Environmental Science
Bachelor of Science

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
We will prepare you to find innovative and sustainable solutions to today’s critical environmental challenges, including pollution and climate change. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable faculty will engage you in the process of creating new scientific knowledge that, in turn, will enable you to impact a rapidly changing world.
An online bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Arizona empowers you with a diverse and practical skillset in science, communication, critical thinking and leadership, enabling you to tackle any issue affecting our land, air and water systems.
Our graduates work on the sustainable management of land and water resources; the environmental impact of resource extraction, agriculture and urbanization; and the remediation and restoration of disturbed environments.
There are several prerequisites for this degree that are not offered in a fully online format. Students enrolled in either track will need to transfer in or obtain equivalent credit concurrently for CHEM 151: General Chemistry I (4 units), CHEM 152: General Chemistry II (4 units) and MIC 205A: Introductory Microbiology (3 units). Students in the Soil, Air and Water Emphasis will also need to transfer in or obtain equivalent credit concurrently for Calculus (3-4 units).
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
The curriculum for this degree program include:
Skills
Earning your Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science will build core skills, including:
- biology
- chemistry
- data analysis
- field research
- laboratory research
- microbiology
- molecular biology
- natural resource management
- research and analytical methods
- soil science
- technical writing
- water quality
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Areas of Emphasis

SOIL, AIR AND WATER EMPHASIS
Want to expand your knowledge about our ecosystems? This path in our environmental science program emphasizes strategies to help you solve difficult issues faced by civilization in its stewardship of Earth’s physical resources. Course topics include: environmental chemistry, environmental physics, environmental microbiology, biostatistics, geographic information sciences and professional development for environmental careers.
Graduates work as scientists, technicians, consultants and project managers. Some of these jobs may require an advanced degree or certification, but with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science focusing on soil, air and water, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career.
SOIL, AIR AND WATER EMPHASIS
Courses
SOIL, AIR AND WATER EMPHASIS
Courses in this emphasis may include:
- ENVS 316: Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
- ENVS 426: Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry
- ENVS 410: Microbial Biogeochemistry and Global Change
- ENVS 442: Limnology
SOIL, AIR AND WATER EMPHASIS
Details
LEADERSHIP, SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNICATION EMPHASIS
Learn how to advocate for our environment! This path in our environmental science program teaches you environmental laws, regulations and policies so you can devise policies in response to pollution, waste management, biodiversity, natural resource management and climate change.
Course topics include: fundamentals of environmental science and sustainability, environmental justice, communicating science and environmental ethics.
Graduates work in government, private and public sectors focusing in sustainability, advocacy and policy.
LEADERSHIP, SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNICATION EMPHASIS
Courses
LEADERSHIP, SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNICATION EMPHASIS
Courses in this emphasis may include:
- ENVS 270: Critical Zone Science
- ENVS 310: Ecosystem Health and Justice
- ENVS 415: Translating Environmental Science
- ENVS 444: Applied Environmental Law