Summary of work: More than 46 hours of research. Every online Master in Environmental Management program in the US analyzed. 17 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 24 of the best programs identified.
A master’s degree in environmental management is a perfect fit for students who have strong leadership skills and want to help save the planet. Graduates can go on to many different careers; they can find jobs in commercial, governmental, industrial, and even military organizations. Ultimately, a master’s in environmental management will prepare students solve problems such as pollution, waste, climate change, and resource distribution that deeply impact the world we live in. Environmental managers strive to do what they can to make our world a better place.
While curricula in environmental management classes can vary quite a bit, students should expect some basic courses in environmental law and policy, water resources management, ecosystem science, and the economics of environmental management. Graduates will come away with a greater grasp of the environmental problems facing the world, and—more importantly—they will also have the skills to educate others about these issues and to implement solutions to the problems.
Environmental management is a vital field that is growing consistently, and there are many lucrative positions available for graduates with a master’ degree. It is also important to remember that—as of now—we only have one world to live in; therefore, the environmental managers who fight to keep the planet healthy and thriving are doing immensely important work.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Environmental Management program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and list of the 24 best online Environmental Management programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Duke University is an innovative leader in higher education and has an unmatched master's in environmental management program. This program includes a relevant curriculum, a multidisciplinary approach, a flexible format and a leadership focus to help develop students into innovative leaders in the field.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Nicholas School of the Environment
Program Name: Master Of Environmental Management
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate Degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Spring 2019: January 10; Summer 2019: May 16
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: January 15, 2019
Work Experience: 5 years of relevant professional experience
Harvard University is a leader in higher education and has earned its reputation through the many successes of its graduate students. Those who exit the master's degree program in sustainability become future leaders and help to develop the policies and systems that impact environmental change for the better.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Sustainability Master's Degree
Available Concentrations: Corporate Sustainability, Green Building, Environmental Policy and International Development, or Natural Resource Management
DeliveryFormat: Hybrid
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: December 19; January 27
GPA: 3.0
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has established itself as a top leader in the country for providing online courses to distance learners. Since 1999, the university has provided numerous master's degree programs that have helped graduates to succeed in the field, and the Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies program is one of the best for students who want to become administrative leaders.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 32 credits
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 15; Spring: November 15; Summer: March 15
GPA: 3.0
Johns Hopkins University is renowned for its commitment to higher education and quality academics, and it shows with its master's in environmental planning and management program. Students in this program learn from qualified professionals and an industry-leading curriculum to excel as leaders in their respective organizations.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Whiting School of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Environmental Planning and Management
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Work Experience: Significant relevant work experience
The University of Wisconsin-Madison provides an accelerated track for students who want to earn their master's degrees in environmental management more quickly. Students can complete this entire program in only 15 months and earn a degree to advance their careers almost immediately.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
Program Name: Master of Science in Environmental Conservation
DeliveryFormat: Hybrid
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 32 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 15 months
Program start dates: Spring: Jan 22, 2019; Fall: Sep 4, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: 2-5 years of professional work experience
Columbia University designed its Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Engineering program for engineers and scientists who are actively engaged in or planning to pursue a career in environmental management or development. This program emphasizes environmentally sound mining and processing of minerals, energy and water and includes technologies for assessing past damage to the environment.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Program Name: Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Engineering
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree in engineering, science, mathematics, computer science or other related field
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: February 15, 2019
North Carolina State University delivers its master's in environmental management program in a convenient online format, using several technologies such as DVDs, webcasting and internet streaming. Students can take the courses asynchronously, giving them the freedom to log in and complete the lessons at their own pace.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources
Program Name: Master of Environmental Assessment
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: April 15; Spring: September 30
GPA: 3.0
Penn State World Campus is a leader in higher education and provides a leadership-focused master's degree program in renewable energy and sustainability systems. Graduates are equipped with advanced skills in systems and research and have the knowledge to serve as leaders in today's green economy.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems
Available Concentrations: Solar Energy, Sustainability Management and Policy
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 32 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: August 20, 2018; January 7, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: May 20; Spring: October 20; Summer: February 20
Virginia Tech is the ideal choice for students who want to learn through hands-on training thanks to the school's international field experience. This experience prepares students to succeed at the global level and gives them the skills to make positive impacts in global sustainability.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Natural Resources
DeliveryFormat: Hybrid
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate Degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 10; Spring: January 10; Summer: May 10
GPA: 3.0
Arizona State University offers a highly flexible master's degree program in environmental management for students who want to earn their degrees in an online format. Students can also attend sessions on campus and tailor the program to align with their current work schedules.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
Program Name: M.S. in Environmental and Resource Management
Available Concentrations: Environmental Management, International Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-Campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program start dates: Fall 2018: August 16, 2018; Spring: January 7, 2019; Summer: May 20, 2019; Fall 2019: August 22, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: September 15; Fall: April 1
GPA: 3.0
The University of Denver offers a highly accessible master's degree program in environmental management for current managers who want to advance their careers by increasing their credentials. With no GRE or GMAT required, graduate students can get to work right away on the courses and start improving their knowledge and skills for greater employment opportunities.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management
