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Why Learn about Environmental Science?

We’re facing increased pressures on our natural resources amid population growth, leading to a tipping point in the climate crisis. Environmental science provides a scientific understanding of how the environment works and the social context around it. Having this knowledge prepares you to understand, analyze, and tackle some of today’s most pressing social and environmental problems. There is much we can do to protect our natural world. 

Environmental sciences teaches practical, real-world skills to affect public policy; safeguard national parks; protect our water supply; or even grow food. And by understanding the basic principles of environmental conservation and environmental sustainability, you can also educate and motivate others to find ways to tackle environmental issues.

Environmental science majors also learn essential geographic information science skills. According to a report by Emergen Research, the geospatial analytics market is projected to exceed $134 billion by 2028, increasing the need for those who are well-versed in this technology. With knowledge of geographic information science, you can map any data type, making it easy to communicate ecological principles to those who are not scientifically inclined. 

Students seeking a degree in environmental science need to have a passion for the subject matter. It’s about wanting to hug trees and also a desire to understand why the root systems work the way they do.
Sylvia Nemmers, PhD
Department Chair, General Education/Environmental Science

The Environmental Science Profession

Global climate change and other crucial environmental problems are spurring greater interest in the field of environmental science. There are diverse career pathways for those in the field. Many people with a degree in environmental sciences can be prepared for responsibilities as an environmental scientist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth among environmental scientists and specialists to increase by 6% between 2022 to 2032, which is faster than many other occupations. 

According to the job site Indeed, environmental science degree holders typically pursue roles as a marine biologist, environmental chemist, health and safety officer, ecologist, and related careers. The environmental science field spans across local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; universities; consulting firms; the corporate world; and other settings. Work experiences vary greatly as well. You may spend your days traversing miles of national parks, exploring oceans, or immersed in a lab. 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed June 2024] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm. Employment conditions in your area may vary.

environmental scientists working together

Learn from Practitioners Solving Real-World Problems

At American Public University, you have the opportunity to work directly with faculty who have served as marine wildlife biologists, environmental lawyers, environmental scientists, ecologists, and wildlife biologists. More than 50 of our faculty members have worked across soil science, environmental physics, environmental justice, wildlife ecology, and related fields. Our staff is committed to addressing environmental issues and educating the next generation of leaders to do the same. They bring environmental science to life through their professional experiences, sparking substantive conversations around affecting meaningful change in the world. 

Many of our faculty members also serve as campus leaders, participating in online campus activities and mentoring students. 

Combining Online Programming with Virtual Labs

Our bachelor of science in environmental science program combines the convenience of online classes with engaging virtual labs you can perform at home such as participating in a nationwide program mapping drinking water quality and analyzing cell biology. These experiential learning exercises teach you how to collect data, apply various analytical methods, and disseminate data in a compelling way.

marshlands

Specializing in Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Our bachelor's degree in environmental science introduces students to the principles of fish and wildlife conservation and resource management. You can delve further into this field with a fish and wildlife concentration, where you'll learn about the agencies involved with resource management, management regulations and techniques, and more. Credit hours may include topics such as:

  • Hunting and wildlife conservation
  • Public lands management
  • Botany
  • Conservation biology

Why Earn your Online Environmental Science Degree at American Public University?

High-quality education. American Public University is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Dedicated to your success. As a member of the American Public University community, you’ll have support from day one. Our academic advisors work with you to help you choose a degree plan that meets your goals, find the right balance of classes, and more. We also offer a wealth of career services as well as mental health resources

Built for working adults. Designed for busy professionals, our online learning program offers maximum flexibility. Rolling admissions make it easy to join the program when it works best for you. Aside from submitting weekly assignments, you can complete your classes at anytime you like. 

Affordability. In addition to affordable tuition rates, we offer generous transfer credits as well as no-cost ebooks for undergraduates, no-cost admissions for this program, and no-cost transfer credit reviews. 

Seamless transition to master’s degree program. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environmental science may immediately use those skills in the workforce or transition to our master’s degree in environmental policy and management to gain a deep understanding of environmental planning tools, technologies, and strategies.

Varied student activities. There are many ways for online students to get involved beyond the classroom, such as joining a student club, including the National Association of Environmental Professionals, Save the Earth, and the Wildlife Society; networking with peers; and volunteering.

 

I chose American Public University because they offered flexible schedules, high quality professors, and amazing support/customer service staff who made the application and registration process so easy. American Public University was also the most affordable university, which is a priority for many people, especially adults with families and full-time jobs.
Ronald Simonson
American Public University graduate

Frequently Asked Questions about Environmental Science

Earning your environmental science degree online has many advantages. It offers you the flexibility to participate in a degree program while still working and balancing other life obligations. Being in an online learning program also gives you the chance to connect with environmental science majors from across the country who you might not otherwise meet. You can also still participate in hands-on labs through kits that are sent directly to your home.

It depends on what your goals are after college. A bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences covers the fundamental principles of how the natural world works and provides a broad education in protecting natural resources. There are also specialized degree programs in various disciplines within environmental sciences, such as environmental health, environmental justice, and wildlife ecology.

Environmental science is a rigorous program with many science courses. However, you do not need a strong science background to succeed in the program. Students who are self-motivated and have a scientific curiosity tend to thrive in the program.

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Next Courses Start Feb 3
Register by Jan 31