What Is Environmental Science? Course, Degree, Requirements, More

Environmental science is a STEM field focusing on environmental health, sustainability, human impacts on the environment, and how to create solutions that combine various approaches of natural sciences. Studying environmental science in the US allows you to dive deep into the effects of global climate change and pollution, their impacts, and how you can make a difference. 

With an environmental science degree, you can work toward rewarding careers where you play an important role in raising awareness about pressing environmental issues and finding long-term solutions for problems threatening environments around the world. 

Read on to find out what environmental science is, the focuses of US degree programs, the pathways to becoming an environmental scientist or professional, what you gain from an environmental science degree, and more.

What Is Environmental Science?

According to the experts at EnvironmentalScience.org, the environmental science definition covers an interdisciplinary field that studies how interactions between natural and man-made activities affect the planet’s ecosystems. As a result, an environmental science course incorporates information and ideas from biology, chemistry, ecology, geography, physics, and sociology. 

By choosing to study environmental science, you will explore different environmental challenges, such as loss of habitats, climate change, and water pollution, and apply the knowledge you gain from these different disciplines to implement impact-driven solutions. 

Environmental Science Core Topics

Depending on the university where you choose to study, your program will cover a wide range of topics that deepen your knowledge of ecosystems, what threatens them, and potential solutions. In class, you will analyze theories, conduct experiments, and collaborate with peers to explore and test these solutions. You can also expect to develop transferable skills such as analysis, research, communication, and problem solving. The knowledge and skills you gain over the course of your program can help you pursue roles where you create policies aligned with environmental laws, analyze pollution and its effects, or provide sustainable alternatives and solutions that organizations can use to reduce their environmental impact. 

Here are several core topics of environmental science that you may be interested in pursuing.

Ecology and Biodiversity

Ecology is an essential focus of environmental science that studies the relationships between living organisms and their environments. This field explores ecosystems, species interactions, and habitat changes to understand how natural systems function and respond to effects like climate change and pollution. 

Biodiversity is the variety of all living organisms that support and enhance an ecosystem. Understanding and protecting biodiversity can help sustain natural resources, safeguard endangered species, and ensure the survival and stability of essential ecosystems.

Environmental Chemistry

Environmental chemistry is the study of all the chemical and biochemical processes that occur in the natural world. It is an interdisciplinary component of environmental science that includes areas such as atmospheric, aquatic, and soil chemistry, which can help scientists identify the effects of environmental pollution and find real world solutions to reduce harm.

Earth Systems Science

Earth systems science is the study of learning about the Earth as a system, made up of interconnected components like the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, and how each of these elements interacts with each other. This topic examines how natural processes and human activities shape the planet at multiple scales, from the local level to the entire world. 

Climate Change and Atmospheric Science

Atmospheric and climate sciences study the Earth’s atmosphere and how it influences weather, along with both long-term and short-term climate patterns. It helps us understand how natural processes and human activities shape global and regional climates by studying interactions among the Earth’s surface, oceans, and hydrological systems.

Environmental Physics

Environmental physics is a multidisciplinary field that applies the principles of classical physics to understand the physical processes that shape the natural world. It investigates the interactions between living organisms and their environment, exploring how energy, radiation, and matter behave within Earth’s systems. This topic plays a vital role in the development of research in renewable energy, meteorology, hydrology, and green technology.

Sustainability and Renewable Energy

Sustainability is a core area of environmental science that emphasizes the responsible use of natural resources, mindfully balancing human development with environmental preservation. This field involves researching new strategies for reducing carbon emissions, conserving natural resources, and transitioning from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy sources. 

Geology and Geomorphology

Geology examines the composition and history of the Earth, including rocks, minerals, and tectonic activity, to understand how natural forces shape the planet. Geomorphology is a subfield of geology and focuses on landforms and the processes, such as erosion, weathering, and sedimentation, that create and transform them over time.

Hydrology and Water Resources Management

Hydrology and water resources management explores how water moves, interacts, and sustains life on Earth. It aims to address issues with floods, water supply, pollutant transport, groundwater contamination, and the effects of climate change.

Soil Science and Land Use

Soil science studies the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils to assess fertility, erosion, and contamination. Land use research examines how practices such as urbanization, deforestation, and farming affect soil health and biodiversity. Together, soil science and land use studies help guide policies and strategies for preserving productive landscapes and mitigating environmental degradation.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing are powerful tools used across environmental science to collect data about the Earth’s surface, which can provide critical insights for environmental management, conservation, and climate change research.

