Best Online Environmental Engineering Degree Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online environmental engineering degree program?

You can expect a rigorous, science-based curriculum that meets the exact same high standards as an on-campus program. The core of the program is learning how to apply scientific principles to design and build real-world environmental solutions.

It’s important to understand how this path differs from others. A sustainability degree often focuses on strategy and management, while an energy policy degree deals with law and economics. An online environmental engineering degree is for the person who wants to physically design the water purification system, the air pollution scrubber, or the waste remediation site.

The curriculum is challenging because it has to be. It provides you with the specific technical skills necessary for hands-on work. You’ll move from foundational math and science into core engineering principles, all to create tangible systems that protect public health and the environment.

Where can I work with an online environmental engineering degree?

Graduates with this degree work across a wide variety of professional settings, from private consulting firms and large corporations to government agencies. You aren't limited to a government job or remote fieldwork.

Many go into private consulting, where they design environmental solutions for a range of corporate and public clients. You'll also find them in crucial public sector roles, working for state agencies or the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure our water and air stay clean.

And don't overlook the corporate world. Large companies rely on environmental engineers to manage their impact, oversee remediation projects, and lead sustainability efforts. This gives you a real choice between office-based design work and more hands-on project management in the field.

How much can I make with an online environmental engineering degree?

The median annual wage for environmental engineers is $104,170. That number is a direct reflection of the critical nature of the work and the high level of technical skill required to perform it.

While starting salaries are competitive, consider the median figure as a mid-career target. The path to the highest earning potential in this field involves gaining experience and earning your Professional Engineer (PE) license. That credential is the key that unlocks senior roles and top-tier salaries.

List of the Best Online Environmental Engineering Degree Programs for 2025

1. Unity Environmental University - Environmental Engineering Bachelor of Science

Unity Environmental University equips students to address pressing global challenges through its climate-ready engineering curriculum. The program emphasizes practical applications in renewable energy and sustainable urban development, creating innovative solutions for a healthier planet.

• Program Length: 2.5–5 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $470
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Southern New Hampshire University - Environmental Science Degree Online Bachelor of Science

Southern New Hampshire University offers a strong foundation in natural and physical sciences, complemented by hands-on learning through custom at-home lab kits. Students can further specialize their knowledge by choosing a concentration in either data analytics or natural resources and conservation.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Concentrations: Data Analytics in Science; and Natural Resources and Conservation
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $342
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

3. Colorado State University - Environmental and Natural Resource Economics Bachelor of Science

Colorado State University offers a unique program that blends rigorous economic theory with natural resource management. Students learn to utilize analytical tools to evaluate the economic implications of environmental policies and develop sustainable, data-driven business strategies.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $490
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Florida International University - Online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment

Florida International University emphasizes the connections between social, natural, and built environments to promote holistic problem-solving. The program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum and a dedicated success coach to help students develop creative, adaptive solutions to real-world sustainability challenges.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $235.57 (in-state); $648.87 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. University of Phoenix - Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science Degree

The University of Phoenix equips students with a practical skill set focused on contemporary issues, including sustainability, ethics, and public policy analysis. The curriculum is designed to develop scientific thinking and information utilization skills, enabling students to propose and manage effective solutions to environmental problems.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $398
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. American Public University - Online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

American Public University offers a program taught by expert practitioners from prominent federal agencies and environmental organizations. The curriculum combines coursework in natural and social sciences with engaging virtual labs to provide a strong conceptual understanding of environmental policy and management.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Concentration: Fish and Wildlife Conservation
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $350
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. University of Arizona - Environmental Science Bachelor of Science

The University of Arizona prepares students to find innovative solutions for critical environmental challenges through a diverse and practical curriculum. Students can choose to emphasize either the technical aspects of soil, air, and water science or the policy-focused track in leadership, sustainability, and communication.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Areas of Emphasis: Soil, Air and Water; and Leadership, Sustainability and Communication
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $525
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

8. Oakland University - Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety

Oakland University leverages its location in Southeast Michigan’s industrial sector to provide extensive real-world experience through internships and field placements. The program uses state-of-the-art labs to simulate real-life challenges, preparing graduates with marketable skills that are in extremely high demand.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $570.50
• Accreditation: Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

9. Virginia Wesleyan University - Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

Virginia Wesleyan University offers a well-rounded education that emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues, encompassing science, economics, and other related fields. The program focuses on real-world skill development and offers a flexible online format taught by highly qualified faculty with years of professional experience.

