By Kristen Kostelnik | 02/03/2026
Students who are interested in nature often wonder if they should be a biology major or an environmental science major. While environmental science and biology are related disciplines and provide a strong foundation in the natural sciences, they have core differences regarding:
- Their core subjects
- Their focus areas
- The way they approach the study of the environmental and living organisms
Both areas of study include strong scientific research and data analysis, as well as a fundamental curiosity about living things and the ecosystems that support them. In addition, both subjects also require strong research and analytical skills.
Why Should You Choose an Environmental Science Degree?
If you are passionate about applying natural science knowledge directly to real-world environmental issues surrounding human impacts on the environment, conservation of species and communities, or sustainability, then an environmental science degree would be an appropriate path for you. Environmental science courses will give you interdisciplinary skills and can also provide a foundation for advanced study in an applied science or policy context.
Known as an applied science, environmental science helps you understand how people and natural systems interact. Environmental science primarily focuses on the study of the physical, biological, and chemical nature of the environment.
An environmental science program is designed to be highly interdisciplinary, blending courses from chemistry, earth science, ecology, and biological sciences. Students in this type of academic program explore how organisms interact with their physical environment and how various activities impact the natural world.
A strong emphasis is placed on developing solutions to pressing environmental issues, such as:
- Pollution control
- Resource management
- Climate change
- Environmental changes
- Biodiversity loss
To aid students in understanding the content of environmental challenges and humanity's impact on ecosystems, environmental science typically combines knowledge from different fields, such as:
- Ecology
- Environmental chemistry
- Earth science
- Physics
- Social sciences
The goal of environmental scientists and environmental consultants is to apply scientific understanding to sustainable management, conservation, and policy decisions. Compared to biology, environmental science encompasses broader earth systems and ecology with more field work and less laboratory emphasis.
An undergraduate environmental science major often offers courses in:
- Wildlife management
- Ecology or environmental biology
- Environmental economics
- Environmental ethics
- Environmental chemistry
- Geology or earth science
- Geographic information systems (GIS)
- Environmental policy and management
Potential Career Paths for Environmental Science Majors
After earning their bachelor’s degree, environmental science majors often pursue career paths such as:
- Environmental consultant
- Sustainability planner
- Resource manager (for land or wildlife management)
- Regulatory compliance officer
- Environmental scientist
- Geologist
If you are passionate about applying natural science knowledge directly to issues surrounding the impact of humans on the environment, conservation of species and communities, or sustainability, then an environmental science degree would be a good choice for you. Environmental science courses will give you interdisciplinary skills and can also provide a foundation for advanced study in an applied science or policy context.
Why Should You Choose a Biology Degree?
Are you a person who seeks to fundamentally understand how the natural world works? If so, then a biology degree would suit you. Known as a pure natural science, biology is the study of the structure, function, origin, and evolution of living organisms.
Biology focuses intensely on specific biological topics and laboratory work. It also requires strong memorization skills and a conceptual understanding of living organisms.
Generally speaking, regular biology explores the function, growth, evolution, and distribution of living organisms. It considers all aspects of life, ranging from molecules and DNA to organisms and ecosystems.
There are many specializations within biology, which vary based on a student's interest. These specializations include:
- Genetics
- Ecology (a key branch within biology) or ecological science
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Zoology
- Botany
Biology can be theoretical or experimental. By contrast, environmental science focuses on solving real-world problems like pollution and climate change.
The perceived difficulty of biology versus environmental science varies among students. It depends upon a school’s academic rigor and course requirements.
An undergraduate degree in biology will provide you with broad, course-based preparation. You’ll also conduct laboratory experiments or field experiments as a part of your training.
Typical courses in a biology program include:
- Molecular biology
- Organismal biology
- Genetics
- Ecology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Physics
- Calculus
- Organic chemistry
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Statistics
If your individual strengths include attention to detail and quantitative thinking, studying biology might be the academic path for you. If you are fascinated by the fundamental processes that govern life and think you might want to go on for medical, graduate, or research training, a biology curriculum would give you the strongest scientific foundation.
Potential Career Paths for Biology Majors
Many biology students start out with internships. Internships for biology degrees often focus on laboratory research, healthcare, or biotech industries.
For biology majors, potential career paths include:
- Medicine
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Lab research
- Academia
- Conservation
Environmental Studies
Environmental studies is a closely related field to environmental science. In general, environmental studies programs tend to emphasize the human side of the human-environment relationship. Environmental science programs tend to emphasize the environment side.
These differences are not hard and fast. In fact, the terms are often used interchangeably.
Evaluate Courses with Your Career Goals in Mind
When choosing between an environmental science or biology program, consider your individual strengths, interests, and long-term career goals.
Make sure that your university program emphasizes hands-on experience through scientific research projects. These opportunities allow students to apply the scientific method, develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and gain practical experience. Whether you’re collecting samples in the field, conducting experiments in the lab, or analyzing environmental data, these experiences are a vital part of your education.
By carefully reviewing the curriculum and structure of an academic program, you can make an informed decision. It will help to set you on the right path, whether your focus is on the environment, living organisms, or the complex relationships and challenges that connect them.
The Bachelor of Environmental Science at APU
For students interested in an environmental science degree and exploring natural sciences, American Public University (APU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. For this degree program, students can take courses in biology, chemistry, atmospheric science, and water science. Other courses include environmental economics, soil science, sustainability, and remote sensing and geographic information systems.
Students can also choose one of three concentrations, depending upon their professional interests:
- Climate change and resilience
- Fish and wildlife management
- General
For more details about this environmental science degree, visit APU’s math and science degree program page.