Environmental Chemistry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Environmental Chemistry is a rigorous, science-driven discipline dedicated to understanding the chemical behavior of natural systems—air, water, and soil—with a focus on identifying, tracking, and mitigating environmental pollutants. This program equips students with advanced analytical and investigative skills to assess contamination sources, predict pollutant pathways, and develop science-based strategies for environmental restoration.
- Analytical Chemistry: Techniques and instrumentation used to detect and quantify chemical substances in environmental samples with high precision and accuracy.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Study of non-carbon-based compounds and their interactions in environmental matrices, including metal ions and mineral transformations.
- Organic Chemistry: Examination of carbon-containing compounds, particularly persistent organic pollutants and their degradation in natural ecosystems.
- Physical Chemistry: Principles governing energy, reaction rates, and thermodynamics as they apply to environmental processes and chemical equilibria.
- Aquatic Chemistry: Investigation of chemical processes in water bodies, including pH dynamics, nutrient cycling, and the speciation of dissolved pollutants.
- Soil Chemistry: Analysis of chemical interactions within soil systems, including nutrient availability, contaminant adsorption, and biogeochemical cycles.
- Atmospheric Chemistry: Study of chemical reactions and transformations occurring in the atmosphere, particularly those involving air pollutants and greenhouse gases.
- Environmental Engineering: Application of chemical and engineering principles to design systems for pollution control, waste treatment, and sustainable resource management.
- Environmental Toxicology: Evaluation of the adverse effects of chemical contaminants on living organisms and ecosystems, including exposure pathways and risk assessment.
- Analytical Methods: Hands-on training in modern laboratory techniques, such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, essential for environmental monitoring and research.
Environmental Chemistry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Environmental Chemistry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Environmental Chemistry degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary and Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 391,600 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1053 | $87,710 | $50,670 - $164,290 | 7,130 | N/A |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1052 | $86,220 | $52,870 - $171,600 | 20,390 | N/A |
| Chemists 19-2031 | $84,150 | $53,210 - $154,430 | 83,250 | $40.46 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 19-2041 | $80,060 | $50,130 - $134,830 | 84,930 | $38.49 |
| Chemical Technicians 19-4031 | $57,790 | $39,030 - $90,990 | 55,640 | $27.78 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health 19-4042 | $49,490 | $36,130 - $85,630 | 39,390 | $23.79 |
Environmental Chemistry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $66,036 in Florida to $108,700 in Massachusetts—a 65% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, District of Columbia, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 391,600 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Environmental Chemistry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Environmental Chemistry programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Environmental Chemistry is found at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) (5 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (4 graduates), Vanguard University of Southern California (3 graduates), Rhode Island College (RIC) (2 graduates), and Grand Valley State University (GVSU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 20 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Syracuse, New York | Public | esf.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Vanguard University of Southern California |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Costa Mesa, California | Private | vanguard.edu |
| Rhode Island College (RIC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Providence, Rhode Island | Public | ric.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Public | uco.edu |
| Thiel College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Greenville, Pennsylvania | Private | thiel.edu |
| Roger Williams University (RWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bristol, Rhode Island | Private | rwu.edu |
| Beloit College (Beloit) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Beloit, Wisconsin | Private | beloit.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Environmental Chemistry programs
How much can I earn with a Environmental Chemistry degree?
Salaries for Environmental Chemistry graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $87,710. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $108,700 compared to $66,036 in Florida. Approximately 391,600 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Environmental Chemistry programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Environmental Chemistry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) (5 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (4 graduates), and Vanguard University of Southern California (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Environmental Chemistry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 5 in 2010 to a peak of 34 in 2020, before declining slightly to 20 in 2023-24. This represents a 300% 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.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Environmental Chemistry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary, and Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 391,600 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.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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