What courses are in the program?

General Education Core: 24 creditsElective Courses: 77 creditsProgram Core: 19 creditsEVPC 102: Ecoliteracy for a Sustainable WorldEVPC 210: Environmental Issues: Ocean AcidificationEVPC 211: Environmental Issues: Forever ChemicalsEVPC 212: Environmental Issues: Light and Noise PollutionEVPC 213: Environmental Issues: Climate Refugee CrisisEVPC 310: Environmental Issues: Impacts of Renewable Energy on Marine EcosystemsEVPC 311: Environmental Issues: Environmental Consequences of Industrial AgricultureEVPC 320: Environmental Justice in an Ethical ContextEVPC 321: Leading Change: Project Stewardship for Environmental TransformationEVPC 490: Transdisciplinary CapstoneMGMT 303: Strategic Management for Social Change

100% Online Bachelor of Science Degree

Build a Career Shaping a More Sustainable Future

Apply sustainability, conservation, and environmental policy to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.

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Your way. We’re here when you need us.

Unity’s online programs are trusted by over 10,000 students across all 50 states.

88% of Unity graduates are employed or earning advanced degrees within 6 months.

Program Overview

Environmental Studies

This bachelor’s program combines skills-based learning in environmental science, sustainability, and conservation policy with perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, equipping you with the interdisciplinary knowledge and practical tools to understand the root causes of environmental problems and drive meaningful change across business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Career Outlook: Environmental Scientists and Specialists in the U.S.

85 K

Number of jobs in 2023

7 %

Est. job growth through 2033

79 K

Median annual salary 2023

*Source: O*Net/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

CAREER OUTCOMES

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies?

Environmental Scientist

Monitor ecosystems and advise businesses and governments on environmental solutions.

Sustainability Manager

Develop strategies that reduce environmental impact across organizations and communities.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Research environmental legislation to inform decisions that protect natural resources.

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Environmental Educator

Raise awareness of environmental issues through education and community engagement.

DE student Brianna posing on a snowy mountain.

“I love how Unity focuses on the environment and takes a more holistic approach to learning.”

Brianna R.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies

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Brianna R.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies

“Before attending Unity, I was attending my local state university and working at a local farm. I saw an advertisement online about Unity and after looking more into the mission and goals of the college, I knew that this was where I needed to be. I love how Unity focuses on the environment and takes a more holistic approach to learning. Once enrolled, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. I have never had a school that has aligned with my personal interests, goals, and ideologies until Unity. I feel this college represents what I stand for and shares the same passions that I have for the environment and its conservation.”

Are you ready to discover what YOU can do? Explore the opportunities at Unity – Distance Education today and take the first step toward achieving your dreams.

Start YOUR journey to success today!

What you’ll learn

Study Earth’s Systems. Drive Sustainable Solutions.

Natural resource management, ecology, and the science behind global environmental challenges
Environmental policy, sustainability frameworks, and regulatory approaches to conservation
Social science, humanities, and interdisciplinary tools for understanding human-environment relationships
Climate change science, adaptation strategies, and sustainability planning for communities and organizations
Applied research methods for analyzing environmental data and developing evidence-based solutions

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Awards and recognition

Proudly Recognized for Excellence

Tuition Rates

We believe a college education should help launch you into a promising future, not weigh you down with debt. Unity’s online bachelor’s programs are $470 per credit, with no term-based fees and free text resources in most courses.

Tuition Locked Through 2030!

While many U.S. colleges raise tuition by 2–4% each year, your tuition rate at Unity stays the same, giving you cost certainty from your first term through graduation.

Military Friendly

Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families receive a reduced tuition rate of $423 per credit. VA education benefits (including the GI Bill®, Chapter 31, Chapter 35, and Active Duty Tuition Assistance) may be applied toward the cost of your degree.

NO SURPRISES. NO UNNECESSARY FEES.

Transparent, Predictable Pricing

See why 98% of Unity students don’t need private loans.

Affordable, Transparent Tuition

With no hidden fees!

Flexible Payment Options

Plans that fit your budget.

Locked-In Tuition

7 years with no tuition increase.

Earn While You Learn

Work full-time while studying.

Personalized Financial Plan

Know your cost before you start.

Low Textbook Costs

Free materials in most courses.

how much you can save?

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Out-of-Pocket Costs

Our Net Price Calculator shows your personalized cost of attendance, including how Pell Grant eligibility and other financial aid can make your degree more affordable.

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Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

Professor of Conservation Law and Policy

Zach Falcon
Global Expert in Conservation Law and Leadership

Read More About Professor Falcon

Zach Falcon
Global Expert in Conservation Law and Leadership

Zach Falcon is the Professor of Conservation Law Enforcement at Unity Environmental University, responsible for the leadership, planning, coordination, and evaluation.

