B.S. in Environmental Science
$78,980
Median industry Pay (U.S. BLS 2023)
Fall, Spring, Summer
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 about environmental laws, science communication, and environmental justice. Learn how to apply principles from the natural and social sciences, and humanities to address complex environmental problems where humans and the environment meet.
Offered at Tucson/Main & Online campuses.
Soil, Air and Water
This path in our environmental science major emphasizes solving issues to help sustain Earth’s natural systems. Examine how the hydrosphere, atmosphere and soil function together as vital integrated systems to sustain Earth and how to protect it from further human caused disturbance and degradation, from climate change to pollution.
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. Learn how contaminants are transported through the environment and how chemical and physical environmental processes can help address various human caused environmental challenges such as pollution.
Offered at Tucson/Main campus.
The Biosphere Emphasis
This path in our environmental science major explores aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Explore how organisms – plants, animals, microbes and humans – interact with their physical and chemical environment.
Offered at Tucson/Main campus.