The Environmental Studies program offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationship between humans and the environment. It equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle pressing environmental challenges, such as air, water and soil quality, resource management, conservation and restoration.

With a focus on advanced interdisciplinary training, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in environmental fields. Students are empowered to become leaders in developing sustainable solutions and driving positive change in the protection and management of natural resources.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $7,120/yr*
Online: $7,685/yr*
Duration
2 years
Credit Hours
40
STEM Designated
Yes

Calendario

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
Agosto 10, 2026

Start Date:
Agosto 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $7,120/yr*
Online $7,685/yr*

Based on 40 credit hours over 2 years.

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge

Median Annual Wage $82,220
Wage Range $52,520 – $140,010
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or

Median Annual Wage $55,090
Wage Range $38,170 – $94,160
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste

Median Annual Wage $59,920
Wage Range $39,910 – $96,660
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate

Environmental Engineers

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site

Median Annual Wage $107,110
Wage Range $69,990 – $162,220
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree

Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. Ma

Median Annual Wage $73,010
Wage Range $47,550 – $110,410
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

Median Annual Wage $80,730
Wage Range $48,220 – $133,720
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent
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