Environmental Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Environmental Science graduates vary by role and location. Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $87,710 annually, while Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health earn around $80,060. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $94,623 compared to $56,023 in Kansas. Approximately 560,300 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 619 accredited institutions offer Environmental Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (554 graduates), American Public University System (APUS) (301 graduates), and Oregon State University (OSU) (178 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 4,231 in 2010 to 10,679 in 2023-24. This represents a 152% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary, Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health, and Compliance Officers. Related occupations employ approximately 560,300 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.