The Best Environmental Science Schools

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public university, and offers a science-based, rigorous interdisciplinary Environmental Science major through both its College of Letters & Science and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Regardless of whether a student pursues a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in Environmental Sciences, each environmental science studies program emphasizes environmental problem solving in service to society and promotes strong critical-thinking skills.

The Environmental Science degree program provides students with a solid foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology as well as environmentally oriented courses in arts and humanities.

Credit requirements: 120 credits

Selection of core courses:

• Principles of Environmental Science
• Introduction to the Earth System
• Soil: Ecosystem and Resource
• General Ecology
• Science of Climate Change

Students also complete a capstone course, internship or apprenticeship with an environmental business or organization, a senior thesis, or an undergraduate research project focused on environmental science.

Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Harvard University has a long history of engineering and applied sciences education, beginning with the establishment of the Lawrence Scientific School in 1847.

The John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers programs in astronomy, earth and planetary sciences for environmental science majors.

Through the John A. Paulson School, students can pursue several environmental science majors, including:

• Environmental Science and Engineering A.B.
• Environmental Science and Engineering Track within the Engineering Sciences S.B.
• Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences: Environmental Science and Engineering
• A.B./S.M. in Engineering Sciences: Environmental Science and Engineering

The interdisciplinary undergraduate environmental science degree program focuses on understanding, predicting and responding to human-induced environmental change. Students develop the skills needed to think critically about questions on how humans impact the Earth.

The program includes the study of the Earth system as a set of biological, physical and chemical interactions made more complex by human activities.

Credit requirements: 14 to 20 half courses, depending on math placement and whether the student selects the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science program

Selection of core courses:

• Environmental Physics
• Environmental Chemistry
• Intro to Environmental Science and Engineering
• Engineering Sciences

Accreditation: Harvard University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Columbia University's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences shares facilities and staff with the university's world-renowned research institution, the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

Through the Department, students can pursue undergraduate majors and concentrations in Earth Science and Environmental Sciences as well as a number of elective courses.

The undergraduate major in Environmental Science provides students with an understanding of the natural functioning of the earth and the possible consequences of human interactions with it. The program prepares graduates for careers in law, public policy, journalism, diplomacy, business, and more.

The university's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences also offers a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Credit requirements: 47 credits for the major

Selection of core courses:

• Earth's Environmental Systems: Climate
• Earth's Environmental Systems: Solid Earth
• Earth's Environmental Systems: Life
• Geochemistry for a Habitable Planet
• Solid Earth Dynamics

Students also must complete a research project and senior thesis.

Accreditation: Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences is known for offering rigorous, hands-on training and the collaboration of ideas.

The Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) undergraduate major enables students to solve real-world problems through the application of mathematics, chemistry and physics.

Once students complete their core courses, they select lab/field subjects and concentration area subjects based on their personal goals and interests.

The Department also offers a Fifth-Year Master of Science Degree program.

Credit requirements: 144 to 150 units

Selection of core courses:

• Introduction to Geology
• Introduction to Geophysics and Planetary Science
• Geobiology: History of Life on Earth
• Introduction to Atmosphere, Ocean and Climate Dynamics
• Field Geology
• Experimental Atmospheric Chemistry

Students also must complete an undergraduate thesis.

Accreditation: Massachusetts Institute of Technology is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Through the College of Agricultural Sciences students can complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Resource Management with an Environmental Science option. The program provides students with the knowledge to resolve issues concerning the management and conservation of natural resources.

To complete the Environmental Science option, students choose at least 18 credits that focus on an aspect of the environment, such as watersheds and water resources, geographic information systems, energy and air pollution, climate change impacts, and ecology, among others.

Credit requirements: 121-126

Accreditation: Pennsylvania State University is a public university, accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management is part of the College of Natural Resources, the oldest in the University of California system. The Department's multi-disciplinary program features award-winning faculty in biodiversity, climate science, community outreach, and land use.

The Environmental Sciences undergraduate major focuses on the impact of human activities on natural systems. Students develop - and learn to apply - tools and techniques from chemistry, meteorology, statistics, behavioral science, policy analysis, and more. Students complete a year-long senior thesis project, which allows them to investigate an environmental issue, design and execute independent research.

Students choose from three concentrations - Physical Science, Social Science or Biological Science.

