Are you interested in human behavior and how the environment affects us? An online degree in ecological counseling or environmental psychology may be the right fit for you. It is a subfield of psychology that provides a strong foundation for further studies. They blend psychology with environmental science to help us understand various issues.
An online bachelor’s in ecological counseling is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on how our natural environment and our built environments shape us. It is the study of the interplay between individuals and their surroundings. A typical course of study includes:
- Environmental psychology
- Social Psychology
- Research methods
- Geography
- Healthy Psychology
- Environmental science
- Urban planning
- Research
What do ecological counselors do?
Ecological counselors study the interaction between humans and their environment. Sustainability is an important issue that is covered in their study. They help their clients with various problems by learning how humans affect and are affected by their natural environment. They use the fundamental principles of psychology and counseling to help people understand and benefit the environment. Online ecological counseling programs focus on:
- Environmental stress
- Preferred environments for humans
- Conservation behavior and psychology
- Perception and cognitive maps
- Human attention to the environment
- Human coping mechanisms
- Environmental Psychologists or Ecological counselors work in varied settings like –
- Government Organizations
- Environmental Planning & Policy Organizations
- Urban Design Agencies
- Business Settings
- Environmental Management Agencies
- Research Organizations
- Healthcare Settings
- Academia
Here we have shortlisted the top 25 schools that offer an online bachelor of ecological or environmental counseling degrees. These 100% online programs’ flexibility allows students to balance life and work as they get their undergraduate degree. We have considered:
- accreditation
- student support systems
- faculty
- tuition
- curricula
- flexibility
Schools have been ranked based on the affordability of the programs.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition
- Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points
- Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points
- Net Price Below $18,000: 2 points
- Net Price Below $20,000: 1 point
Program Flexibility (asynchronous course delivery, hybrid options, part-time/full-time schedule, etc. ) – 1 point per item
Online Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, etc.)— 1 point per item
Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item
“Wow” Factor – 1 point
#25 Canisius College
Buffalo, NY
Environmental Studies (BA) Online
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Points: 5
Canisius College offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. The program focuses on interdisciplinary connections between environmental and social systems. The multidisciplinary nature of the program:
- Combines environmental science with social sciences, business and economics, and the humanities
- Engages students to think critically about environmental issues
- Combines the multiple facets and complex systems of ecological issues
- Offers active learning experiences for students to apply their knowledge
- Ensures an integrated perspective on environmental issues, which lays a foundation for a wide range of careers
Students take a series of required courses for the major and select a specialization option to further their knowledge.
Fast facts:
- 39 credits
- Offered through: College of Arts and Sciences
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition per year: $28,630
#24 Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
Psychology (BA) Online
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Points: 6
Southern Methodist University offers an online Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology. It equips students with a variety of fundamental and transferable skills. These include interpersonal and communication skills, scientific thinking, and respect for diversity. Students get a solid academic foundation in human behavior and cognition.
- Environmental Psychology
- Cognition and the Brain
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Memory and Cognition
- Psychology of the Family
- Social Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in psychology, medicine, law, and business.
Fast facts:
- 36 credits
- Offered through: Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition per credit: $2,171
#23 Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY
Psychology (BA) Online
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Points: 7
Clarkson University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The versatile program teaches students to study human behavior in the context of the environment. They try to understand the nature and causes of abnormalities and effectively treat chronic mental health suffering. Students can choose from the following minor options:
- Biology, Behavior, and Society
- Cognitive neuroscience
Students have the opportunity for hands-on learning experiences. They work closely with faculty members on direct research projects. These research skills prove valuable in their professional lives. They also gain skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: Department of Psychology
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Tuition per year: $51,454
#22 Sierra Nevada University
Incline Village, NV
BA in Psychology Online
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Points: 7
Sierra Nevada University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Students study and explore human behavior in the context of the environment around them. The program centers on the core themes of liberal arts, professional preparedness, entrepreneurial thinking, and sustainability. Coursework includes:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Development
- Social Psychology Counseling and Clinical
- Neuroscience
- Psychology of Learning and Behavior
- Cognitive Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
The program prepares students for a wide range of successful careers.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition per year: $34,319
#21 Everglades University
Boca Raton, FL
Environmental Policy and Management (BS) Online
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Points: 8
Everglades University offers an online Bachelor of Science with a major in Environmental Policy and Management. It provides knowledge of various emerging fields, and they affect human life. These are global environmental change, environmental planning, and ecological sustainability. Students are prepared for entry-level jobs in government and environmentally related professions. Courses include:
- Business and management skills
- Environmental technology and management
- Specific technical and occupational subjects
- Environmental policy
- Impact of industrialization on the environment
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Environmental regulations and policies
- Sustainability
It takes approximately 41 months to complete this program.
