by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, environmental studies was the 87th most popular major nationwide with 9,899 degrees awarded. This represents a small change of only 0.3% from the prior year's total of 9,869 ecosystem studies degrees awarded.
This year's Best Environmental Studies Schools ranking compares 167 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom ecosystem studies rankings further below.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BS in Environmental Science - Natural Resources & Conservation
Develop a broad-based interdisciplinary skill set to solve complex environmental problems like climate change, alternative energy and sustainability with a specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents is a required skill for ecosystem studies majors. 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 are all required skills for careers related to this major.
environmental studies degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific ecosystem studies careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of ecosystem studies degrees. Environmental Studies programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest ecosystem studies degree you can get. Different environmental studies degrees vary in how long they take.
| 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 ecosystem studies, with approximately 44.9% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for ecosystem studies 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 ecosystem studies workers have at least a master's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in environmental studies have received.
The education level required is different depending on the ecosystem studies career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your ecosystem studies degree? Environmental Studies 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 studies.
| 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 ecosystem studies graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for environmental studies graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers ecosystem studies grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Environmental Science Professors | $91,330 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | $77,580 |
With over 873 different ecosystem studies 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 ecosystem studies school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Environmental Studies that might interest you.
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 Studies is one of 3 different types of Natural Resources Conservation programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Environmental Science | 9,274 |
| Natural Resources/Conservation, General | 2,834 |
| Natural Resources Conservation & Research, Other | 247 |
