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.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 38

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

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.

What are the differences between this BS and a BA in Earth and environmental sciences?

This Bachelor of Science in Earth and environmental sciences encompasses quantitative training in areas such as physics and calculus. You’ll also develop fundamental skills in chemistry related to the remediation of soil and water contaminated by common chemical pollutants.

By comparison, ASU’s Bachelor of Arts in Earth and environmental sciences online has a lower math requirement, leaving room for an extra elective course. Whether you choose the BS or BA program, you’ll graduate with an understanding of the natural processes that define planet Earth and support the development of ecosystems.

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.


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


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

Environmental Analyst


Growth: 4.1 %
Salary: $64,460

Environmental Protection Specialist


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

Environmental Restoration Planner


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

Environmental Sciences Professor


Growth: 4.2 %
Salary: $83,040

Environmental Specialist


Growth: 5.8 %
Salary: $48,380

Geologist


Growth: 5.1 %
Salary: $87,480

Geology Professor


Growth: 3.6 %
Salary: $97,770

Geospatial Intelligence Analyst


Growth: 2.1 %
Salary: $107,970

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 who include:

  • 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 who include:

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

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 become 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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