Fast facts:
- 123 credits
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition per credit: $730
#20 Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Online BA in Sustainability
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Points: 9
Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability. Students learn through experiential learning, community engagement, and research. They explore the social and human aspects of sustainability in the context of real-world issues. Core courses include:
- Anthropology
- Environmental economics
- Sociology
- Ethics
- Philosophy of science
- Political science
- Geography
- Urban planning and design
Students learn the relevance between the sustainability of ecological resources and social institutions. They gain leadership skills to affect positive change in the people and world around them.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Offered through: School of Sustainability
- Tuition per credit: $541
#19 Washington State University
Pullman, WA
Earth and Environmental Sciences (BS) Online
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Points: 9
Washington State University offers an online Bachelor of Science Degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences. It combines scientific theory and empirical methodology with a practical, real-world approach. Areas of study include:
- The interactions within ecosystems
- Climate science
- Earth, plant, wildlife and aquatic ecology
- Resource management and sustainability
Students learn to explore the various aspects of global change. Their knowledge helps them address the increasing challenges of environmental sustainability. They also learn about the complex physical and biological systems that make up our vibrant and diverse planetary ecosystem.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: College of Arts and Sciences and College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Tuition per credit: $530.85
#18 Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
Psychology (BS) Online
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Points: 9
Colorado State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The program teaches students to strategically and creatively use science to address real-world problems. It blends scientific methodology with training in communication and critical thinking. Students who wish to study human behavior and their environment can choose Global and Environmental Sustainability as their minor. The areas of study include:
- Social psychology
- Organizational psychology
- Psychological Measurement and Testing
- Industrial psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Biological psychology
Students can use their knowledge in their work or pursue an advanced degree.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: Department of Psychology
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition per credit: $476
#17 Unity College
Unity, Maine
B.S. in Environmental Studies Online
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Points: 9
Unity College offers an online/hybrid Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. The program combines humanistic perspectives with a sustainability science framework. It has an interdisciplinary and experiential approach and prepares students to:
- Become skilled communicators and environmental leaders
- Critically analyze the reciprocal relationship between humans and the environment
- Strengthen their ability to articulate key questions, define problems, and enact change
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders to address sustainability challenges in diverse settings
- Develop a broad base of professional skills
Graduates are skilled in integrating their environmental studies with diverse disciplines.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Tuition per credit: $470
#16 Prescott College
Prescott, AZ
Environmental Studies (BA) Online
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Points: 9
Prescott College offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. The program has an integrated approach that weaves together different perspectives and disciplines to provide you with a holistic view. Students have the option to tailor their degree per their career goals. They can combine Environmental Studies with another area like:
- Ecology
- Human Development
- Marine Studies
- Education
- Natural History
- Adventure Education
- Earth Science
- Conservation Biology
Students learn about the reciprocal influences between people and nature by studying and analyzing the complex relationships between the two.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Tuition per credit: $470
#15 Greenville University
Greenville, IL
Psychology (BS) Online
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Points: 10
Greenville University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The interdisciplinary curriculum prepares students for success in human and social services careers. Students apply inductive and deductive methods while conforming to APA standards. They gain a foundational understanding of:
- Experimental psychology
- Cultural psychology
- Social psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Organizational psychology
- Abnormal psychology
A collaborative online classroom teaches students to explore human thought, learning, and decision-making. They also learn to study the environment to gauge how it affects human thinking and behavior. Graduates use this knowledge in their professional practice to help people.
