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What is Environmental Science?
Environmental science is the study of the environment through the lens of biological sciences, physical science, math, and geology. Considering these disciplines provides insight to help us better manage natural resources and combat environmental hazards.
The better we understand ecology, the better equipped we are to protect our air, water, land, and even our food supply. Learning about our environment is an essential step for helping ourselves, our governments, and our fellow citizens to adopt sustainable practices.
What Does an Environmental Scientist Do?
Environmental scientists use knowledge of physical sciences, natural sciences, and social sciences to gauge how environmental factors influence the world around us. This knowledge helps them discover how best to safeguard people, wildlife, and natural systems such as oceans and old-growth forests.
Environmental scientists often participate in research projects to gain objective data about various environmental problems and may write scientific papers to educate others about these issues.
Geographic information systems are now a key part of the environmental science discipline. These computer systems make it possible to collect and display data about environmental factors and environmental hazards as points on a map. This visual representation can help reveal patterns and other insights that are beneficial to environmental scientists. A scientist assessing melting ice caps, for example, can better illustrate findings by displaying temperature data visually, rather than in a spreadsheet. Similarly, geographic information system (GIS) technology can be applied to a host of environmental issues, such as managing land use, tracking habit changes, monitoring oceans, and more.
Where You’ll Find Environmental Science Professionals
Environmental scientists work to protect the environment as well as human health. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for environmental scientists and specialists is estimated to grow by roughly 6% each year from 2022-2032.
According to the job site Indeed, an environmental science professional may pursue a specialty*, such as that of a(n):
- Environmental chemist
- Marine biologist
- Wildlife biologist
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental policy analyst
- Data analyst
- Environmental attorney
Similarly, work settings can vary greatly when it comes to environmental science career opportunities. Environmental science professionals may work in roles where they observe the natural world, conduct scientific research, or collaborate with others in an office environment. They may be employed at federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, environmental consulting firms, and corporations.
Note: Additional licensure and education beyond a bachelor of science is required for some of these roles.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed June 2024] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Environmental Science in the Military
Environmental scientists and other environmental science professionals hold important roles within the military in many capacities:
- Marine science and environmental protection specialists enforce coastal environmental and wildlife protections and respond to disasters that affect our waterways.
- Environmental health and safety officers apply scientific principles to protect the military community by identifying and combatting environmental health hazards.
- Environmental engineers consult on mitigation of environmental issues such as site contamination.
- Weather and environmental scientists study weather patterns and their impact on military operations.
When you pursue an environmental science degree at AMU, you will learn from faculty who are well-versed in what it takes to grapple with today’s environmental problems. Faculty members have worked at government agencies, including the National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Forest Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; nonprofit organizations, such as the Nature Conservancy and the Wilderness Society; and environmental consulting firms. The real-world experiences they share bring added context to your studies.
In addition to leading classes, many of our faculty members enjoy serving as mentors to help students who have a keen interest in solving environmental issues.
"When I hire faculty members, I look for professionals who can pass on insights of value to the next generation. Most of our faculty are now or have worked for the government or industry, so when they interact with students, they're able to bring that experience to the classroom."
- Sylvia Nemmers, PhD, Department Chair, General Education/Environmental Science
Earn Hands-On Experience With the Convenience of an Online Program
Our bachelor’s degree in environmental science combines the flexibility of online courses with virtual labs to provide hands-on experience. In one course, students may participate in a nationwide water quality testing program. As part of this lab experiment, each student is mailed a kit for collecting and testing local water samples. This activity shows students practical applications for the concepts discussed in their courses.
Students in our environmental science program may also work with their academic advisors to identify relevant internship opportunities that may be completed for credit.
Gain Specialization in Fish and Wildlife Management
As an environmental science major, you will have the opportunity to focus your studies with a degree concentration in fish and wildlife management. Courses challenge you to delve into the principles of fish and wildlife resource management and learn about the federal and state agencies responsible for this work. As you progress through your studies, you will discuss resource management techniques, public land use, and the regulations and policies that inform fish and wildlife management in the United States.
After completing this concentration, you will be well-versed in the concepts of fish and wildlife management, the natural systems that sustain living organisms, as well as the impact of human activities on these populations.
Why Earn Your Environmental Science Degree From American Military University?
Military-friendly. As the #1 provider of higher education to the U.S. military, American Military University helps remove barriers for servicemembers and veterans looking to further their education.1 We offer numerous scholarship opportunities for military personnel, plus a Preferred Military Rate for U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
Military education managers have a solid understanding of the life and work responsibilities of military personnel. They are here to help you prepare for your next level of education. Our military education managers are available on-site at many military bases to assist active-duty servicemembers looking to pursue their degrees.
Affordability. Earning your degree shouldn’t be a financial burden. That is why we are committed to providing affordable tuition rates to students pursuing this environmental science degree online. American Military University also offers no-cost ebooks for undergraduate programs, in addition to a $0 transfer credit evaluation fee. Furthermore, there is no application fee for this bachelor of science program.
Generous transfer credit policy. Your previous academic, military, or professional experience may help you qualify for transfer credits, which could help reduce the cost of earning this bachelor of science degree. You may also be able to earn academic credit by demonstrating knowledge in specific topics.
Learn practical skills. In our eight-week courses, you can expect to acquire scientific knowledge about the world around you, in addition to critical thinking skills and communication skills.
High-quality education. American Military University is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Student support. Our academic advisors are available to provide guidance to students every step of the way, from balancing courseloads to navigating university resources.
Student life. Connect with other students and faculty outside of your time in the virtual classroom. Choose from dozens of student clubs and virtual communities, consider becoming an online campus leader, or explore opportunities to participate in volunteer services.
Lay the groundwork for a master’s degree program. After earning their bachelor’s degrees in environmental science, students may choose to enter the workforce immediately or may go on to our master’s degree program in environmental policy and management, where they’ll learn about environmental planning strategies, tools, and techniques.
1Based on FY 2019 Department of Defense tuition assistance data, as reported by Military Times, 2020, and Veterans Administration student enrollment data as of 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Environmental science prepares students with an understanding of the basic concepts and practical skills needed to advance environmental causes, such as alleviating climate change and protecting the natural world. Courses may examine topics such as biological sciences, chemistry, earth science, life sciences, and natural sciences.
An environmental science degree provides a strong foundation in how the natural world works and how we can best protect it. The knowledge gained may be applied to protect vulnerable wildlife populations, air quality, drinking water, and other natural systems.
The degree you choose should align with your unique academic and career goals. A bachelor of science (BS) in environmental science provides foundational knowledge of the ways in which science and public policy influence one another. Students also usually gain a general overview of key areas, such as protecting natural resources and reducing pollution.
Master's-level programs dig deeper into these topics to address today's most complex environmental problems. In addition, students in master’s programs discuss:
- Endangered species protection
- Wildlife conservation
- Climate change
- Water resource availability
- Data analysis
- Environmental law
An environmental science degree program can be challenging, due to the complex nature of the core courses that make up this discipline. Understanding scientific concepts requires critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, which may not come naturally to all students. Still, it is important to understand that these skills can be developed and nurtured throughout the course of your studies.