Environmental scientists are stewards of the planet. They analyze environmental issues related to everything from climate change to overpopulation to biodiversity. They are the champions of clean energy, clean air, and a thriving, healthy planet. Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science degree online program gives you a strong foundation in natural and physical sciences. You will gain the education and hands-on experience you need to pursue your passion for the environment.

The program focuses on real-world environmental issues and scenarios and lab courses are conducted with custom lab kits mailed directly to students. In addition, students have the opportunity to volunteer, participate in internships, and take experiential learning courses to gain relevant and real-world skills. These hands-on experiences are designed to prepare you for your future in the field of environmental science by developing your skill to create sound solutions to the environmental problems of today and tomorrow.

Amy Hunt '21 was inspired by her passion for the environment to enroll in the online BS Environmental Science program and it has exceeded her expectations."I gained so much knowledge in all areas of environmental science and why it's so important for humans to protect, preserve, and acknowledge our role and responsibilities for conserving our planet's resources both human and non-human," said Hunt.

Learn how to:

- Propose practical solutions to complex environmental problems

- Apply technological and field-based methods to environmental study

- Design and execute projects that integrate the scientific method

- Analyze intersections of the human and natural world

As an environmental science major, you have the option of customizing your degree through the 39 free elective credits, or by adding on a data analytics in science or natural resources concentration. A degree in environmental science provides a strong foundation to protect the planet. Our program combines the natural and physical sciences, like biology, chemistry, and physics, with real-world scientific lab work. You can also choose to focus your degree even more with our concentration options - natural resources and conservation or data analytics in science. Or customize your environmental science degree with the general curriculum track. Even without a concentration, you can choose from the geology or general sciences courses that you like best.

Kylie Lorenzen '19 said she has a new outlook on the world thanks to her environmental science courses. "It's something that inspires me, she said. I'm passionate about traveling So, I'm really interested in other cultures around the world, and it's something that's important to me to protect and keep working at. With an environmental science degree, you will have many chances to apply your education to the workforce."

Environmental expertise is valuable in all types of businesses. A minor in environmental studies is also offered for non-science students who would like to add another aspect to their learning.

SNHUs bachelor in environmental science curriculum can help you build a number of key skills, including:

- Oral and written communication

- Quantitative analysis

- Applied statistics

- Ecological principles and field methods

- Research methods

Due to shipping laws, lab courses requiring lab kits must be completed within the contiguous United States. New students living outside the lower 48 states may be eligible to transfer lab credits from accredited institutions. If a currently enrolled student moves outside of the contiguous U.S., they may petition to take the labs at another institution for credit. Our environmental science major boasts 39 free elective credits. That is ideal for transfer students who don't want to repeat courses. This can also allow you to add a minor that complements your major or help you explore new interests. Another special feature of the environmental science degree is the opportunity to engage in experiential learning. These classes let you explore special topics related to your major. You will also build key skills to help with career development.

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science offers 6 experiential learning topics:

- Field experiences: This topic allows you to extend your knowledge even further. You'll conduct research and apply the scientific process. Hands-on research skills and engaging in primary research will help when entering the fields of environmental science or geoscience.

- Citizen science: This topic allows you to engage in, and maybe lead your own citizen science efforts. Hands-on experience with crowd-sourcing scientific projects leads to leadership. That is important to have for a career in environmental or geoscience.

- Research experiences in science: This topic allows you to extend your knowledge of the scientific process. You'll engage in research projects that you design. Having hands-on research skills and participating in research are great skills for working in the fields of environmental science or geoscience.

- Certifications and licensures: This topic allows you to begin or continue studying for a certification or license exam. You will select a certification or license of your choosing, with help from your instructor. It is up to you to choose a certification or license for which you qualify. You will use the course time to work toward studying for the exam.

- Animal behavior: This topic allows you to engage in a research practice that you design. The scientific process and animal behavior are the basis for this work. As with the other learning opportunities, hands-on research skills and engaging in primary research are great skills for the fields of environmental science or geoscience.

- Grant writing in science: This topic provides useful experience in writing grants. This skill is vital for a career in the nonprofit sector. Securing grant funding can be the key to getting a project off the ground. The written communication skills developed in this topic will be helpful in any career path.

"Online learners also benefit through a partnership between the SNHU Arboretum and the online science programs, which recently received an Effective Practice Award through the Online Learning Consortium (OLC). This partnership provides increased access to undergraduate research and learning opportunities with access to a 25-acre forested wetland. Collaborations like this provide our students with great real-world and hands-on experiences that can truly make a difference in the application of their knowledge, their skills, and their future successes, wherever their path may take them," says Dr. Kelly Thrippleton-Hunter, technical program facilitator of science programs at SNHU.

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That's why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials. Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)