• Program Length: 12 months
• Required Credits to Graduate: 128
• Cost per Credit: $410
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

10. Purdue Global - Online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability

Purdue Global offers a program that combines science with data analytics, policy, and management to prepare students for leadership roles. Students can choose from seven distinct concentrations, including supply chain management and economics, to tailor their degree toward a specific corporate or nonprofit career path.

• Program Length: 2–4 years
• Concentrations: Decision Management; Economics; Environmental Science; Health Sciences; Social Issues; Supply Chain and Logistics; and Sustainable Hospitality
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $371
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How long does it take to complete an online environmental engineering degree program?

A bachelor's degree program is typically four years of full-time study. However, one of the key benefits of an online environmental engineering degree is its flexibility. Most universities offer part-time options that allow you to balance your studies with work or family commitments, though this will extend the overall timeline. Just like online counseling psychology programs, these degrees are designed to provide flexibility while maintaining academic rigor.

If you already have some college credits, you can shorten your path to graduation. Transfer credits from a previous degree or community college can often satisfy the general education requirements, allowing you to focus sooner on the core engineering coursework.

Engineering's Growing Popularity

That four-year timeline is not arbitrary; it's a sign of the program's quality. The length is determined by the high standards required to earn an accredited engineering degree, which is a credential that is rapidly growing in value and demand.

This commitment is an investment made by a growing number of students who recognize the long-term career stability it offers. The time you spend is necessary to meet the rigorous curriculum standards set by professional bodies like ABET, which ensures your degree is respected by employers nationwide.

How does an online environmental engineering program compare to an on-campus program?

When it comes to quality, an accredited online program offers the same curriculum and the same respected degree as its on-campus counterpart. The key to ensuring this equivalence is accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

If an online program has ABET accreditation, it has met the highest professional standard. It means the curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes have been rigorously vetted and found to meet the same benchmarks as a traditional on-campus program. Employers understand this and view the degrees as equal.

The Value of Skills Honed Through Online Learning

People often ask how you can learn hands-on engineering skills online. Top programs have solved this with a combination of advanced simulation software and sophisticated at-home lab kits. These tools allow you to conduct experiments and practically apply theoretical knowledge.

Furthermore, completing a rigorous technical program online demonstrates a unique set of skills that employers highly value. The self-discipline and time management you develop are proof that you are a motivated, self-starting professional. This ability to master complex, data-driven subjects remotely is a powerful signal to employers in many technical industries, including those hiring from the fastest online bachelor's degree programs in analytics.

What is the average cost of an online environmental engineering degree program?

According to our research, the average total tuition for an online environmental engineering degree is approximately $48,252 for in-state students and $53,762 for out-of-state students. It's best to think of this cost as a direct investment in your professional future. Much like CDL training online, the expenses should be weighed against the potential career advancement and long-term salary benefits.

The price of a program is a significant factor, but it's only one part of the overall financial picture. The total cost can vary significantly depending on the specific university, whether it's a public or private institution, and the number of credits required for completion.

Understanding the Investment

When you look at those tuition figures, it's essential to place them in the context of your potential earnings. With a median salary of over $104,000, the return on this educational investment is substantial and pays off for years to come.

Furthermore, choosing an online program can lead to significant savings on other college-related expenses. You won't have the costs associated with commuting, campus parking, or relocating to a new city.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online environmental engineering degree program?

You can fund your degree using several types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, federal and private loans, and work-study programs. Understanding these sources is the first step to building a solid financial plan.

The main categories of aid are broken down like this:

• Scholarships: These are merit-based awards that you do not have to repay, often given for academic achievement or other qualifications.
• Grants: This is need-based aid that also does not require repayment, with the most common example being the Federal Pell Grant.
• Federal and Private Loans: These are borrowed funds that you will need to repay with interest after you graduate or leave school.
• Work-Study Programs: These federally funded programs enable students to earn money through part-time employment, helping to cover educational expenses.

Tapping into STEM-Specific Funding

Beyond those general sources, it's smart to look for funding specifically created to encourage students to enter critical STEM fields, such as engineering. Because this work is so essential to national priorities, many private foundations and government initiatives offer targeted aid.

A great next step is to search online for "environmental engineering scholarships." Most importantly, always speak directly with the financial aid office at any university you're considering. They are the experts and can connect you with institutional aid you might not find anywhere else.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online environmental engineering degree program?

To get into an online environmental engineering degree program, you will typically need a high school diploma or GED. Admissions offices will be looking for a strong foundation in specific subjects, including calculus, physics, and chemistry. Much like an online data analytics bootcamp, these prerequisites are designed to ensure you have the baseline skills necessary to succeed once the program begins.

These requirements are not meant to be a barrier. They are the essential building blocks you will need to succeed in the core engineering courses that follow. Think of them as a clear guide to what you need to know before you start.

Accessible Pathways to Meet the Requirements

Now, if you're looking at that list and feeling a sense of dread because you're missing one or more of those courses, take a deep breath. This is a very common situation, especially for career-switchers, and there are clear, established solutions.

Many students will first take the required math and science courses at a local community college. This is an affordable and effective way to build the foundation you need, and those credits often transfer directly into your four-year program. Some universities even offer specific "bridge" programs designed to get you up to speed. The path is there if you are willing to take it step by step.

What courses are typically in an online environmental engineering degree program?

The curriculum is a structured blend of foundational science, core engineering principles, and specialized environmental topics. It’s designed to build your skills progressively, moving from theory to application. Much like a Christian leadership degree online, the coursework is intentionally sequenced so that each subject builds on the last, preparing you for advanced applications.

You can expect courses to fall into three main areas:

• Foundational Mathematics and Sciences: This includes multiple levels of calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology, which form the scientific bedrock for everything else.
• Core Engineering Principles: These are the classes that teach you how engineers think, with titles like Statics, Dynamics, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics.
• Specialized Environmental Engineering Topics: Here, you apply your knowledge to real-world problems in courses like Water Quality Control, Air Pollution Control, and Solid Waste Management.

From Theory to Practice: What You’ll Learn to Build

It’s easy to get intimidated by those course titles, but it’s better to think of them as tools. A class like Thermodynamics isn’t just theory; it’s what teaches you to design geothermal energy and heat exchange systems. Fluid Mechanics gives you the principles to create systems that manage stormwater runoff or protect sensitive coastal areas. This is where you learn to build.

Modern engineering is also heavily data-driven. Expect to learn software like AutoCAD for design and GIS for mapping environmental data. As you can see in the chart below, top employment sectors, such as engineering services and technical consulting, rely on this data.

This focus on data is universal, with some students adding an accelerated data science online course with certificate to gain an edge. The entire curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills necessary for these high-demand jobs.

What types of specializations are available in an online environmental engineering degree program?

Most programs allow you to tailor your degree by choosing a specialization. This lets you focus your advanced coursework on a specific area that aligns with your career goals.

Common specializations include:

• Water Resources and Quality
• Air Quality and Pollution Control
• Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
• Sustainable Infrastructure and Energy Systems

Aligning Your Specialization with Your Career Path

Choosing a specialization is a crucial strategic decision that significantly impacts your entire career. It can be a direct financial choice, as focusing on skills for high-demand sectors like energy extraction or specialized manufacturing can position you for the most lucrative jobs, as the data below shows.

This is also where you define your long-term professional identity. Remember our earlier distinction about this degree being for the "builders"? Some students discover they want to be a builder after first exploring the field with a broader environmental science degree.

For them, the "two-step" path—using a bachelor's degree in science to gain admission to a master's program in engineering—is a common and respected way to become a licensed engineer. As you plan, it's wise to compare the MEng vs MS salary and career tracks to see how these different paths align with your ultimate goals.

How to choose the best online environmental engineering program?

The best program for you is the one that aligns directly with your ultimate career goal. While factors such as cost and specialization are essential, the most critical consideration is accreditation. If your goal is to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), you must choose an online environmental engineering degree program that is accredited by ABET.

There is no substitute for ABET accreditation. It is the gold standard that signals to employers and state licensing boards that your education has met the highest professional benchmarks. Choosing a non-accredited program can close the door to licensure before you even start.

A Three-Pathway Decision Framework

To make your choice, think about which of these three common career paths best fits your ambition:

• The Professional Engineer (PE) Pathway: If you know you want to design, build, and sign off on engineering projects, your choice is clear. You need an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in a field of engineering. This is the most direct route to licensure and the highest levels of professional practice.
• The Scientist or Strategist Pathway: If your passion is more for research, policy, advocacy, or corporate sustainability management, a bachelor's degree in environmental science or sustainability may be a better fit. These roles focus on analysis and strategy rather than licensed design work.
• The "Two-Step" Bridge Pathway: This is for those who want to start broader and specialize later. You can begin with a bachelor's in a science field and then pursue an ABET-accredited master's degree in engineering to become eligible for licensure.

What career paths are available for graduates of an online environmental engineering degree program?

Graduates of this program become the engineers who design, build, and manage the systems that protect our environment and public health. They develop solutions for complex problems, including water and air pollution, waste management, and land remediation.

These are hands-on, technical roles. You might design a new water treatment plant for a growing city, engineer a system to capture pollutants from a factory, or manage the cleanup of a contaminated industrial site. You are the person who translates scientific data into a functional, real-world solution.

Engineering vs. Science Roles in Practice

To make this crystal clear, let's use an example. Imagine a contaminated lake. An environmental scientist might collect water samples and analyze the data to determine the extent of the pollution. The environmental engineer then designs the system to clean the lake.

This is the core distinction. While an engineer designs the system, a scientist might study its biological impact; understanding the aquatic biologist salary helps clarify this distinction in roles and responsibilities.

In the clean energy revolution, engineers are the field commanders, designing the wind farms and solar fields that technicians then build and maintain. This leadership role is why the demand for green energy jobs, such as wind turbine technicians and solar installers, is projected to grow by over 50%.

What is the job market for graduates of an online environmental engineering degree program?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in this field will grow by 7% over the next decade, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

This translates to about 3,000 job openings projected each year, on average. This steady demand is a direct result of the critical need for professionals who can design and manage solutions that protect the environment and promote public health. Prospects are strongest for graduates of ABET-accredited programs, especially those who pursue internships and work toward professional licensure.

A Uniquely Durable Career

That steady demand makes this a uniquely durable career path. The need to maintain drinking water systems, clean up contaminated land, and manage air quality doesn't go away during an economic downturn. These are fundamental societal needs.

Because of this, environmental engineering offers a level of long-term job security that is rare in many other fields. You are choosing a career protecting public health, similar in spirit to those in the fastest online public safety degree programs. This essential role in maintaining our country's infrastructure and well-being provides a professional foundation that you can count on for a lifetime.

What challenges might you face in an online environmental engineering program?

Students may encounter hurdles in managing rigorous technical coursework remotely, limited access to on-campus laboratory experiences, and challenges in engaging in collaborative, hands-on projects. Adopting structured study schedules, utilizing advanced simulation tools, and seeking proactive academic support can help overcome these obstacles. Moreover, verifying that the program offers reliable technical assistance and extensive career services is essential. For institutions that balance cost with quality, explore affordable online colleges for engineering degrees.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Online Environmental Engineering Degree Program

Other Things You Should Know About Online Environmental Engineering Degree Programs

Is an online environmental engineering degree respected by employers?

Yes, an online environmental engineering degree from an accredited university is respected by employers. The most crucial factor is ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accreditation. If a program is ABET-accredited, employers view it as equivalent to an on-campus degree in terms of quality and rigor.

Can I get a Professional Engineer (PE) license with an online degree?

Yes, you can become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with an online degree, provided it is from an ABET-accredited program. Graduating from an ABET-accredited bachelor's program is the first significant step toward licensure. After graduating, you will also need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gain several years of professional experience before you can take the PE exam.

What is the difference between an environmental engineer and an environmental scientist?

The primary difference is that environmental engineers design and construct solutions, whereas environmental scientists investigate and analyze environmental issues. An engineer might create a water treatment plant or a system to reduce air pollution. A scientist would be more likely to research the sources of that pollution and study its impact on the ecosystem.

Are there any part-time or accelerated online environmental engineering programs?

Yes, many universities offer both part-time and accelerated options for their online environmental engineering degrees. Part-time programs allow you to take fewer classes per semester, making it easier to balance your studies with work or family. Accelerated programs offer a more intensive course load to help you finish your degree faster. However, they require a significant time commitment.