Environmental Psychology Degree Programs & Schools
Environmental psychology degrees study how physical spaces affect human behavior and well-being. Bachelor's programs (4 years) prepare graduates for research assistant roles, while master's (2-3 years) and doctoral degrees (4-7 years) are required for licensed practice, academic positions, and advanced consulting work. Entry-level positions start around $45,000, while experienced professionals with doctoral degrees can earn $85,000-$120,000+ annually.
Environmental psychology sits at the intersection of human behavior and physical spaces, exploring how our surroundings influence everything from productivity to mental health. Whether you're passionate about creating healthier workplaces, designing sustainable communities, or understanding how nature affects well-being, an environmental psychology degree opens doors to meaningful careers that shape the spaces where we live, work, and thrive.
This growing field has gained momentum as organizations recognize the powerful connection between environmental design and human outcomes. From corporate offices seeking to boost employee wellness to urban planners creating livable cities, environmental psychologists bring evidence-based insights to real-world challenges.
Table of Contents
What is Environmental Psychology?
Environmental psychology examines the dynamic relationship between people and their physical surroundings. This field goes beyond simple aesthetics to understand how built and natural environments shape our emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.
Core Focus Areas
Environmental psychologists study both natural landscapes and human-made spaces. While early research focused equally on both, recent years have seen increased attention to sustainability, climate change, and how humans can better protect and interact with their natural environment.
The field draws from multiple disciplines, including ecology, sociology, anthropology, architecture, and urban planning. This interdisciplinary approach allows environmental psychologists to tackle complex challenges like workplace design, community development, conservation behavior, and environmental stress factors.
Real-World Applications
Environmental psychology principles influencethe decisions you encounter daily. Hospital designers use environmental psychology research to create healing spaces that reduce patient stress. Corporate offices apply these insights to boost productivity and employee satisfaction. City planners rely on environmental psychology to design parks and public spaces that promote community engagement and mental health.
Note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't track "environmental psychologist" as a separate occupation category. Professionals in this field work in diverse roles across psychology, research, consulting, urban planning, and sustainability sectors. Salary ranges provided throughout this guide represent typical compensation for related positions based on education level and career path, drawing from data for mental health counselors, research scientists, and related occupations.
Is an Environmental Psychology Degree Worth It?
The value of an environmental psychology degree depends on your career goals and the level of education you pursue. Here's what you need to know about the return on investment.
Salary Expectations by Degree Level
Since environmental psychology isn't separately tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), salary expectations vary widely based on your specific career path. Professionals work in roles categorized under research scientists, mental health counselors, urban planners, consultants, or university faculty. The ranges below represent typical compensation across these diverse pathways.
| Degree Level | