CC&E teams up with LSU Online to offer new online Bachelor’s degree
August 03, 2026
More students will be able to learn from the living laboratory of Louisiana’s coasts and environments, with a new degree program offered by the College of the Coast & Environment and LSU Online – a Bachelor’s degree in Coastal Environmental Science, now enrolling for Fall 2026.
"We are so excited to be able to offer the Coastal & Environmental Science degree online. Online education allows LSU to reach students that we otherwise couldn't reach, and this degree is structured so that students can live and work in their communities while earning their degree. We think environmental education should be available for everyone, and now it is," says CES Program Director Brian Snyder.
Education Grounded in Real-World Challenges
This new online degree will provide students with a comprehensive STEM education, with a focus on coastal ecosystems, environmental science and marine ecosystems.
Learners will delve into these topics using examples grounded in the real-world challenges faced by communities and ecosystems across Louisiana, and around the world – everything from coastal land loss and air pollution to environmental policy.
The curriculum is based on the traditional Coastal & Environmental Sciences degree CC&E has offered since 2008, which has become one of the college’s signature offerings.
Students in the online degree program will also receive the hands-on laboratory experience the CES program is known for, through a flexible, in-person lab component, which helps ensure workforce readiness while maintaining the flexibility of an online degree.
"Online education allows LSU to reach students that we otherwise couldn't reach, and this degree is structured so that students can live and work in their communities while earning their degree."
Brian Snyder, CES Program Director
A Strong Workforce Pipeline
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental sciences is a growing field, with a median salary of $80,060, and12.7% job growth through 2036.
This online BS in Coastal Environmental Sciences helps students build strong analytical and communication skills, ensuring graduates are positioned to take advantage of that job growth.
Students may find work in a wide range of fields, from academia to the private sector, with employers including the US federal government, environmental engineering or consulting firms, or even communications or education.
This online BS further strengthens Louisiana’s workforce pipeline of career-ready scientists and STEM professionals, all ready to work in fields like environmental science, regulatory compliance, and coastal management.
Get more information about the Online BS in Coastal Environmental Sciences