B.S. in Environmental Science
$78,980
Median industry Pay (U.S. BLS 2023)
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Entry Terms
Tucson/Main & Online
Campus Locations
Gain a broad scientific understanding of human influence on our natural world, from the molecular to a global scale, with our bachelor's degree in environmental science. Our leading curriculum and faculty prepare you to solve environmental and associated human health challenges in a time of rapid ecological change.
Why major in Environmental Science?
You want to protect the environment, and we're here to help you build a sustainable future. Prepare for your ideal career with our exciting classes and research opportunities spanning multiple disciplines focused on developing and implementing sustainable solutions. This where you increase your ability to think critically, work on a team and approach environmental issues from an experimental, entrepreneurial perspective.
A degree in environmental science prepares you for careers in natural sciences, human health and sustainability. It also can serve as a springboard for graduate school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for careers related to environmental scientists and specialists was $78,980 per year with faster than average job growth overall (2023).
Although your career possibilities are limitless, here are some example career paths our students follow:
- Environmental Consultant: help government agencies and businesses navigate environmental policies, risks and regulations.
- Environmental scientist: environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
- Conservation Scientists: conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.
- Hydrologists: hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.
As an environmental sciences student, you’ll gain knowledge and valuable skills in chemistry, soil, air and water science, and transferable leadership skills. Courses required to complete a B.S. in Environmental Science are subject to change, so remember to meet with your advisor regularly to review your course plan.
You will take at least 120 units total:
- General Education courses (32-40 units)
- Supporting coursework (21 units)
- Environmental Science core courses (40-43 units)
- Subplan (27-29)
Visit the ENVS Curriculum Guide for a comprehensive look at unit requirements and course options.
You have the unique opportunity to gain fundamental and practical experience in the classroom, lab and field with courses like the following:
- Ecosystem Health and Justice
- Soil Ecology
- Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry
- Environmental Microbiology
Top 3% Online Bachelor's Program in the U.S.
The B.S. in Environmental Science can be completed fully-online, making it perfect for studying from anywhere and at any time. Visit the Environmental Science online degree page to learn why we were ranked in the top 3% of online bachelor's programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
Program Emphases
Our program lets you choose from four emphasis areas to build a degree that fits your interests.
Leadership, Sustainability and Communication
This path in our environmental science major teaches you environmental laws, science communication and environmental justice. You will learn how you can be a part of the response to pollution, waste management, biodiversity, natural resource management and climate change.
Offered at Tucson/Main & Online campuses.
Soil, Air and Water
This path in our environmental science major emphasizes strategies to help you solve issues faced by civilization in its stewardship of Earth’s resources. You will learn about environmental chemistry, environmental physics, environmental microbiology, biostatistics, geographic information sciences and professional development of environmental careers.
Offered at Tucson/Main & Online campuses.
Physical and Chemical Dynamics Emphasis
The path in our environmental science major explores the intricacies of the chemical, physical and hydrogeological processes of the environment. You will learn to apply these principles to environmental conservation and solve ecological challenges.
Offered at Tucson/Main campus.
The Biosphere Emphasis
This path in our environmental science major explores the interactions of microbes, plants, animals and humans with their physical and chemical environment. You will learn how to apply biological principles to biodiversity, adaptation to global change, as well as habitat conservation, restoration and rehabilitation.
Offered at Tucson/Main campus.