by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, environmental science was the 91st most popular major nationwide with 9,274 degrees awarded. This represents a small change of only -0.7% from the prior year's total of 9,339 bioenvironmental sciences degrees awarded.
This year's Best Environmental Science Schools ranking compares 167 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of bioenvironmental sciences programs later in this article.
Environmental Science majors are found most commonly in careers in which understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents is important. Required skills include giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times and communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most bioenvironmental sciences degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional bioenvironmental sciences certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different bioenvironmental sciences degree levels. Environmental Science programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest bioenvironmental sciences degree you can get. The time it takes to complete a bioenvironmental sciences degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A master's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to bioenvironmental sciences, with approximately 44.9% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for bioenvironmental sciences workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 39.6% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 24.9% |
| Doctoral Degree | 20.1% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 10.4% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 2.5% |
70.9% of bioenvironmental sciences workers have at least a master's. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in environmental science have obtained.
This of course varies depending on which bioenvironmental sciences career you choose.
Want a job when you graduate with your bioenvironmental sciences degree? Environmental Science careers are expected to grow 11.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to environmental science.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | 99,400 | 11.1% |
| Environmental Science Professors | 7,600 | 10.1% |
As you might expect, salaries for bioenvironmental sciences graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for environmental science graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers bioenvironmental sciences grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Environmental Science Professors | $91,330 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | $77,580 |
With over 953 different bioenvironmental sciences degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased bioenvironmental sciences school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Environmental Science that might interest you.
MBA in Sustainability & Environmental Compliance
Learn to fit environmental standards into your business practices when you earn your sustainability and environmental compliance MBA at Southern New Hampshire University.
BA in Anthropology - Environmental Sustainability
Help people live more efficiently and effectively in their environment with this experiential online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Environmental Science is one of 3 different types of Natural Resources Conservation programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Environmental Studies | 9,899 |
| Natural Resources/Conservation, General | 2,834 |
| Natural Resources Conservation & Research, Other | 247 |
