A master’s degree in environmental management is the next step for students looking for advanced challenges and opportunities in environmental science and sustainability. With growing awareness and concern for how human activities impact the environment, jobs for environmental management specialists are on trend to create 6,900 job openings each year from 2022 to 2023.
Graduates can pursue various research, management, consulting, and other in-demand roles in many industries. Environmental engineers earn an annual median wage of $96,530, and environmental scientists earn approximately $76,480. Students can develop the expertise required for these roles with a master’s in environmental management, which costs approximately $20,513 annually. Programs usually span about two years and offer many work co-op and internship opportunities to immerse students in the environmental management and science field.
How to Choose an Environmental Management Program
Choose your area of study
Environmental science is a broad field with many specializations and career opportunities, and environmental management graduate programs prepare students for a variety of advanced leadership and research roles. As you research areas of study, consider your career objectives, personal interests, and other factors to find a program that aligns with your goals.
Most master’s of environmental management programs fall under a science designation and utilize science-based strategies to develop students’ understanding of sustainability, risks, financial concepts, and regulations. These programs best suit those interested in leadership roles that use analysis skills to address environmental challenges, such as environmental engineering, urban planning, and consulting.
Environmental science graduate degrees overlap concepts with management programs but focus on climate and environmental research and analysis. These programs emphasize math and science and help students develop the skills to gather and analyze data to identify and study environmental issues. Graduates often pursue careers as climate scientists, environmental scientists, and other research or educational faculty positions.
Since environmental science is a broad field, most master’s programs require students to specialize. Programs vary, but common specialization options include:
- Energy and environmental systems
- Freshwater and terrestrial ecology
- Coastal and marine systems
- Environmental economics and policy
- Ecotoxicology
Research schools and programs
Start your research on school and program websites, where you’ll find an overview of what to expect during your education. Speak to admissions counselors or program representatives for additional insight, and attend in-person or virtual campus tours, open houses, and information sessions.
Throughout your research, verify that schools and programs have institutional regional accreditation by referencing the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Accrediting bodies evaluate schools according to the Department of Education’s quality standards, and accreditation is necessary for federal financial aid eligibility. Accreditation can also affect your ability to transfer credits or even gain employment.
Prepare for tests and applications
Admission requirements vary by institution and program, but they typically include the following:
- Application form and fees
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Transcripts and minimum GPA
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Statement of purpose
- Resume or CV
- GRE or GMAT scores
- TOEFL scores (for students educated in a non-English language)
Applicants for environmental management programs typically possess an undergraduate degree in physical or chemical sciences such as geography, geology, biology, chemistry, or engineering. Some programs have minimum calculus and statistics credit requirements, and they may require previous training, work experience, or additional education related to your area of study.
Select your program
Programs and institutions offer various features and logistics that can shape students’ overall experience and success. Consider the following:
- Curriculum
- Tuition cost
- Course delivery method
- Graduation requirements
- Practical experience
- Recreation and amenities
Some factors may carry different weight in program selection depending on individual circumstances. For instance, those already in the workforce or with other obligations may prefer the flexibility and convenience of an online, part-time, or hybrid program; others may find they work best in structured in-person programs.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Most students pay for their education with a combination of savings, loans, grants, scholarships, and other funding. Regardless of financial circumstances, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which assesses and awards students with need-based financial assistance.
Merit-based aid from your institution, non-profit foundations, and various private organizations can help fund your degree. Some environmental management programs may also offer fellowship or assistantship positions with stipends, tuitions, or salaries. If you’re employed, inquire with your employer about tuition assistance benefits.
Best 50 Accredited Environmental Management Programs
