Environmental science courses can help you learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, and environmental policy. You can build skills in data analysis, field research techniques, and environmental impact assessments. Many courses introduce tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and analyzing environmental data, as well as statistical software for interpreting research findings. You'll also explore methods for sustainable resource management and strategies for addressing environmental challenges.

Dartmouth College
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Biology, Hydrology, Water Quality, Systems Thinking, Water Resource Management, Energy and Utilities, Physics, Climate Change Mitigation, Chemistry
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Dartmouth College
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Demography, Energy and Utilities, Sustainable Development, Biology, Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Water Quality, Nutrition and Diet, Oil and Gas, Electric Power Systems, Systems Thinking, Water Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Technologies, Physics, Climate Change Mitigation, Chemistry
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

O.P. Jindal Global University
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Social Impact, Sustainable Development, Climate Change Mitigation, Pollution Prevention, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Biology, Case Studies, Water Quality, Chemistry, Community Health
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Environment, Water Resources, Demography, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Management, Sustainability Standards, Sustainable Engineering, Water Resource Management, Social Sciences, Climate Change Adaptation, Economics
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Khalifa University
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Management Systems, Environment Health And Safety, Environmental Monitoring, Accident Reporting, Safety Training, Fire And Life Safety, Accident Prevention, Hazardous Waste Operations And Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER), Environmental Regulations, Occupational Health, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Laws, Environmental Resource Management, Risk Management, Risk Management Framework, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Risk Analysis, Environment and Resource Management, Engineering Management, Engineering
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Pandas (Python Package), Programming Principles, Web Scraping, Data Manipulation, Data Structures, NumPy, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Web Services, Scripting, Data Analysis Software, Data Analysis, Data Import/Export
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Skills you'll gain: Water Resource Management, Energy and Utilities, Sustainable Development, Environmental Engineering, Water Sustainability, Environmental Management Systems, Stormwater Management, Hydrology, Sustainable Technologies, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Science, Water Quality, Sanitation, Civil Engineering, Land Management, Climate Change Adaptation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

The University of Chicago
Skills you'll gain: Climate Change Mitigation, Environment, Climate Change Adaptation, Physical Science, Sustainable Development, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Thermal Management, Environmental Science, Simulations, Energy and Utilities, Chemistry
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Data Processing, Web Scraping, Data Store, SQL, File I/O, Relational Databases, Database Management, Database Design, MySQL, Data Cleansing, Databases, JSON, Data Visualization, Network Protocols, Web Services, Restful API, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Biology, Environment, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Life Sciences, Environmental Issue, Sustainable Development, Natural Resource Management, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Taxonomy, Cell Biology, Anatomy, Climate Change Adaptation, Estimation, Scientific Methods, Climate Change Mitigation, Experimentation
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Laws, Environment, Environmental Science, Geospatial Information and Technology, Robotics, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Research, Data Analysis Software, Critical Thinking
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Shiny (R Package), Exploratory Data Analysis, Model Evaluation, Regression Analysis, Statistical Analysis, R Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Presentation, Data Cleansing, Statistical Inference, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Machine Learning Algorithms, Plot (Graphics), Probability & Statistics, Rmarkdown, Statistical Programming, Data Science, Machine Learning, GitHub
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge from various sciences to understand and address environmental issues. It is crucial because it helps us comprehend the complex interactions between human activities and the natural world, guiding us toward sustainable practices. As global challenges like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss become more pressing, the importance of environmental science grows. By studying this field, individuals can contribute to solutions that protect ecosystems and promote public health.
A degree in environmental science can open doors to various career paths. Potential job roles include environmental consultant, conservation scientist, environmental educator, and sustainability manager. These positions often involve assessing environmental impacts, developing conservation strategies, and educating communities about sustainable practices. Additionally, roles in government agencies, non-profits, and private companies are available, reflecting the diverse applications of environmental science in addressing real-world challenges.
To succeed in environmental science, you should develop a range of skills. Strong analytical abilities are essential for interpreting data and conducting research. Communication skills are also vital, as you'll need to convey complex information to diverse audiences. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), statistical analysis, and environmental policy can enhance your expertise. Additionally, problem-solving skills and a passion for sustainability will empower you to tackle environmental challenges effectively.
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in environmental science. The Introduction to Environmental Science Specialization offers a comprehensive overview of the field, while the Environmental Science course provides foundational knowledge. For those interested in innovative applications, the Drones for Environmental Science course explores how technology can aid environmental research.
Yes. You can start learning environmental science on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in environmental science, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning environmental science can be approached through various methods. Start by enrolling in online courses that fit your interests and schedule. Engage with interactive content, participate in discussions, and apply your knowledge through projects or case studies. Additionally, reading books, articles, and research papers on environmental topics can deepen your understanding. Networking with professionals in the field and attending relevant workshops or webinars can also enhance your learning experience.
Environmental science courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including ecology, climate science, environmental policy, and sustainability practices. Students may explore the impact of human activities on ecosystems, learn about conservation strategies, and study the principles of environmental management. Courses often incorporate hands-on projects and case studies to provide practical experience in addressing environmental challenges.
For training and upskilling employees in environmental science, courses like the Environmental Project Management Specialization can be particularly beneficial. This specialization equips professionals with the skills needed to manage environmental projects effectively. Additionally, the Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Engineering Specialization focuses on ensuring workplace safety and environmental protection, making it ideal for workforce development.