Environmental Science and Sustainability Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

An Environmental Science and Sustainability major studies the environment and how to protect natural resources and human health. Environmental science majors combine biology, chemistry, earth science and policy to study pollution, ecosystems, climate and natural resources, with field and lab work.

An Environmental Science and Sustainability major includes coursework in environmental science, ecology, environmental chemistry, environmental policy and law, and GIS and more. You build skills such as environmental sampling, data analysis, GIS, and regulatory knowledge. Programs often include field work and laboratory work. Typical degrees: associate, bachelor's and master's degrees.

Typical courses include environmental science, ecology, environmental chemistry, environmental policy and law, GIS, and field methods. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Environmental Science and Sustainability is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s, and a doctoral or professional degree takes several more years beyond that. Part-time study takes longer.

Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees. In the latest federal data, 123 colleges reported certificate awards, 156 colleges reported associate awards, 720 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, 227 colleges reported master’s awards, and 68 colleges reported doctoral awards.

Career paths connected to environmental science and sustainability include environmental technician, environmental health specialist, conservation technician, environmental engineering technician, soil and plant scientist, geoscientist, and hazardous materials technician. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include environmental technician (typical training: About 2 years), environmental health specialist (typical training: 4 years), conservation technician (typical training: 2 years), environmental engineering technician (typical training: 2 years), soil and plant scientist (typical training: 4-year degree), and geoscientist (typical training: 4-year degree plus field camp).

Environmental Science and Sustainability majors build skills such as environmental sampling, data analysis, GIS, regulatory knowledge, and report writing.

Good pairings include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (mapping is used across environmental careers), Occupational Safety (connects environmental work to hazardous waste and worker safety), Chemistry (strengthens lab and testing skills), and Public Health (connects the environment to human health).

Often, yes. Programs commonly include field work and laboratory work. Ask each college how its program arranges hands-on work.

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as environmental technician, environmental health specialist, and conservation technician, and enjoy subjects like environmental science and ecology. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes environmental science, ecology, and environmental chemistry; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

942 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

California (98), New York (85), Pennsylvania (68), Massachusetts (43), and Ohio (39), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

769 of the colleges that offer environmental science and sustainability also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Environmental Science and Sustainability studies the environment and how to protect natural resources and human health. Occupational Safety and Health teaches you to identify workplace hazards and protect workers from injury and illness. Environmental Science and Sustainability leads to careers such as environmental technician and environmental health specialist, while Occupational Safety and Health leads to careers such as occupational safety specialist and safety technician.

Environmental Science and Sustainability studies the environment and how to protect natural resources and human health. Renewable Energy Technology prepares you to install, maintain and manage solar, wind and other clean energy systems. Environmental Science and Sustainability leads to careers such as environmental technician and environmental health specialist, while Renewable Energy Technology leads to careers such as solar panel installer and wind turbine technician.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to environmental science and sustainability, such as Environmental Technician Training.