Online Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Become an environmental steward and drive solutions to today’s most pressing environmental challenges when you pursue a Bachelor of Science in Earth and environmental sciences online from Arizona State University. In the program, you’ll gain a quantitative understanding of Earth’s natural processes and human activities that affect environmental health, climate change and the distribution of natural resources. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for roles that utilize this knowledge to improve human well-being.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/22/2024
Total classes: 38
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
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What you’ll learn in this Earth and environmental sciences program
In this program, you’ll gain an understanding of the interactions among physical, chemical and biological processes that define Earth’s surface environment. You’ll explore biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems, natural hazards, drivers of climate change, human-environment relationships and the natural resources that sustain human societies. Additionally, you’ll build quantitative and analytical skills, preparing you to develop evidence-based environmental solutions.
In addition to gaining base knowledge about Earth as a complex system, including geology, oceans, climate, soils, life and more, you’ll also tailor your degree to your career interests. You can choose from six elective tracks to focus your studies, or you can take courses from multiple areas. Available tracks include:
- Climate and environmental change.
- Environmental education.
- Environmental management.
- Environmental policy.
- Natural resources.
- Sustainability.
Who’s a good fit for this program?
This Earth and environmental sciences program is designed for those interested in Earth’s natural processes and systems, as well as their impacts on sustainability. You’re an ideal candidate if you’re passionate about solving complex environmental challenges from addressing climate change and natural hazards to environmental degradation and pollution.
Additionally, you may choose this program to support your science-focused career goals. Upon completion, you can seek scientist roles with a specialization in environmental protection and remediation, monitoring and natural hazards assessment. You’ll also have the knowledge needed to pursue science- and sustainability-focused graduate programs.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Environmental sciences courses
Your courses will prepare you to address pressing environmental challenges. You’ll explore topics such as water history, policy and resources, Earth’s critical zone, environmental chemistry and more. To complete the program, you’ll engage in an interactive team project that involves researching and proposing solutions to a practical environmental problem.
GLG 108: Water Planet (SCIT OR SQ)
GLG 305: Dynamic Earth
GLG 325: Oceanography
GLG 327: Earth's Critical Zone
GLG 464: Solving Environmental Problems
SES 220: Biology of a Changing Earth
SES 225: Global Biogeochemical Cycles
GLG 110: Dangerous World (SCIT OR SQ & G)
The jobs you can get with this degree
Upon graduation, you can pursue roles in settings ranging from environmental consulting firms and educational institutions to regulatory agencies and nonprofit organizations. You’ll be equipped for positions as a natural resource manager, mitigation specialist, data analyst, public policy specialist and more. Additional career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Climate Change Analyst
Environmental Analyst
Environmental Protection Specialist
Environmental Restoration Planner
Environmental Sciences Professor
Environmental Specialist
Geologist
Geology Professor
Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
Learn from leading experts in Earth and environmental sciences
From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Learn from leading experts in Earth and environmental sciences
From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.
25,500+
currently enrolled students.
$170 million
in research expenditures in 2022.
23
interdisciplinary schools and departments.
100+
undergraduate degrees.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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