Top-ranked in the nation

Environmental sciences and policy

If you want to address the most critical environmental challenges of our time, understanding the natural world isn’t enough. You need an interdisciplinary skill set rooted in science, technology, analysis and policy — a foundation that will help you influence decision-makers and drive change. Earn a top-ranked degree, certificate or microcredential online from Oregon State University, and learn how to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world action.

If you want to address the most critical environmental challenges of our time, understanding the natural world isn’t enough. Read more

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Browse programs

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40 programs available

 

Undergraduate degrees (15)

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Agricultural Sciences

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Design your own degree in agriculture through flexible curriculum that spans subjects such as agriculture production, leadership, agribusiness, world food crops and sustainability.

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Smiling woman bends down in a barn, gently feeding a sheep as part of her role in caring for livestock

Animal Sciences

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Prepare for work with domesticated animals like cattle, sheep, horses and dogs in a science-driven program exploring animal nutrition, behavior, reproduction and genetics.

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Small, golden mushrooms sprouting from moss-covered log on forest floor

Botany

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Study the biology of plants and fungi through subjects like plant structure, biodiversity and genetics to better understand human impact on plant and ecological systems.

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Overhead shot of agricultural field with green and yellow crops and red soil

Crop and Soil Science

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Dig deep into crop and soil science with courses related to natural systems, field crop agriculture, water and soil resource management, and sustainable agriculture practices.

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Massive roadway with cars splitting a wooded area with deciduous trees and a small city to the east

Environmental Economics and Policy

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Develop a strong economic skill set – supplemented by education in biological, physical or social sciences – as you prepare for a multifaceted career in environmental analysis.

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Environmental Sciences

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Pursue a rigorous, integrative education in science and policy as you learn to address global challenges like climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss as an environmentally focused scientist or analyst.

Learn more »

Fish jumping toward the open mouth of a grizzly bear standing at the top of a waterfall

Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Learn how to maintain balance for fish, wildlife and the delicate environments they live in through science-based curriculum that emphasizes applied ecological principles.

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Geography and Geospatial Science

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Use the power of big data analysis and visualization technologies to explore humanity's relationship with our physical environment and natural, cultural and built resources.

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Thousands of cherry tomatoes growing in tall rows inside a commercial greenhouse

Horticulture

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Grow your skills in horticultural production through the study of topics such as plant pathology, pest and weed management, applied ecology and agricultural policy.

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Aerial view of a marina and ferry terminal in a coastal town. Boats, buildings and a densely-forested area are visible.

Marine Studies

B.A. or B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Navigate social, political and cultural issues of marine systems through the lens of the humanities, arts and sciences — with a focus on sustainability.

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Natural Resources

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Explore natural and social sciences through a customizable curriculum that considers the interrelationship between our planet's resources and the human dimensions that impact them.

Learn more »

Herd of buffalo grazing on yellow grasslands beside a river with cliffs in background

Rangeland Sciences

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Study the ecological, socioeconomic and policy aspects of rangeland management as you prepare yourself for a wide-open career in conserving and managing ecosystems and their resources.

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Sustainability

B.S. (Postbaccalaureate or double degree)
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Gain interdisciplinary expertise in sustainable practices through this double-degree program, and build a career that can impact all aspects of global business, politics, economics and society.

Learn more »

Two park rangers on horseback ride through tall grass, heading towards a large body of water with distant forested hills in the background

Tourism, Recreation and Adventure Leadership

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Learn how to facilitate outdoor experiences that respect and protect natural resources and cultural heritage. Gain real-world skills from a program focused on sustainability, justice and equity.

Learn more »

Fuzzy brown beaver wading into shallow water next to green leaves and branches

Zoology

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Study the vast field of animal biology – from DNA to ecosystems – and gain a broad scientific foundation that will prepare you for a wide range of careers in the life sciences.

Learn more »


Undergraduate certificates (5)

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Climate Change Solutions

Undergraduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the physical and social sciences behind climate change so you can develop the skills needed to create actionable solutions and seek climate justice.

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Environmental Justice

Undergraduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Develop the tools to understand and address the unequal distribution of environmental risks and benefits in a program that combines environmental science with social justice principles.

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Geographic Information Science (GIScience)

Undergraduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Discover how to use geographic information technologies, and develop a skill set that is highly valued in science, natural resources, government, industry and business.

Learn more »

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Horticultural Therapy

Undergraduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Gain the knowledge you need to design therapeutic gardens and provide care through the healing influence of nature for diverse populations who are facing health or emotional issues.

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Humanitarian Engineering

Undergraduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Build technical engineering skills and learn to analyze the social, environmental and economic context as you work with underserved populations to help gain safe access to vital resources.

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Graduate degrees (5)

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Environmental Sciences

M.S. or PSM
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Choose between two master’s pathways in the environmental sciences. Gain rigorous training and focus on research areas like ecosystem function and health, water and natural resources management, environmental policy, and future climate scenario impacts.