Credit requirements: 120

Selection of courses:

• Environmental Biology
• Americans and the Global Forest
• Introduction to Environmental Sciences

Accreditation: The University of California- Berkeley is a public university, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Designed for students interested in the intersection of biology, chemistry and earth sciences, the BS degree in Environmental Science includes courses in biogeochemical cycles, microbiology, environmental chemistry, climate change, the dynamics of the ocean and atmosphere, ecology, and more.

Students can participate in the Semester in Environmental Science at the Marine Biological Laboratory, and the university encourages students to complete undergraduate research.

Credit requirements: 2200 units

The university offers an MS in Environmental Science and Policy for those interested in further research opportunities.

Accreditation: The University of Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Department of Environmental Sciences conducts research and offers instruction in geosciences, ecology, atmospheric sciences and hydrology.

Its programs prepare graduates for further academic study or careers in natural resources fields, such as weather and climate forecasting, engineering geology, forestry and agricultural management, and water pollution research and regulation, among others.

The Department offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Sciences and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Sciences.

Credit requirements: 30 to 40 hours in Environmental Science, depending on Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree tracks.

Students also can complete a Specialization in Environmental and Biological Conservation.

The University also offers an undergraduate Minor in Environmental Science.

Accreditation: The University of Virginia is a public university, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences consists of 13 academic departments and 10 research and outreach centers across the state.

The interdisciplinary Bachelor's in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management program prepares graduates to solve environmental problems from an integrated knowledge base. The degree program helps improve environmental decision making by integrating biological, social and physical sciences with policy analysis and management.

Credit requirements: 120

Selection of core courses:

• Issues in the Environment
• Environmental Sciences: Integrated Problem Solving
• Problem Solving: Environmental Review

Students also must complete one of four tracks: Environmental Science; Policy, Planning, Law and Society; Conservation and Resource Management; or Environmental Education and Communication.

Accreditation: The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences' programs focus on science, conservation and applied ecology in a host of terrestrial, aquatics and human-dominated ecosystems. Its programs prepare graduates for careers centered on natural resources, human interactions with the environment, and wildlife.

Designed for students interested in understanding how to protect and improve environmental quality and the management of water and soil resources, the Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Science and Management program includes courses in environmental chemistry, ecohydrology and environmental quality, among others.

Credit requirements: 126

Students also must complete field experience.

The University also offers master's and doctoral programs in environmental science.

Accreditation: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The College of Liberal Arts and the College of Natural Sciences work together to meet the needs of each student. Students can pursue programs such as those in psychology, environmental science, and comparative literature.

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program provides students with an interdisciplinary scientific perspective on sustainability and environmental issues, analysis and management. Students receive a broad foundation in life, psychical and social sciences necessary for careers or graduate study in environmental science or related fields.

Credit requirements: 126 semester hours

Selection of core courses:

• Conservation, Resources and Technology
• Natural Parks and Protected Areas
• Environmental Geographic Information Systems
• Limnology and Oceanography
• Topics in Geography

All students also complete a field or research experience.

Accreditation: is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The College of Science is committed to science education through innovation and discovery. Its programs incorporate real-world education and advance science.

The Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences' curriculum combines modern technology, classroom theory, laboratory application and field experiences.

The Geology program provides students with a global perspective for problem solving, leadership roles and decision making in a changing world. Students can complete one of three tracks: Geophysics/Earth Exploration, Environmental Resources, or Geology.

Credit requirements: 120

Accreditation: California State Polytechnic University - Pomona is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Environmental and Sustainability Sciences major's core curriculum provides students with an integrated and comprehensive view of the physical-chemical, biological, human, social and ecological dimensions of the environment. The environmental science major uses an interdisciplinary approach.

Students can choose from concentrations in Environmental Biology and Applied Ecology; Environmental Economics; Environmental Policy and Governance; and Land, Air and Water Resources, among others.

Selection of core courses:

• Ecology and the Environment
• Climate and Global Warming
• Environmental History
• Society and Natural Resources

Accreditation: Cornell University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The Bi-College Department of Environmental Studies enables students to complete an undergraduate major in Environmental Studies through a collaboration of Bryn Mawr and Haverford College.

The program allows students to explore and develop an understanding of their environment from perspectives across social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and arts.

The curriculum incorporates an in-depth investigation of the theoretical and applied foundations of environmental study as well as community-based learning. Students also have the opportunity to conduct research, complete internships or study abroad.

