thinking
Tuition: $23,189
Southern Methodist University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Arts in Sustainability and Development
Southern Methodist University offers an online Master of Arts in Sustainability and Development. Students can choose from a thesis or non-thesis option. A minimum of 30 credit hours are required for completion. And students can take this program part-time or full-time. Students can also choose from three secondary specialties in this online environmental science masters program:
- Smart and Resilient Infrastructure
- Environmental Health and Compliance
- Global and Sustainable Development
Tuition: $30,672
University of Denver
Environmental Science Degree:
Master in Environmental Policy
Students at the University of Denver can enroll in an online Master of Environmental Policy. This 48-credit hour program can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program is highly flexible, making it one of the best online degrees in the field. Students will take five core courses and choose from four concentrations, including;
- Global Environmental Law & Policy
- Sustainability: Policy & Practice
- Environmental Policy Analysis
- Environmental Values & Ethics
Tuition: $53,640
Duke University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Environmental Management
Duke University offers a Master of Environmental Management degree. Students in this highly interactive program can complete the requirements entirely online. And they will customize their education by selecting from two concentrations. There are several available options for this online masters of environmental science. A few of them include:
- Coastal and Marine Systems
- Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health
- Energy and Environment
- Terrestrial and Freshwater Environments
Tuition: $57,900
John Hopkins University
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Policy
Johns Hopkins University offers an online MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy degree. The online master of science program takes 12 to 24 months to complete. Each student will choose a focus area that aligns with their professional goals and career interests. Some of the options in this environmental science master’s degree include:
- Climate and Energy
- Conservation Biology
- Sustainability
- International Environmental Policy
Tuition: $58,720
University of Southern California
Environmental Science Degree:
Master of Science in Green Technologies
The University of Southern California offers a unique online MS in Green Technologies program. Students in this online master’s will learn to harness new technologies to create a more sustainable future. Some topics covered in this 18-month online master’s in environmental science include:
- Fossil Energy
- Alternative Energy
- Energy Conversion
- Energy Distribution
Tuition: $60,446
NPCO Staff
2023