Learn more »

A male and female Chinook salmon jump out of the water as they swim upstream in a fast-flowing river

Fisheries and Wildlife Administration

PSM
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Accelerate your career with advanced training in fish or wildlife biology, ecology, management and conservation. This program is ideal for professionals already working in fish and wildlife administration.

Learn more »

Satellite image of the Mississippi Delta in Louisiana taken after Hurricane Ida

Geography and Geospatial Science

M.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Apply spatial data analysis to Earth systems and human-environment interactions to address issues ranging from climate resilience and environmental justice to transportation and public health.

Learn more »

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Natural Resources

MNR
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Engage with customizable curriculum based on natural and social sciences as you learn to balance environmental, economic, health and cultural interests within the work of resource management.

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A modern OSU building interior featuring exposed mass timber, large windows, and open stair seating, showcasing innovative construction

Wood Innovation for Sustainability

PSM
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Gain expertise in wood science and technology as you study sustainable manufacturing, product design and material recovery in a non-thesis program that opens pathways to leadership roles.

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Graduate certificates (15)

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Energy Policy

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Broaden your knowledge of U.S. energy policy, how it impacts the development of energy markets, and the technologies and resources currently in use and under development.

Learn more »

An aerial photo of a river, bordered on each side by lush, dense forest, with a handful of trees jutting through the water

Environmental Management

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Help organizations build more sustainable practices with skills in environmental management systems, ESG reporting and investing, humanitarian engineering, green infrastructure and more.

Learn more »

A fishing boat moving through the ocean water with the sun setting behind it

Fisheries Management

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Gain the practical skills in biology, assessment science and social science that you need to manage sustainable recreational and commercial fisheries in collaboration with scientists and policymakers.

Learn more »

Various mountain peaks in the evening sky, with one covered in snow, others covered by trees and clouds blanketing some

Forests and Climate Change

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Learn how climate change impacts forest ecosystems and approaches to improve forest management for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Learn more »

An aerial satellite image of desert landscape with many green circles in the form of pivot irrigation crop circles

Geographic Information Science

GIScience Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Develop skills in remote sensing, geospatial data collection and analysis, geovisualization and the use of machine learning to measure and model systems of human and environmental interaction.

Learn more »

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Leading and Creating Change

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Using practical methods, develop professional leadership skills that are valued by organizations that prioritize social, organizational and environmental health and justice.

Learn more »

Upward view of a building featuring laminated mass timber construction, highlighting its curved architectural design against the sky

Mass Timber

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Develop expertise in sustainable construction, and gain skills related to mass timber products and the methods driving innovation in their production, design, fabrication and construction.

Learn more »

An apple orchard with dozens of red apples on trees

Organic Agriculture

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Grow your understanding of the science behind organic agroecosystems as well as your ability to manage them as you equip yourself for work in organic food production, policymaking or education.

Learn more »

A stand of yellow aspen trees

Sustainable Natural Resources

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Gain a holistic view of sustainability as you tackle environmental, economic and social challenges that call for multidisciplinary problem-solving skills and a global perspective of resource management.

Learn more »

Professor and student examine a modular structure made of recycled wood, engaging in hands-on learning about sustainable design

Timber Circular Economy

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Study sustainable forest management, life cycle analysis and resource optimization, and learn via real-world applications that aim to reduce waste and enhance the competitive advantage of renewable resources.

Learn more »

A hand wearing a white latex glove holds a clear glass test tube filled nearly to the top with water from a river.

Toxicology

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Explore how toxins impact our environment, human health and food safety and learn how to determine and limit toxicity risks.

Learn more »

A city skyline with trees in the foreground and tall buildings in the background

Urban Forestry

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Apply principles of forestry, green infrastructure, horticulture, urban planning and landscape architecture to the stewardship of planted landscapes and native forest remnants in and around cities.

Learn more »

An aerial photo of two people standing atop a dam wall with water on one side and the concrete face of the dam on the other.

Water Conflict Management and Transformation

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Help communities manage a crucial natural resource as you facilitate water governance and conflict resolution, drawing on multidisciplinary expertise to balance ecological, social and economic interests.

Learn more »

A clear, blue river flows powerfully around boulders and rocks, with an evergreen forest and blue sky in the background

Water Resources Engineering

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Study the hydrologic cycle and learn modeling and analysis skills, so you can help develop more sustainable solutions for water resources management.

Learn more »

An elk with massive antlers stands looking at its surroundings amid brush.

Wildlife Management

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Apply a range of applied sciences to manage wildlife populations, with a focus on practical skills that will help you balance habitat conservation and wildlife population dynamics with human dimensions.

Learn more »


Portrait of Andrea Fuchs with a blurred background
You are more than you think you are. You can fight for yourself. You can earn your degree. It's possible. And it's such a great experience.”
Andrea Fuchs
B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
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Our knowledgeable staff of enrollment services specialists will answer your specific questions about Oregon State online degree programs, courses, the application process and how to get started.

800-667-1465

ecampus@oregonstate​.edu

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