Environmental studies courses can help you learn about ecosystem dynamics, climate change impacts, sustainable practices, and environmental policy. You can build skills in data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and community engagement strategies. Many courses introduce tools like remote sensing software, environmental modeling applications, and project management platforms, showing how these skills are applied in real-world conservation efforts and sustainability initiatives.

Dartmouth College
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Management, Environment and Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Water Resources, Biology, Hydrology, Life Sciences, Water Quality, Pollution Prevention, Systems Thinking, Energy and Utilities, Climate Change Mitigation
★ 4.7 (360) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Environmental Issue, Environmental Policy, Climate Change Programs, Environmental Science, Environmental Management Systems, Water Sustainability, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Business, Waste Minimization, Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Pollution Prevention, Systems Thinking, Biology, Life Sciences, Biochemistry
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Environment, Water Resources, Environmental Issue, Demography, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Science, Environment and Resource Management, Sustainability Standards, Water Resource Management, Policy Analysis, Natural Resource Management, Social Sciences, Human Development, Climate Change Adaptation, Climate Change Mitigation, Economics
★ 4.8 (2.7K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Dartmouth College
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Issue, Environmental Science, Demography, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Resource Management, Environment and Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Water Resources, Biology, Hydrology, Climate Change Programs, Life Sciences, Water Quality, Land Management, Nutrition and Diet, Oil and Gas, Pollution Prevention, Petroleum Industry, Sustainable Systems
★ 4.7 (476) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Maryland, College Park
Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Conflict Management, Team Motivation, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Management, Project Risk Management, Team Performance Management, Mediation, Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, Organizational Leadership, Agile Project Management, Storytelling, Team Management, Project Management, Data Visualization, Motivational Skills, Visionary, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Goal Setting
★ 3.7 (7) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Lund University
Skills you'll gain: Responsible AI, AI literacy, Artificial Intelligence, Environment, Environmental Policy, Social Justice, Liberal Arts, Environmental Issue, Sustainable Systems, Sustainable Development, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Sustainable Technologies, Water Sustainability, Political Sciences, Generative AI, Climate Change Mitigation, Energy and Utilities, Digital Transformation
★ 4.7 (26) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

PepsiCo
Skills you'll gain: Water Resources, Water Resource Management, Water Sustainability, Hydrology, Environment and Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Energy and Utilities, Governance, Strategic Thinking, Public Works, Forecasting, Environmental Science, Environmental Laws, Social Justice, Economics, Adjudication, Stakeholder Engagement
★ 3.8 (10) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Dartmouth College
Skills you'll gain: Demography, Environment, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Science, Land Management, Environmental Issue, Nutrition and Diet, Sustainable Systems, Nutrition Education, Sustainable Development, Natural Resource Management, Social Studies, Human Development, Trend Analysis
★ 4.8 (62) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Laws, Environmental Policy, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Issue, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Case Law, Environmental Resource Management, Pollution Prevention, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Legal Risk, Environment and Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Water Resources, Hazard Analysis, Civil Law, Water Quality, Lawsuits, Court Systems, Economics, Adjudication
★ 4.8 (3.2K) · Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Engineering, Environmental Resource Management, Pollution Prevention, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Systems, Sustainable Technologies, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Issue, Governance, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Policy, Community Development, Cost Management, Case Studies
★ 4.8 (3.6K) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Climate Change Programs, Environment, Environmental Regulations, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Systems, Environmental Policy, Climate Change Mitigation, Environmental Issue, Environmental Laws, Energy and Utilities, Environment Health And Safety, Climate Change Adaptation, Environment and Resource Management, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Mitigation, Environmental Science, Health Assessment, Sustainability Standards, Public Health, Pollution Prevention
★ 4.9 (98) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

O.P. Jindal Global University
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Policy, Environmental Issue, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Science, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Management Systems, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Water Resource Management, Pollution Prevention, Climate Change Adaptation, Development Environment
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
High-quality free Environmental Studies courses you can start today.
Top-rated Environmental Studies courses offered by Dartmouth College on Coursera.
Top-rated beginner-friendly Environmental Studies courses with no prerequisites.
Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the interactions between humans and the environment. It encompasses various aspects, including ecology, conservation, sustainability, and environmental policy. Understanding environmental studies is crucial because it equips individuals with the knowledge to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. By studying this field, learners can contribute to creating sustainable solutions that benefit both society and the planet.‎
A degree or background in environmental studies can open doors to various career paths. Potential job roles include environmental consultant, sustainability coordinator, conservation scientist, and environmental policy analyst. Additionally, positions in non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private corporations focused on sustainability and environmental protection are also common. These roles often involve assessing environmental impacts, developing policies, and implementing strategies to promote sustainability.‎
To thrive in environmental studies, several key skills are essential. Critical thinking and analytical skills are crucial for evaluating environmental data and policies. Communication skills are also important, as professionals often need to convey complex information to diverse audiences. Additionally, understanding scientific principles related to ecology and environmental science is vital. Familiarity with data analysis tools and geographic information systems (GIS) can further enhance one's capabilities in this field.‎
There are numerous online courses available for those interested in environmental studies. Some of the best options include the Introduction to Environmental Science Specialization and the Environmental Project Management Specialization. These programs provide foundational knowledge and practical skills that can help learners advance their understanding of environmental issues and project management.‎
Yes. You can start learning environmental studies on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in environmental studies, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning environmental studies can be approached through various methods. Start by exploring online courses that align with your interests and career goals. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and apply what you learn through projects or real-world experiences. Additionally, reading books, articles, and research papers on environmental topics can deepen your understanding and keep you informed about current issues.‎
Environmental studies courses typically cover a range of topics, including ecological principles, environmental policy, sustainability practices, and the impact of human activities on natural systems. Specific subjects may include climate change, biodiversity conservation, environmental economics, and environmental health. These courses aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions related to environmental issues.‎
For training and upskilling employees in environmental studies, courses like the Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Engineering Specialization and the Environmental Protection and Sustainability course are excellent choices. These programs focus on practical skills and knowledge that can enhance workplace sustainability efforts and compliance with environmental regulations.‎