Online Master’s In Environmental Management

Individuals passionate about the environment and sustainability can pursue careers that combine their interests and scientific knowledge. An online master's in environmental management empowers learners with expertise in areas such as law and policy, climate change, business strategy, and ecosystem science management.

Graduates find employment with businesses and governmental organizations that work to protect the nation's environment and natural resources. Workers enter an employment landscape with positive job prospects. Environmental scientists and specialists with a bachelor's degree and no experience earn a $73,230 median annual pay, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

This guide provides more information about environmental management programs, salary and job outlook, and scholarship opportunities.

Questions to Help Purse a Environmental Management Master's Degree

What is environmental management and why it is necessary?

Environmental management addresses climate change and environmental pollution. Both threaten the health and stability of the ecosystem, humans, and other life forms.

What are the functions of environmental management?

Environmental management focuses on preserving and monitoring the environment and enacting policies and initiatives that help mitigate environmental degradation.

What are career opportunities in environmental management?

These specialists find work at private organizations, nonprofits, and governmental agencies. They work in roles such as conservation manager, environmental scientist and specialist, and environmental manager and engineer.

What does an environmental manager do?

Environmental managers evaluate environmental problems, collect data, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and implement actionable plans.

Why Get a Degree in Environmental Management?

The public's growing concern about climate change and other environmental issues creates opportunity for learners interested in conservation, sustainability, and compliance. Over the next four years, the federal government will work to enact initiatives that address climate change and promote environmental justice. Corporations continue to implement initiatives and create sustainability positions to improve their environmental performance and appease stakeholders.

A master's in environmental management prepares learners for roles as change agents within these private and public organizations. An online degree allows learners to prepare for meaningful and well-paying careers without sacrificing employment and family obligations. Environmental managers and other specialists help ensure a sustainable future for subsequent generations.

How Much Does an Environmental Management Degree Cost?

Students can expect to pay between $595-$1,366 per credit, or $17,850-$41,000 total for tuition. An environmental management program's cost depends on various factors such as the college, program duration, and in-person or online learning. Students enrolled in a residential program pay for costs like relocation, accommodation, transportation, and childcare. Online programs require less financial investment because students take classes in some of the best programs in the nation without leaving home.

Many colleges offer flat rate tuition for online learners regardless of residency. This saves students from paying out-of-state rates that significantly raise the tuition price. Environmental degrees may require research projects or immersive experiences that incur additional costs for travel and accommodation.

Students interested in an environmental management master's degree should explore each school's financial aid options. A generous financial aid package helps make the degree a more affordable option.

How Much Do Environmental Management Majors Make?

Graduates' salary and job prospects depend on factors such as their experience level and state residency. The BLS highlights a $73,230 median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists. These workers can look forward to a projected 8% job growth between 2019-2029, double the 4% average for all other occupations.

March 2021 PayScale data show entry-level environmental managers can expect to make an average salary of $51,520. Professionals with 5-9 years of work experience make $80,000 on average, and 10-19 years of experience nets a $92,000 average salary. Graduates may use their science background to pursue careers as natural sciences managers who oversee scientists' work. Natural sciences managers with a bachelor's degree and five years of experience make $137,940 median annual salary.

Other roles that environmental managers may pursue include regulatory compliance managers, who make an average salary of $84,790 according to March 2021 PayScale data, and occupational health or safety specialist technicians.

Courses in Environmental Management

Degree-seekers can pursue a master's in environmental management online on a full-time or part-time basis. Many colleges offer asynchronous courses that provide flexibility. Students complete between 30-48 credits in 18-24 months on average. They develop expertise in subjects such as compliance law, biodiversity stewardship, and ecosystem science and management.

Programs with an internship component give learners an opportunity to acquire hands-on expertise with organizations in their community. Students culminate the environmental management master's degree with a capstone project or research thesis. Their fine-tuned skills in areas such as program management, policy analysis, and leadership development transfer to any industry. The following lists three courses within a sample curriculum.

• Environmental Law

  The course introduces students to environmental protection law, focusing on air and water pollution and hazardous waste. Students explore the role of local, state, and federal governmental bodies and their actions over time. Learners examine public regulations enforced by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, common law doctrines and rulings, and the legal repercussions for offending entities.

• Economics of Environmental Management

  The class explores the cost-benefit analysis of managing renewable resources. Students explore ways to encourage companies to voluntarily reduce their carbon footprint and contribution to pollution. They explore the successes and failures of initiatives such as carbon trading permits, climate change taxes, and economic incentives for conservation.

• Climate Change Science

  Students explore the scientific research behind climate change. They examine how climate change impacts human health and its correlation to natural disasters and other environmental phenomena. They learn about policy responses to climate change such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Clean Air Act, along with other initiatives like climate geoengineering.

Certifications and Licensure for Environmental Management

Environmental management professionals use certifications to help advance their careers. The credentials validate a worker's knowledge and skills to perform daily duties. Various organizations offer certifications for entry-level to mid-level professionals. The following lists three certifications in environmental management.

Scholarships for Environmental Management

College tuition requires a substantial financial investment. Scholarships help students pay for tuition and related expenses. Organizations offer funding to students based on need and academic performance. The following lists three scholarships for students pursuing a master's in environmental management.

Online Master's In Environmental Management Programs