Is a degree in environmental science worth it?
By: Jason Lee, Edited by: Jennifer Kiesewetter
Published: February 27, 2025
With local and global policies, knowledge, and sustainability efforts shaping the direction of our planet, a degree in environmental science puts graduates in the driver's seat to make impactful and lasting change.
What is a bachelor's degree in environmental science?
A bachelor's degree in environmental science is a four-year undergraduate program designed to prepare students with the knowledge needed to understand, assess, and ultimately change or sustain the environment around us.
The coursework often emphasizes biology and chemistry, and students may have the ability to take specialized electives in topics like:
- Environmental policy
- Conservation law
- Specific habitats (oceans, jungles, or tropics)
- Renewable energy
- Sustainability practices
- Activism and advocacy
You can also expect to experience lots of hands-on interactivity and field work to better understand the science and principles you are studying.
Benefits of a bachelor's degree in environmental science
Several key benefits come with earning a bachelor's degree in environmental science.
- Be part of meaningful change that has a lasting impact on the health and sustainability of our world.
- Access a direct pathway into jobs that allow you to work in a field, office, or hybrid work environment.
- Gain opportunities to support and influence policy at the local and federal levels to sustain and conserve natural resources.
- Qualify to enter an industry that is expected to grow due in part to the accelerated growth of renewable energy, expanding education around conservation, and an emphasis on the changing climate.
How much money can you make with a bachelor's degree in environmental science?
The amount you'll earn after completing a bachelor's degree in environmental science depends heavily on your role, specialization, and experience.
Here are a few popular jobs you can pursue, with 2023 salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: