Coursework in American Military University’s online environmental science degree program draws from both the natural sciences and the social sciences. Online students work to better understand environmental factors that affect living organisms. This Bachelor of Science program also explores fundamental principles of:
- Conservation law enforcement
- Environmental policy and analysis
- Environmental management issues
- Stewardship of natural resources
- Pollution management
- Fish and wildlife management
- Hazardous materials management
Our faculty includes environmental scientists whose careers have challenged them to address real-world problems, such as climate change. Their combined experiences across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and environmental consulting firms offer robust insight into the discipline and help fuel thought-provoking class discussions.
Environmental Science Concentration Tracks
As an environmental science major, you will have the opportunity to focus your studies with a degree concentration in fish and wildlife management. Courses delve into the principles of natural resource management and examine the federal and state agencies responsible for this work. After completing this concentration, you will be well-versed in the natural systems that sustain living organisms, as well as the impact of human activities on these populations.
About the Concentration
A general concentration allows you to take courses across a number of areas of study within your program based on your own interests.
Program Objectives
About the Concentration
Offers an overview of concepts and principles of fish and wildlife resource management. Examines the agencies responsible for resource management and the competencies of professional fish and wildlife managers. Management techniques and methods, public lands management, and the regulations, policies, and politics that influence U.S. fish and wildlife management are also covered.
NOTE: Students wishing to enroll in SCIN311, SCIN314, SCIN401, or SCIN402 for their concentration work MUST also take BIOL134 as a prerequisite. BIOL134 is NOT included in the BS Environmental Science major and is needed for these more specialized courses offered through the Natural Sciences program. This requirement cannot be waived. Please note that students can complete the Concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management without taking these specialized courses, but if these courses are desired the additional BIOL134 prerequisite must be completed as part of the student’s elective hours.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental concepts and principles of the management of fish and wildlife resources.
- Explain the impact of human activities on the survival and management of fish and wildlife populations.
- Identify the federal, state, and local agencies responsible for the management of fish and wildlife resources.
- List the competencies needed to become a professional fish or wildlife manager.
- Compare the effectiveness of fish and wildlife management techniques and methods.
- Explain the regulations, policies, and politics that influence the management of fish and wildlife in the U.S.
About the Concentration
The undergraduate Climate Change and Resilience Concentration offers students an interdisciplinary approach to understanding, addressing climate change, as well as adapting to its risks and impacts on both ecological and human systems. This includes the environmental, economic, and social factors that affect how natural and human systems respond to ongoing changes in climate. Students who choose this concentration gain foundational knowledge that will help them inform the management of resources, support adaptation and mitigation strategies, and foster resilience in vulnerable systems.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental concepts and principles of climate science, adaptation, and resilience.
- Compare risk and vulnerability of natural and human systems to climate-related outcomes.
- Assess adaptation strategies across different sectors, with a focus on optimizing resources and supporting long-term benefits.
- Explain policies, regulations, and laws that influence how societies are addressing climate change, including considerations for mitigation and the protection of systems such as water supply.
- Develop interdisciplinary approaches that integrate ecological, social, cultural, and economic perspectives to advance climate change and resilience concentration goals through effective planning and use of finance and other key supports.
Explore Career Pathways You Can Pursue with an Environmental Science Degree
Environmental science is the study of the environment through the lens of biological sciences, physical science, math, and geology. Considering these disciplines provides insight to help us better manage natural resources and combat environmental hazards.
In AMU’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program, you will:
- Explore how the health of the air, water, and soil impacts natural systems and human health.
- Utilize tools, including geographic information systems, to understand and evaluate environmental issues.
- Learn the factors that impact development of and compliance with environmental regulations.
- Discover how historic, social, and economic factors impact the environment.
- Understand how economic development and sustainable practices go hand-in-hand.
- Learn about the impact of ecological disasters on human life, productivity, and social and economic welfare.
- Determine how to overcome barriers to sustainability and responsible development.
Having a strong foundation in the principles of environmental science prepares students to solve real-world problems, from addressing global climate change to supporting wildlife ecology. Environmental science majors may consider potential careers as:
- Environmental policy analysts or planners, who help shape laws that affect our natural resources
- Environmental health officers, who may inspect drinking water supplies, workplaces, and/or housing to help uphold environmental health standards and combat pollution
- Wildlife biologists or game wardens, who study and manage wildlife species to protect animals and their habitats
- Land-use or urban planners, who help design communities to be more environmentally sustainable
This online environmental science degree program helps you deepen your knowledge about the world around you. Coursework also imparts practical skills as you consider the real-life context for the theories and principles discussed in class.
You will learn how to:
- Execute scientific investigation and analyze environmental data to uncover innovative strategies for ecosystem health
- Communicate the principles of environmental science effectively to diverse audiences that include military personnel and civilian stakeholders
- Evaluate social, cultural, and political aspects of environmental management
- Develop ethical and sustainable solutions to environmental management issues
- Utilize geographic information systems and other tools to assess issues surrounding natural resource management and environmental conservation
Complete our short online application to start the admission process. You’ll be asked to choose an academic program when you complete the form, but you can change this at any time. There is no fee to apply and the process takes just a few minutes.
Apple Now“ Personally, having the fortitude to dive into and finish the environmental science program opened my universe to all that is possible in the world. I understood the importance of our precious soil all the way up to the wondrous atmosphere. ”
Browse Courses in AMU’s Environmental Science Program
Connect with Faculty and Peers Through Online Student Communities and Clubs
You can connect with faculty, alumni, and other students through the University’s many student clubs and virtual communities. Environmental science majors may be especially interested in AMU’s:
- Association for Women in Science
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science
- National Association of Environmental Professionals chapter
Students can also pursue online campus leadership opportunities or even participate in volunteer services. Learn more about student activities at American Military University.
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Learn MorePursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science is Affordable at AMU
- $0 Application Fee
- $0 Textbooks & EBooks
- $0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
- 72% students have graduated with no APUS-incurred student loan debt3
Earning a degree is a valuable investment, but it needs to fit into your budget. Our tuition calculator can help you estimate your total costs, so you can plan a manageable path to your educational goals. For more information, please refer to the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).
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As a leader in higher education for the nation’s military and a top choice for veterans using education benefits, AMU proudly accepts Tuition Assistance (TA) and GI Bill®7 benefits. Our experienced Military Tuition Assistance team can help you understand your eligibility, apply your benefits, and make the most out of your available resources.
Learn MoreApplying to This Online Environmental Science Degree Program
Learning about our environment and proper natural resource management is a must for protecting air, water, land, and even our food supply. The better we understand ecology, the better equipped we are to develop effective sustainable practices and improve wildlife conservation.
AMU’s curriculum emphasizes these important issues while addressing the social and ethical foundations of environmental justice. When you enroll in this online degree program, you demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding our planet’s resources. Submit your application online today to expand your role in the ongoing battle against global climate change.
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- There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
Learn More About Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science
Environmental scientists and other environmental science professionals hold important roles within the military in many capacities:
- Marine science and environmental protection specialists enforce coastal environmental and wildlife protections and respond to disasters that affect our waterways.
- Environmental health and safety officers apply scientific principles to protect the military community by identifying and combating environmental health hazards.
- Environmental engineers consult on the mitigation of environmental issues such as site contamination.
- Weather and environmental scientists study weather patterns and their impact on military operations.
The degree you choose should align with your unique academic and career goals. A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science provides foundational knowledge of the relationship between natural sciences and public policy. Students also usually gain a general overview of natural resource management concepts and pollution science.
Students may move on from a bachelor’s program to a master's-level program. In these graduate programs, they will dig deeper to address today's most complex environmental problems. In addition, students in master’s programs discuss:
- Endangered species protection
- Wildlife conservation
- Climate change
- Water resource availability
- Data analysis
- Environmental law
Students in our environmental science program may also work with their academic advisors to identify relevant internship opportunities that may be completed for credit.
Yes. When you pursue an environmental science degree at AMU, you will learn from educators who are active in the scientific community and well-versed in today’s environmental problems. Our faculty members have worked at government agencies, including the National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Forest Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; nonprofit organizations, such as the Nature Conservancy and the Wilderness Society; and environmental consulting firms. They bring firsthand knowledge of the real-world context for the topics you will explore throughout the course of your studies.
Many of our faculty members also enjoy serving as mentors to help students who have a keen interest in solving environmental issues.
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2Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021
Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.
1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
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The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
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