Online Bachelor Degree in Environmental Studies with Career Info

While it is possible to earn an online bachelor's degree in environmental studies, graduate-level programs are more readily available. Programs in this relatively new and critical field provide the knowledge students need to find solutions for future environmental challenges and work in environmentally based businesses and organizations. A strong science curriculum and classes that cover social, legal and global political issues are components of degree programs in environmental studies.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies

A Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies is offered online. The interdisciplinary coursework involved with earning an environmental studies degree includes science, social science and humanities classes. How civilization interacts with the natural world and our impact on that world is the central issue of environmental studies programs. Biology, ethics, public policy, ecology and energy are the primary subjects covered.

Students taking online environmental studies courses use Web-based educational software. They may log in and complete coursework at their convenience, any time during the day or night. Environmental studies programs may include laboratory simulations for biology, chemistry and geology classes; simulated labs are interactive and accessed via CD-ROM. Instructor and student communications take place through Web software, e-mail or over the phone. Program assistance and tutoring are often provided as part of online programs.

Online Environmental Studies Courses

Some courses in environmental studies offered as part of an online program might include:

  • Concepts of Sustainability: Students study current sustainability issues while examining energy, urbanization, rainforests, food systems and global climate change.
  • Environmental Biology: The origins, evolution and impact of human activity on biodiversity are discussed in this environmental course.
  • Environmental Policies: This online course examines social, economic and political policies and their impact on the global environment, as well as how policy decisions can protect the environment.
  • Energy and Environmental Systems: The relationships between energy generation, consumption and conservation, relative to fossil fuels and renewable resources, are studied in this course.
  • Environmental Research: Students select a topic or incident, collect research and analyze the findings using geographic information system software.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies Career Opportunities

Graduates with a bachelor's degree in the expanding field of environmental studies are open to careers in industry and government. Some of these professional opportunities include:

  • Ecology Surveyor
  • Forester
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Natural Resource Specialist
  • Conservation Planner
  • Climate Activist
  • Environmental Planner