Available Concentrations: Environmental Policy and Management
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 48 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 18 months
Program start dates: January 7
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 10, 2018; Winter: November 9, 2018; Spring: February 8, 2019; Summer: April 26, 2019
GPA: 2.5
Oregon State University offers an interdisciplinary master's degree program in environmental management, providing students with education from different areas of the field. Students can also hone their skills in a specific area to enhance their degrees for career advancement within a particular field, such as ecology or water resources.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master's in Environmental Sciences
Accrediting Body: National Professional Science Master's Association
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 45 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Winter: January 7, 2019; Spring: April 1, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 1; Winter: September 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: March 1
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: Relevant work experience
The University of Connecticut teaches its students through internships and supervised practicum experiences in the master's in environmental management program, giving them the skills that will translate to their own careers after college. Through hands-on training with real-world applications, graduates will develop the skills to compete for green jobs in a very competitive industry.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Energy and Environmental Management
Available Concentrations: Planning and Management, Environmental Law, Geographic Information System
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: November 9, 2018
GPA: 3.0
The University of Wisconsin offers one of the best sustainable management master's degree programs for its career-focused curriculum and training from faculty leaders. This program strengthens the students' skills and knowledge and prepares them for leadership positions of their own in their current organizations or at top companies across the globe.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Sustainable Management
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 34 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 1 - 2 years
Program start dates: Fall: September; Spring: January
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
In terms of value, Samford University is the top choice for graduate students who want to earn their master's degrees in environmental management without suffering a financial setback. This program offers competitive tuition rates, flexible scheduling, excellent faculty support and accelerated tracks that help students earn their degrees in only one year.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Howard College of Arts and Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Environmental Management
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: August 27
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.5
Work Experience: 3 years relevant work experience
The University of Idaho provides students with a solid foundation in environmental management thanks to its well-structured master's degree program. Graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead in their respective organizations as managers, directors and administrators.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Natural Resources
Program Name: Master of Science in in Environmental Science
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, Part-time
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: May 1; Spring: October 1; Summer: March 15
GPA: 3.0
Montana State University offers a relevant master's degree program in land resources and environmental management to students who want to learn the latest trends in the field. The university continuously updates its curriculum to reflect the changes in environmental management and prepares graduates to meet the challenges related to those changes.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences
Accrediting Body: NWCCU
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Webster University's master's degree program in environmental management is comprehensive in scale and teaches every aspect of the field to current and aspiring professionals. Upon completing the program, graduates will have the skills to manage environmental-related risk, to assess that risk and to align sustainability initiatives with their organizations' mission and core values.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts & Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Environmental Management
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree and BUSN 5760 Applied Statistics
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5
The University of Wisconsin-Stout offers exceptional student support for those in the master's in sustainable management program. Through consistent faculty guidance and constant interaction with academic advisers, students receive continuous support to succeed not only in the program but also in their careers after college.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Sustainable Management
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 34 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Semester I: September 5; Winter 2019: January 2; Semester II: January 22; Summer: May 28
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
The University of Houston-Clear Lake designed its master's degree in environmental management curriculum with input from industry experts in government, nonprofit and public settings. Students learn from relevant coursework based on the current needs of some of today's top organizations.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Business
Program Name: Master of Science in Environmental Management
DeliveryFormat: Online, Hybrid
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall: August 27; Spring: January 22; Summer: July 15; Fall: August 26
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 27; Spring: January 22; Summer: July 15; Fall: August 26
GPA: 3.0
The University of Maryland University College designed its master's degree program in environmental management to help prepare graduates for greater careers in the field. This program builds upon their current skill set and helps them to acquire the additional skills and knowledge to propel their careers to the next level.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Environmental Management
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: Up to 5 years
Program start dates: Winter: January 2; Spring: February 4
The University of Illinois Springfield gives online students an on-campus experience in the master's in environmental studies program. Students learn from the same faculty members who teach on campus and have access to the same resources, materials, support and tools to help them succeed in a virtual learning environment.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Environmental Sciences
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 40 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall: August 27, 2018; Spring: January 14, 2019; Summer: June 3, 2019
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5
Prescott College makes it easy for students to customize the master's degree program in environmental studies to meet their own interests and needs. Students can tailor the courses to align with their career goals, creating a program that's uniquely their own.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts - Environmental Studies
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram start dates: January 15th, 2019; August 27th, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
American Military University provides advanced training for students who are ready to take their careers to the next level. The master's degree program in environmental policy and management includes advanced topics in environmental economics and resource availability, giving students the skills to succeed as policy makers and environmental administrators.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management
Available Concentrations: Environmental Planning, Environmental Sustainability, Global Environmental Management, Fish and Wildlife Management, National Environmental Policy Act
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years