Credit requirements: 11 courses in the major

Selection of core courses:

• Introduction to Environmental Studies
• Environmental Natural Science
• Environmental Humanities
• Environmental Studies Social Science
• Environmental Studies Capstone

Students also can complete a focus area, which allows them to tailor their degree to their interests and goals.

Accreditation: Bryn Mawr College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Founded in 1900, the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies offers master's degrees and doctoral programs and serves as a site for research into environmental issues on the local, regional and global levels.

It is the oldest graduate program in forestry (MF) and its related disciplines in the nation (MFS). It is one of the leading environmental science schools for forestry and forest science training.

The Master of Environmental Science (MESc) provides PhD preparation with a disciplinary focus in the environmental and natural resource fields, and graduates 20-30 students per year.

The degree features extended research as well as formalized training in the philosophy and practice of Environmental science.

Credit requirements: 48 credits

Selection of core courses:

• Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis in the Environmental Sciences
• Ecological Patterns and Processes
• Society and Environment: Introduction to Theory and Method
• Urban Ecology for Local and Regional Decision Making

Students also complete 12 credits of thesis research.

The largest degree program is the Master of Environmental Management, with about 70-90 students graduating per year. There are nine professional specializations:

• energy
• climate change science
• industrial ecology and green chemistry
• water resources
• business and environment
• nature and society
• ecosystems and land conservation
• self-designed

Accreditation: Yale University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

The Institute of the Environment and Sustainability offers a number of degrees - from bachelor's to doctorate - designed to foster community and break down barriers between areas of study. Its programs feature a hands-on approach to environmental research and practice.

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree program provides students with a foundation in physical and life sciences, social sciences and the humanities as well as real-world experience. The program prepares graduates to take on complex environmental issues.

Credit requirements: 106-108 units

Selection of core courses:

• Programming with Big Environmental Datasets
• Foundations of Environmental Policy and Regulation
• Sustainability Talks
• Environmental Justice Through Multiple Lenses
• Climate Change Assessment

Students also complete one of seven minors, such as Earth and Environmental Science, Environmental Health, Conservation Biology, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, and Environmental Engineering, among others.

A year-long senior practicum, involving students working in small teams, prepares students to tackle a real-world environmental issue for clients in public agencies, non-profit organizations, or private firms.

Accreditation: The University of California - Los Angeles is a public institution, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Dartmouth College offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate major in Environmental Studies. Established on Earth Day 1996, the major draws on concepts from social sciences, natural sciences and the humanities. The program prepares students to understand and address environmental problems.

Credit requirements: 13 courses

Selection of core courses:

• Introduction to Environmental Science
• Environment and Society: Towards Sustainability?
• Ecological Economics
• Governing the Environment
• Humans and Nature in America

The college also offers three related minors - Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, and Sustainability.

Accreditation: Dartmouth College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs focused on understanding earth and sustainability for the future. The school offers field-learning on all seven continents.

Formerly the Bachelor of Science in Geological and Environmental Studies, the newly named Bachelor of Science in Geological Studies consists of field research skills, earth sciences fundamentals, advanced coursework, and quantitative and analytical skills, among others.

The program allows students to focus on contamination of natural waterways, resource depletion, sustainable practices, and more.

Credit requirements: 103 to 121 units

Accreditation: Stanford University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Center for Sustainability and the Environment encourages students to explore environmental issues from multidisciplinary perspectives and recognize that their actions have environmental implications.

Its programs combine environmental theory and practice. The center offers three majors and two concentrations.

The Major in Environmental Science provides students with a broad understanding of environmental science as well as the social and humanistic context in which scientists work.

Students also gain real-world experience through internships, service projects and research projects.

Selection of core courses:

• Introduction to the Environment
• Sustainable Living Seminar
• Fundamentals of Environmental Studies
• Economics, Politics and Environmental Policy

Albion College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Through its commitment to high-impact scientific discovery, the School of Earth and Space Exploration enables students to explore the great unknowns of the Earth, solar system and the universe. The School offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

The Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Environmental Studies provides students with a solid understanding of the evolution of the earth system with a broad study in the physical sciences. The program also emphasizes the planetary context for sustainable human societies.

Credit requirements: 104-120 credit hours

Accreditation: Arizona State is a public university, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.