He holds a BA in Anthropology from Columbia University, a JD from the University of Michigan Law School, and an MFA in Fiction from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. He has also served Unity as the faculty moderator and as Chair for the Conservation Law Enforcement program.

Zach came to Unity from University of Iowa College of Law, where he was the Associate Director of the Writing Resource Center. During his legal career, he served in the State of Alaska Department of Law as an Assistant Attorney General, where he represented the state in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and permit appeals. He has also worked as a public defender in Juneau, Alaska, and as associate oversight counsel for the Resources Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

Learn from Leaders

PhD and MA in Anthropology specializing in Historical Archaeology, BA in Anthropology, Archaeology, and History

Dr. Jessica Young
Global Expert in Historical Ecology and Human-Environment Relationships

Learn More About Dr. Young

Dr. Jessica Young
Global Expert in Historical Ecology and Human-Environment Relationships

Dr. Jessica M. H. Young holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Anthropology specializing in Historical Archaeology from the College of William and Mary and a B.A. from Cornell University with majors in Anthropology, Archaeology, and History as well as a concentration in American Indian Studies. Dr. Young’s research pertains to historical ecology or past and present human-environmental relationships, food and diet, taskscapes, and landscape, and she utilizes archaeology and paleoethnobotany (the study of ancient plants) to explore these subjects. She has worked in distinct archaeological contexts, but her work is primarily focused on Indigenous sites as well as shell midden sites in North America.

Learn from Leaders

EdD in Higher Education with Focus in Science Education, MS and BS in Physics

Dr. Bruce Brazell
Global Expert in Mathematics and Physics

Learn More About Dr. Brazell

Dr. Bruce Brazell
Global Expert in Mathematics and Physics

Dr. Brazell’s earliest childhood memories are of the Apollo moon landings. The thrill and excitement of those days stayed with him over the years and influenced his career path to go into the sciences. He earned a BS and MS in physics and an Ed.D. in Higher Education (focusing on science education). After a brief stint working in an observatory, Dr. Brazell followed the education path initially working as a high school physics teacher then progressing into the role of college physics and astronomy professor. Eventually, he moved into administration where he served as a dean for a national university for many years. Dr. Brazell’s publication experience includes physics preparation books for Kaplan, teaching certification materials for ABCTE, study guides and test items for state science standards exams, book reviews, and contributions to the Astronomy Education Review.

Dr. Brazell and his wife have been together for over three decades and successfully raised five children. They keep busy taking care of a menagerie of rescued cats and dogs, various improvement projects on home and rental properties, and spending time with grandchildren. He holds a mudlarking permit from the Port of London Authority and has searched the Thames foreshore collecting items such as Roman pottery shards, 300-year old clay pipes, and 19th century mineral water bottles. Dr. Brazell is actively involved in informal astronomy activities and sets up his telescope at various locales to give people a chance to look at celestial objects in an effort to spark conversations about the fragility and uniqueness of our home planet.

Have Questions About the Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies?

Environmental studies allows you to explore diverse career opportunities related to the environment and sustainability. You can work as an environmental consultant, helping organizations navigate environmental regulations and adopt sustainable practices. Alternatively, you could become a sustainability manager, developing, and implementing strategies to minimize environmental impact within businesses. Additionally, you can pursue roles as an environmental policy analyst or environmental educator.

The BS in Environmental Studies at Unity Environmental University prepares students for a wide range of environmental careers. This interdisciplinary program provides students with a holistic understanding of environmental issues, including those related to natural resources and resource management. The program teaches students to use tools and perspectives from a variety of disciplines including the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities to understand the causes and consequences of environmental problems. Graduates will be able to enter a wide variety of environmental careers.

Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:

48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years
30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years

General Education Core: 24 credits
Elective Courses: 77 credits
Program Core: 19 credits

EVPC 102: Ecoliteracy for a Sustainable World
EVPC 210: Environmental Issues: Ocean Acidification
EVPC 211: Environmental Issues: Forever Chemicals
EVPC 212: Environmental Issues: Light and Noise Pollution
EVPC 213: Environmental Issues: Climate Refugee Crisis
EVPC 310: Environmental Issues: Impacts of Renewable Energy on Marine Ecosystems
EVPC 311: Environmental Issues: Environmental Consequences of Industrial Agriculture
EVPC 320: Environmental Justice in an Ethical Context
EVPC 321: Leading Change: Project Stewardship for Environmental Transformation
EVPC 490: Transdisciplinary Capstone
MGMT 303: Strategic Management for Social Change

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