Get Valuable Hands-On Experiences

students outside participating in an experimentExplore environmental problems and solutions by incorporating perspectives from a variety of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, geological sciences, and the social sciences in our bachelor’s degree program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. We’ve designed it based on the philosophy that a strong, broad foundation in science is the best preparation for careers in environmental fields or for graduate studies.

You’ll have plenty of hands-on experiences in our program, which emphasizes immersive activities such as internships, field studies, research with faculty, and community engagement.

Where an Environmental Science Degree Will Take You

It will prepare you for a variety of fulfilling careers in state and national government agencies, local conservation agencies, environmental consulting firms, nonprofit organizations working in resource management and advocacy, firms engaged in waste management, and education, among others. You’ll also have a solid foundation for graduate studies in numerous fields, including our master’s degree program in environmental science at UM-Dearborn.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$78,980 Median Salary

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 6,900 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$50,660 Median Salary

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

Employment of environmental science and protection technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,800 openings for environmental science and protection technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$68,300 Median Salary

Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 3,000 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire

$70,600 Median Salary

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 1,500 openings for zoologists and wildlife biologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$100,090 Median Salary

Environmental Engineers

Employment of environmental engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 3,400 openings for environmental engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Paying for College

The field of environmental science is focused on solving environmental problems using all these different interdisciplinary approaches.

KAITLYN TATRO, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

How to Get Involved

students in the greenhouse

At UM-Dearborn, we strongly encourage students to get involved both on and off campus. You can join student organizations such as the Restoration Ecology Club, Biochemistry Society, and Biology Club, among about 150 others; help your friends register to vote; volunteer for a variety of community outreach activities; and much more.

Programs Offered Beyond BA

Environmental Science, MS

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.