Is a Master’s in Environmental Science Worth It? A Complete Guide

Environmental science is an increasingly important field as climate change and sustainability become more pressing issues worldwide Professionals with an environmental science background help address these critical problems through research, education, policymaking and more.

But is a master’s degree in environmental science really worth the time and financial investment? Here’s what you need to know to decide if a master’s in environmental science is right for you

Why Earn a Master’s in Environmental Science?

There are several key reasons why completing a master’s program can benefit environmental science professionals

Career Advancement

A master’s degree allows you to take on more advanced roles and senior positions compared to only having a bachelor’s degree. Pursuing an environmental science master’s opens up jobs with titles like senior environmental scientist, lead researcher and director.

According to PayScale data, environmental science professionals with a master’s degree earn around $71,000 per year, compared to $58,000 for those with just a bachelor’s. The advanced knowledge and skills gained through a master’s program leads to higher earning potential.

Specialized Knowledge

Master’s programs offer the chance to specialize your environmental science knowledge. You might focus on environmental policy, conservation biology, climate science, geographic information systems (GIS) or other subfields. This specialized expertise helps you stand out when applying for jobs.

Preparation for Doctoral Programs

A master’s degree equips you well for potentially pursuing a PhD down the line. Doctoral programs prefer candidates who already have a master’s since it demonstrates you can succeed in advanced graduate-level coursework and research.

Greater Job Opportunities

Certain environmental science positions require or strongly prefer applicants with a master’s degree. These include faculty and research roles at colleges/universities, higher-level government agency jobs and management positions at environmental organizations. A master’s degree qualifies you for a broader range of opportunities.

What Are the Cons of Earning a Master’s in Environmental Science?

While a master’s degree has many benefits, it also requires a serious investment of time and money. It’s important to weigh both the pros and cons when deciding if graduate school makes sense for you. Here are some potential downsides to consider:

Time Commitment

Completing a master’s program usually takes 1-2 years of full-time graduate study. This is a major time commitment, especially if you plan to work while enrolled. Make sure to consider if now is the right time in your career and life to take on graduate school.

Cost

Tuition and fees for a master’s program can range from $30,000-$60,000+ at both public and private universities. There are scholarships available, but you’ll still likely have to pay a significant amount out-of-pocket. Evaluate if you can manage the costs through savings, loans, assistantships, etc.

Limited Salary Increase

While a master’s degree boosts earning potential, the salary increase may not be as substantial as expected. Depending on your field and employer, the difference could be just $5,000-$10,000 per year. Carefully consider if the long-term return on investment justifies the cost.

Potential Overqualification

Pursuing an advanced degree when not required for your target job may actually make you seem overqualified. Some employers could view you as too expensive to hire or likely to leave for a higher-level position. Make sure a master’s aligns with your specific career goals.

What Career Paths Are Available With a Master’s in Environmental Science?

An environmental science master’s degree opens the door to a wide variety of career options across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Here are some of the top jobs you can pursue:

• Environmental Consultant – Help organizations improve sustainability, meet regulations, and minimize environmental impact. Median Salary: $71,000

• Conservation Scientist – Manage and protect natural resources and wildlife. Median Salary: $63,000

• Environmental Policy Analyst – Research and develop policies to address environmental issues. Median Salary: $75,000

• Environmental Educator – Teach environmental science and sustainability practices. Median Salary: $65,000

• Sustainability Manager – Lead organizational initiatives around sustainability. Median Salary: $72,000

• Environmental Research Scientist – Conduct studies to better understand environmental systems and find solutions. Median Salary: $77,000

• Environmental Engineer – Design solutions to environmental problems through engineering projects. Median Salary: $96,000

The job opportunities, earning potential and ability to make an impact make an environmental science master’s degree a worthwhile investment for many professionals.

How Do I Choose the Right Environmental Science Master’s Program?

If you decide to pursue a master’s in environmental science, it’s essential to choose the right graduate program to meet your goals. Here are some factors to consider:

• Specializations – Look for a program that offers concentrations matching your interests within environmental science.

• Thesis vs. non-thesis – Thesis programs focus more on research skills while non-thesis options emphasize internships and coursework.

• Location – Consider if you prefer studying online or on-campus. If on-campus, research locations of interest.

• Cost – Compare tuition rates and availability of assistantships/scholarships across programs. In-state public schools tend to be the most affordable options.

• Reputation and rankings – Look at program and department rankings to gauge quality and prestige.

• Faculty research – Make sure faculty specialties align with your academic and career interests.

• Career services – Look for robust career guidance and employer partnerships to help with your job search after graduation.

• Program culture and fit – Get a sense of the learning environment and whether you can envision yourself thriving there.

Take time to research programs thoroughly and weight all of these factors before applying. Visit campuses and speak with current students if possible.

How Do I Get Into an Environmental Science Master’s Program?

Gaining admission into competitive environmental science master’s programs requires careful preparation. Here are some tips:

• Maintain a strong GPA during your undergraduate degree, ideally 3.0 or higher. This demonstrates you can handle rigorous coursework.

• Take prerequisite courses like biology, chemistry, statistics and geoscience. Programs want to see you have the necessary scientific foundation.

• Secure strong letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can vouch for your abilities and potential.

• Study for and perform well on standardized tests like the GRE if required. Aim for GRE scores above the 50th percentile.

• Write a compelling statement of purpose highlighting your background, interests in the field and alignment with the program.

• Gain relevant experience through internships, research projects or environmental science jobs.

• Prepare a sharp resume summarizing your academic credentials, experience, skills and achievements.

With strategic planning and persistence, you can get accepted into a top environmental science master’s program to further your education and career.

Is a Master’s in Environmental Science Worth It?

While a master’s requires considerable investment, the return can also be significant in terms of opportunities, knowledge and earnings potential. An environmental science master’s degree puts you on the path toward high-level positions doing meaningful work solving pressing global challenges.

Carefully weigh the pros and cons and evaluate your specific career goals. For many environmental science professionals, a master’s degree offers the specialized expertise and qualifications to take their careers to the next level. The advanced learning and skills gained make masters in environmental science worth it for numerous students.