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Environmental StudiesOnline Degree and Certificate Programs

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Convenient classes delivered online allow you to balance course work with your career.

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Best Online Programs US News and World Report Bachelor's 2026
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8Environmental StudiesDegrees and Certificates

Degrees

Energy and Sustainability PolicyBachelor of Arts
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Learn about energy use and its global environmental implications. This online degree program focuses on communication skills and humanities in addition to technical and analytical knowledge relating to energy and sustainability policy.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by June 30 to start August 24
  • 120 Credits $638/$685 per credit
View Degree
Energy and Sustainability PolicyBachelor of Science
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Build strong science, business, and analytical skills as you learn to conduct critical analysis of energy management and sustainability policy and its impact on the environment in this online bachelor of science degree program.
  • Online courses with online or in-person internship
  • Apply by June 30 to start August 24
  • 120 Credits $638/$685 per credit
View Degree

Certificates

Earth SustainabilityUndergraduate Certificate
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Develop sustainability and Earth-friendly strategies to supplement your degree or jump-start your career in geosciences, emergency preparedness, conservation, or natural resource management with this certificate.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by August 16 to start August 24
  • 12 Credits $638/$685 per credit
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Energy Transition StrategiesGraduate Certificate
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The online Graduate Certificate in Energy Transition Strategies can help you critically assess the technical principles of renewable energy systems and then evaluate and articulate their roles in local and global energy transition. This certificate is embedded within the renewable energy and sustainability systems master’s degree program.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by July 20 to start August 24
  • 9 Credits $1,037 per credit
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Solar EnergyGraduate Certificate
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Focus on electric-driven study as you prepare to lead development in the rapidly expanding solar energy sector. This online certificate program includes courses that offer a foundation in project development, system design and analysis, and process improvement.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by July 20 to start August 24
  • 12 Credits $1,037 per credit
View Certificate
Sustainable Energy DevelopmentGraduate Certificate
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This 9-credit online certificate in sustainable energy development can prepare you with the confidence and expertise to lead the transition toward more sustainable energy systems, grounded in ethical principles, sustainability practices, and stakeholder engagement.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by July 20 to start August 24
  • 9 Credits $1,037 per credit
View Certificate

Bachelor's Degrees

Energy and Sustainability PolicyBachelor of Arts
View Degree
Learn about energy use and its global environmental implications. This online degree program focuses on communication skills and humanities in addition to technical and analytical knowledge relating to energy and sustainability policy.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by June 30 to start August 24
  • 120 Credits $638/$685 per credit
View Degree
Energy and Sustainability PolicyBachelor of Science
View Degree
Build strong science, business, and analytical skills as you learn to conduct critical analysis of energy management and sustainability policy and its impact on the environment in this online bachelor of science degree program.
  • Online courses with online or in-person internship
  • Apply by June 30 to start August 24
  • 120 Credits $638/$685 per credit
View Degree

Undergraduate Certificates

Earth SustainabilityUndergraduate Certificate
View Certificate
Develop sustainability and Earth-friendly strategies to supplement your degree or jump-start your career in geosciences, emergency preparedness, conservation, or natural resource management with this certificate.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by August 16 to start August 24
  • 12 Credits $638/$685 per credit
View Certificate

Master's Degrees

Graduate Certificates

Energy Transition StrategiesGraduate Certificate
View Certificate
The online Graduate Certificate in Energy Transition Strategies can help you critically assess the technical principles of renewable energy systems and then evaluate and articulate their roles in local and global energy transition. This certificate is embedded within the renewable energy and sustainability systems master’s degree program.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by July 20 to start August 24
  • 9 Credits $1,037 per credit
View Certificate
Solar EnergyGraduate Certificate
View Certificate
Focus on electric-driven study as you prepare to lead development in the rapidly expanding solar energy sector. This online certificate program includes courses that offer a foundation in project development, system design and analysis, and process improvement.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by July 20 to start August 24
  • 12 Credits $1,037 per credit
View Certificate
Sustainable Energy DevelopmentGraduate Certificate
View Certificate
This 9-credit online certificate in sustainable energy development can prepare you with the confidence and expertise to lead the transition toward more sustainable energy systems, grounded in ethical principles, sustainability practices, and stakeholder engagement.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by July 20 to start August 24
  • 9 Credits $1,037 per credit
View Certificate

Penn State World Campus delivers the same academic quality and respected credential as Penn State’s on-campus programs — designed specifically for online learners.

Our online environmental studies programs allow you to explore the scientific, social, economic, and political dimensions of environmental issues while developing practical, career-ready skills.

Depending on the degree you select, topics may include:

  • environmental policy and governance
  • sustainability and natural resource management
  • project management
  • climate change, ESG metrics, and environmental justice
  • critical thinking, research, and data analysis
  • professional communication and problem-solving

Courses are taught by Penn State faculty with expertise in environmental studies and related disciplines.

Ready to Learn More?

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Penn State Is a Global Leader in Sustainability

Penn State ranked No. 4 among universities in the United States in the 2026 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability. This ranking is based on Penn State’s commitment to sustainability as reflected across the University’s operations, research efforts, and educational programs. Internationally, the University ranked No. 21 out of 2,002 participating institutions.

Careers Related to Environmental Studies

As a graduate, you may be prepared for a wide range of environmentally focused and sustainability-driven roles across sectors, such as:

  • environmental policy analyst or environmental planning consultant
  • sustainability coordinator, manager, or director
  • renewable energy project manager
  • resource conservationist or natural resource manager
  • corporate sustainability and ESG-related positions
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the words Allentown climate action plan are written along with a sun covered by solar panels.
a woman pointing to the ocean with seaweed in the immediate background
Alex Swithers holds a Penn State World Campus pennant while standing behind a white Ford

Related Topics

Those interested in environmental studies may also be in interested in these topics:

Energy and Sustainability
The RESS program enabled me to become an activator in some of the most challenging areas to decarbonize by equipping me with the thought process, confidence, and technical skills to drive change.
— Laura T., RESS Graduate