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Is a degree in environmental science worth it?

Written 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:

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:

  • Environmental science and protection technician: $50,660
  • Geoscientist: $92,580
  • Conservation scientist and forester: $68,300

Frequently asked questions about a bachelor's in environmental science degree

Are graduates of a bachelor's degree in environmental science in demand?

Growth for jobs requiring environmental science degrees is expected to be faster-than-average, especially as the world continues to see growth in renewable energy and as countries continue to focus on the effects of a changing climate. Geoscientists, for example, have a BLS projected growth rate of 5% from 2023-33 per BLS data. This is faster than the 4% projected growth rate for all occupations.

How much can you earn with a bachelor's in environmental science?

Your salary depends on your role, industry, and experience level. For example, environmental science and protection technicians earned a median annual salary of $50,660 in 2023, whereas geoscientists earned $92,580 in the same year, per BLS data.

What is the difference between environmental science and environmental engineering degrees?

Environmental science degrees focus more on understanding and analyzing the world around us, while environmental engineering degrees tend to focus more on using engineering concepts to develop solutions to problems. Additionally, environmental engineering jobs tend to be more math-intensive and may require additional schooling and training.

In practice, environmental scientists tend to find, study, and assess problems and then work with environmental engineers to craft solutions to those problems.

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