Fast facts:
Featured Programs
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition per credit: $459
#14 Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, AK
Sustainability Studies (BA) Online
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Points: 10
Alaska Pacific University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies. It delves into interdisciplinary perspectives in the humanities and social sciences. Students interested in approaches to sustainability and the environment are a good fit for this program. The program explores significant human impacts on:
- Ecology
- Marine Systems
- Scientific literature
- Public policy
- Developing sustainable systems of living
It also examines the research and processes of building relationships. Students gain insights into the interaction of people and the natural environment.
Fast facts:
- 128 credits
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition per credit: $445
#13 University of Illinois
Urbana, IL
Online Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability B.S.
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Points: 10
The University of Illinois offers a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree. Students have the option to specialize in Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability.
The major allows a choice of two concentrations:
- Science in the Earth System (for those with a/focus)
- Society and Environment
The former is designed for students with a natural science background. The latter is more suited to students who have social science or general background. It is also more flexible. The program explores the various aspects of ecological balance and how they relate to human development.
Fast facts:
- 60 credits
- Offered through: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition per credit: $409
#12 Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Environmental Biology (BA) Online
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Points: 11
Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology. Students learn more about the environment and get an understanding of how humans have impacted ecosystems. They study the effects of pollution and how our actions as humans affect the world around us. Courses include:
- Ecology
- Botany
- Environmental science and policy
- Physical geology
- Microbiology
- Statistics in psychology
Students work alongside organizations such as the National Institutes of Health. The program combines theory with hands-on learning to see the environmental impacts of new developments.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: School of Health Sciences
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition per credit: $390
#11 Wilmington University
New Castle, DE
Environmental Science and Policy (BS) Online
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Points: 11
Wilmington University offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy. The interdisciplinary program provides awareness of various ecological challenges. Coursework includes:
- Ecology
- Marine Science and Policy
- Climate Dynamics
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Planning
- Contemporary Global Issues
- Environmental Compliance
- Energy and Environmental Policy
Students demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts in environmental science and biodiversity. They gain insight into animal and plant structure and function, ecological interactions, and human impacts on the environment.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: College of Arts and Sciences
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition per credit: $381
#10 University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Human Environmental Sciences (BS) Online
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Points: 12
The University of Alabama offers an online Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences. It is a good fit for students interested in pursuing careers in consumer services, including government, communication, and human services. They have the option to tailor their degree per their career goals. They choose to focus on areas like:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Entrepreneurship
- Management
- Health
- Technology
The program helps students develop an innovative study focusing on at least one area within the College. It helps students develop important skills for career advancement.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition per credit: $375
#9 Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN
Environmental Policy and Management (BS) Online
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Points: 12
Purdue University Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Management. Students learn about environmental issues and policies relevant to a variety of settings. They gain an in-depth understanding of the environmental policy-making process. The program teaches them to:
- Analyze primary and secondary sources of information
- Apply methods and tools to retrieve and data
- Apply principles of social responsibility to decision making
- Assess environmental policy and its impact on local, state, and national systems and communities.
- Apply concepts, theories, and principles of environmental management
- Analyze issues of the environment within the context of the global arena
Students develop the knowledge base to create and enforce policies in a variety of fields. They also have an accelerated master’s degree option in many subjects, including human services and psychology.
Fast facts:
- 180 credits
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition per credit: $371
#8 Stevenson University
Stevenson, MD
Environmental Science (BS) Online
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Points: 12
Stevenson University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. The program helps students understand the relationship between them and their natural environment. They learn to respect the organisms, landforms, atmosphere, and ecosystems around them. The coursework focuses on:
- The principles, methodologies, and practices of the life, physical, and mathematical sciences as they relate to the environment
- The effects of humans on the biosphere
- The foundational concepts of human systems like businesses, governments, and communities, and their impact on the environment
The program places a strong emphasis on experiential and lifelong learning.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Offered through: Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences
- Tuition per credit: $360
#7 South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
Psychology (BS) Online
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Points: 12
South Dakota State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology. It lays the foundation for many careers, including healthcare, social work, human resources, and business. Students gain a strong background in behavioral and mental processes. Students can either choose to work or pursue graduate studies in the field.
