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Online Master of Science in Environmental Sciences

Total Credit Hours

36

Cost Per Credit Hour

$573

Study the science shaping the environment with an online Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from LSU

This online master’s program prepares professionals to analyze, understand, and respond to environmental challenges through advanced scientific study and applied learning.

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Top-Ranked

Join a nationally recognized online master’s program consistently ranked among leading environmental and sustainability-focused graduate degrees.

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Learn from Expert Faculty

Study under field-experienced experts who provide instruction grounded in real-world environmental science principles and techniques.

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Flexible, Online Format

Become career-ready with a fully-online program designed to fit your life, not disrupt it.

Earn an Online Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from LSU

Examine fundamental principles and techniques across environmental science disciplines.

Apply scientific methods to evaluate environmental systems, sustainability challenges, and human impact.

Build analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to environmental research, management, and decision-making.

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Save Time. Save Money. Simplify Your Application.

LSU Online now offers a FREE transcript service that helps you collect your transcripts at no cost—so you can focus on your future! Learn More

Admissions

Whether you’re returning to school or advancing your career, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.

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Apply by

May 11, 2026

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Classes begin

May 25, 2026

Admission Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university or the equivalent from a foreign institution with overall GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4-point scale.
  • Applicants must have completed Biology, Chemistry, and Statistics. Organic Chemistry is highly recommended.
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores of at least 213 (computer), 550 (paper), or 79 (Internet), or IELTS score of at least 6.5 . 
  • GRE scores encouraged, but substitutions will be considered for exceptional applicants.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation.
  • Personal statement expressing your interest in the program. In 500 words or less introduce yourself to the faculty, describe your professional and academic goals, and explain how you think our MS program fits your interests and goals.

Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements are located here.

Flexible Schedule

No set class times. No live lectures. No problem.

Our program is built for busy adults with work and family commitments. Learn on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials.

No required login times

Complete coursework when it works for you

Stay on track with weekly goals

Perfect for full-time workers and parents

Tuition

LSU programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees, making it easier to plan for the cost of your degree. You may also be able to save more by transferring eligible credits.

Tuition & Fees
36 credit hours
Total credit hours per program
$573
Cost per credit hour
$20,628
Total cost with fees

The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.

Financial Aid Available

LSU offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.

Academics

Students in our environmental sciences master’s program will study how many branches of science intersect with the environment. 

What Will I Learn?

Topics covered in this degree program include the following: 

  • Effects of environmental pollutants on human health and quality of life
  • Chemical principles applied to the study of the distribution, reactivity and
  • toxicity of chemical species in the environment
  • Energy use and pollution related to fuel production, transportation and use
  • Introduction to the basic principles of environmental toxicology
  • Environmental systems planning at local, national and international levels
  • Management-oriented approach to major phases of environmental policy
Courses
Environmental Sciences Core Credit Hours

ENVS 7700 Integrated Environmental Issues

3

ENVS 4500 Health Effects of Environmental Pollutants

3

ENVS 4101 Environmental Chemistry

3

ENVS 4261 Energy and Environment

3

ENVS 4477 Environmental Toxicology

3

ENVS 4149 Design of Environmental Management Systems (PC with Windows operating system is required)

3

ENVS 7112 Marine Ecotoxicology

3

ENVS 4113 Multi-Media Chemical Behavior for Risk Assessment

3

ENVS 7041 Environmental Policy Analysis

3

ENVS 7050 Spatial Modelling (PC with Windows operating system is required)

3

ENVS 7043 Environmental Law and Regulation

3

ENVS 7997 Environmental Practicum

2

ENVS 7995 Environmental Seminar

1

Testimonials

A master's in environmental sciences opens the door to rewarding and exciting careers in environmental stewardship, management, research, and much more. Many of us want to be part of the solution; our program will give you the right tools to do so."

Dr. Rebeca de Jesús Crespo

Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Coast & Environment

Careers

Students enrolled in this program will learn from industry experts to prepare them for the real-world application of their knowledge.

Career Opportunities
  • Environmental specialist
  • Marine biologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Environmental chemist
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Geographer
  • Environmental manager
  • Ecologist
  • Meteorologist
  • Environmental health officer
  • Water quality scientist

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my degree say I earned it online?

No, graduates receive the same diploma as on-campus peers.

Do I ever need to appear at the LSU campus for LSU Online programs?

No, you do not. LSU Online programs are 100% online and require no on-campus appearance. Check with your program for any activities or events that may be available to you should you be in the Baton Rouge area.

How do I find out who my advisor and/or class instructor is?

Your advisor will be assigned by your department. Feel free to contact your department for specifics as to who your instructor will be for a class. Generally, Moodle (the class delivery system) displays class information at least 10 to 14 days before the class begins. Instructions for Moodle are covered in the LSU Online Orientation.

Is financial aid available for online students?

Yes, students in an LSU Online graduate program may be eligible for financial aid. For more information email your questions to lsuonlinefinaid@lsu.edu.

Do I have to pay the full tuition upfront?

No, you pay as you go for each course you’re registered in for the term.

Why choose LSU’s online Master of Science in Environmental Sciences? 

This program is 100% online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. The structure provides the flexibility students need when balancing their responsibilities. The degree is also top-ranked by the 2020 College Consensus list of best online master’s in environmental and sustainability management. While enrolled, students will learn from industry experts to prepare them for the real-world application of their knowledge.

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Ready to reach your goals?

Take the first step forward by completing the form, and our enrollment team will contact you soon to discuss:

  • What program meets your academic and career goals
  • Financial aid options (employer funding, military benefits)
  • Receiving credit for past education (transfer, professional development)
  • The admissions process and timeline

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