Statistics and Environmental Data Analysis

Statistics and environmental data analysis involves interpreting data to uncover patterns in natural systems. Researchers can analyze trends in climate data, pollution levels, biodiversity, and resource use to make evidence-based predictions and policy recommendations.

Environmental Law and Policy

Environmental law and policy deals with the laws, regulations, and international agreements designed to protect ecosystems and control the impact of human activities on the environment. It helps address issues involving biodiversity protection, climate change, and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Environmental Ethics and Communication

Environmental ethics asks questions about sustainability, conservation, and justice to help make better-informed decisions about how resources are used and ecosystems are protected. Communication plans play a major role in environmental science, helping to translate scientific knowledge into easily understood terms for the public, which can help people make better choices about the environment.

If you have an interest in these or related topics, then an Environmental Science degree may be for you. Before you start applying for these programs, you should be aware of the potential requirements for admission.

Admissions and Entry Requirements for Environmental Science Programs

Admissions requirements for environmental science programs vary depending on the level of study and the universities you are considering.

For an undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Environmental Science, you would typically need a high school diploma or equivalent with strong grades in core science subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography, or geology. Some universities may also value extracurricular involvement, so you can enhance your application if you have participated in environmental or scientific activities.

Graduate applications often require academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and, in some specific courses, standardized test scores like the GRE. Certain universities may include interviews or entrance exams as part of the selection process, while online or professional MSc programs may offer more flexible entry pathways tailored to working professionals. If you are interested in pursuing a master’s in environmental science, then you would need a relevant bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related discipline like biology, chemistry, geology, or geography.

Once you have met the requirements, you should have an understanding of the program curriculum and how long it would take for you to complete an environmental science degree.

How Long Does it Take to Study Environmental Science?

Most Environmental Science degrees usually take around three to four years to complete at the bachelor’s level and one to two years at the postgraduate level. The first few years of study usually feature foundational courses in ecology, geology, atmospheric science, and environmental policy, while later years include specializations in areas like climate change, conservation, or sustainable development. Many programs have an independent research project as a key component, which may require a dissertation or thesis to complete your degree.

Environmental science degrees frequently include internships, enabling students to gain practical experience during their studies. After graduation, you may volunteer or participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain the necessary skills needed for an environmental science career. As you contribute to new learnings and shape the environmental science definition over the course of your degree, you can stand out to employers hiring for related roles, or connect with professors to seek research opportunities to further your knowledge and make the next great breakthrough.

What Does a Career in Environmental Science Look Like?

Environmental scientists use their understanding of ecological systems to protect environmental health and sustainability. An environmental scientist investigates potential threats to both the environment and its communities across a particular location, industry, or even the world at large, with the goal of finding sustainable long-term solutions.

Their work includes:

• Conducting environmental impact analyses

• Conservation and management of biological resources

• Developing short- and long-term management goals and objectives for fisheries, wildlife, and habitats

• Enforcing laws and regulations to protect and preserve wildlife and fish

• Examining and analyzing pollution

• Studying how environmental, atmospheric, and human activity impact animal and plant life

As environmental concerns are relevant to most organizations, you can access career opportunities in many private sector roles across a wide range of industries, at nonprofit organizations, or with environmental departments in the government. An environmental scientist’s role is multifaceted, meaning you have the opportunity to explore a variety of careers and roles based on your interests and skillset.

Job Market Outlook: Salary for Environmental Science Graduates in 2026

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public awareness of environmental threats is predicted to increase demand for environmental scientists and professionals. From 2024 to 2034, for example, approximately 8,500 new job openings in environmental science are expected every year.

Popular Career Options in Environmental Science

Here are several environmental scientist careers you can pursue and their annual average salaries in the US, Brazil, China, and India.

Source: SalaryExpert, Payscale, Economic Research Institute, 2025

Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Help!

Shorelight universities offer environmental science programs that can be tailored to your specific interests and career ambitions. For example, if you want to be an environmental scientist focusing on marine life, you could enroll in programs involving the study of oceans. If you are unsure about a specialization, your degree program will equip you with a number of transferable skills and a solid understanding of environmental science so you can explore the right field for your future career.

If you need support deciding which program to choose, Shorelight has the necessary resources to find the program best for you. Your Shorelight advisor is ready to assist with choosing the best college for your degree, visa support, post-graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment, and more. With the support of your Shorelight advisor, you can work toward a career in environmental science where you can contribute to a solution that, in the future, might just save the world.

Shorelight advisors can help you find the right degree program for your goals >