- They explore biological and social sciences
- They study behavior and mental processes
- They apply scientific reasoning to psychological issues/problems
- They express fundamental knowledge and comprehension of major concepts in psychology
- They show an understanding of diversity and ethical/social responsibility
Students prepare for a wide range of careers that study the connection between humans and their environments.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition per credit: $351.25
#6 Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
BS in Environmental Science Online
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Points: 13
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science. Students gain the education and hands-on experience to pursue their passion for the environment. They also get a strong foundation in natural and physical sciences. They study environmental issues like overpopulation, climate change, and biodiversity. The program teaches them to:
- Propose practical solutions to complex environmental problems
- Analyze the intersections of the human and natural world
- Design and execute projects that integrate the scientific method
The hands-on approach of the program helps them develop practical solutions to the environmental problems affecting us all.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Tuition per credit: $320
#5 Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
B.S. in Environmental Sciences Online
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Points: 13
Oregon State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences. The interdisciplinary program explores ways of human interactions and environmental problem-solving. A diverse selection of specialization areas are available for students:
- Aquatic biology
- Applied ecology
- Conservation, resources, and sustainability
- Environmental policy and economics
- Environmental agriculture
- Earth systems
- Environmental water resources
Students have the option to tailor their degree per their career goals by choosing one of the above. They work with an academic advisor to determine which area best meets their goals.
Fast facts:
- 180 credits
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Tuition per credit: $318
#4 Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL
Environmental Management (BS) Online
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Points: 14
Columbia Southern University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management. The program examines the theory, technology, and collaborative practices in environmental management. Students learn about industry-level ecological best practices and regulatory compliance. Elective options include:
- Environmental Strategies
- Environmental Technology
- Legal Aspects of Safety and Health
- Total Environmental Health and Safety Management
- Training and Development
- Risk Management
- Accident Investigation
Students gain knowledge in ecological theory and technology. It prepares them for a wide range of environmental and human services careers.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Tuition per credit: $235
#3 Florida International University
Miami, FL
Sustainability and the Environment (BA) Online
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Points: 14
Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability and the Environment. The multidisciplinary program:
- Introduces students to factors that determine the sustainability of human institutions
- Explores technologies in different environments
- Addresses the connections between people in their social, natural, and built environments
- Teaches students to think holistically about sustainability issues
- Focuses on developing creative, adaptive solutions to real-world challenges
Graduates emerge as skilled professionals prepped for diverse careers. They understand the increasingly complex environmental issues of natural resource management.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Offered through: School of Environment, Arts and Society
- Tuition per credit: $228.81
#2 Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS
Online Bachelor Of General Studies – Sustainability
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Points: 15
Fort Hays State University offers an online Bachelor Of General Studies Degree with a concentration In Sustainability. The innovative curriculum focuses on the multi-disciplinary study of Sustainability. Students learn about Sustainability and how we can contribute to it. The various focus areas are:
- Environmental studies
- Sustainable agriculture
- Conservation
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable economies
- Social entrepreneurship
- Social art
- Politics
Students learn about Humans & the Environment and Global Environmental Issues, among others.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Offered through: College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Tuition per credit: $181.64
#1 University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Environmental Science (BA) Online
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Points: 16
The University of Florida offers an online bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. Students can opt for either a BS or BA degree depending on their interests and choice of topics. They study people’s role in natural systems and use their knowledge to approach complex environmental issues. The areas of study include:
- Biological and physical sciences
- Ethics
- Economics
- Policy and law
Graduates work in government environmental offices, non-government organizations, environmental consulting companies, land and water management agencies. They can combine this degree with a Master of Science in interdisciplinary ecology.
Fast facts:
- 120 credits
- Offered through: School of Natural Resources and Environment
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition per credit: $129.18