Environmental Chemistry
A program that focuses on the scientific study of natural systems (air, water, and soil) through the use of chemical techniques and instrumentation, with an emphasis on the movement and fate of pollutants and chemical aspects of contaminant remediation. Includes instruction in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; aquatic, soil, and atmospheric chemistry; environmental engineering; environmental toxicology; and analytical methods.
- Schools offering
- 15
- Annual completions
- 7
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $67k
About this major
A program that focuses on the scientific study of natural systems (air, water, and soil) through the use of chemical techniques and instrumentation, with an emphasis on the movement and fate of pollutants and chemical aspects of contaminant remediation. Includes instruction in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; aquatic, soil, and atmospheric chemistry; environmental engineering; environmental toxicology; and analytical methods.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural sciences managers | $161k | +3.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Environmental scientists and specialists, including health | $80k | +4.4% | Bachelor's degree |
| Chemists | $84k | +4.9% | Bachelor's degree |
| Chemical technicians | $58k | +3.7% | Associate's degree |
| Environmental science and protection technicians, including health | $49k | +4.0% | Associate's degree |
| Chemistry teachers, postsecondary | $86k | +2.2% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Environmental science teachers, postsecondary | $88k | +2.9% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$67k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$61k
Bachelor's
$67k
Top colleges for Environmental Chemistry
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard University of Southern California | Costa Mesa, CA | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Rhode Island College | Providence, RI | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Roger Williams University | Bristol, RI | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | Edmond, OK | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Mount Vernon Nazarene University | Mount Vernon, OH | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Otterbein University | Westerville, OH | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Juniata College | Huntingdon, PA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saint Vincent College | Latrobe, PA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Thiel College | Greenville, PA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saint Edward's University | Austin, TX | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Environmental Chemistry field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Environmental Chemistry worth it? Read verdict