Environmental Psychology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Environmental Psychology explores the dynamic relationship between individuals and their surroundings, examining how physical and social environments shape behavior, well-being, and decision-making. This interdisciplinary field investigates both natural and built environments to develop evidence-based strategies that enhance human health, sustainability, and quality of life.
- Contextual theory: Analyzes how situational and environmental factors influence human behavior, emphasizing the role of place, space, and social context in shaping actions and perceptions.
- Statistical methods in environmental research: Applies quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques to evaluate patterns in human-environment interactions and measure the impact of environmental interventions.
- Responses to environmental hazards: Studies physiological, psychological, and social reactions to natural disasters, technological risks, and public health threats, focusing on resilience and adaptive behaviors.
- Environmental perception and cognition: Explores how people interpret, process, and make sense of spatial and environmental stimuli, including the influence of visual cues, layout, and sensory experiences.
- Stress, loneliness, and mental well-being: Investigates the psychological effects of isolation, urban living, and environmental degradation, with an emphasis on mitigating negative impacts through design and policy.
- Environmental design and planning: Addresses the psychological foundations of architecture, urban planning, and landscape design, ensuring spaces promote comfort, accessibility, and psychological safety.
Environmental Psychology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Environmental Psychology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Environmental Psychology degrees, including Managers, All Other, Psychologists, All Other and Psychology 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 690,380 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Psychologists, All Other 19-3039 | $117,580 | $51,410 - $163,570 | 17,790 | $56.53 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1066 | $80,330 | $47,870 - $158,900 | 41,610 | N/A |
Environmental Psychology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $80,513 in West Virginia to $141,620 in California—a 76% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 690,380 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 Psychology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Environmental Psychology 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 Psychology is found at Lewis & Clark College (9 graduates), Prescott College (PC) (1 graduates), and Whitman College (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 11 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis & Clark College |
Post-Master's
|
9 | Portland, Oregon | Private | lclark.edu |
| Prescott College (PC) |
Post-Master's
|
1 | Prescott, Arizona | Private | prescott.edu |
| Whitman College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Walla Walla, Washington | Private | whitman.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Environmental Psychology programs
How much can I earn with a Environmental Psychology degree?
Salaries for Environmental Psychology graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Psychologists, All Other earn around $117,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $141,620 compared to $80,513 in West Virginia. Approximately 690,380 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 Psychology programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Environmental Psychology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Lewis & Clark College (9 graduates), Prescott College (PC) (1 graduates), and Whitman College (1 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 Psychology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 31 in 2010 to a peak of 15 in 2020, before declining slightly to 11 in 2023-24. This represents a 65% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Psychology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Psychologists, All Other, and Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 690,380 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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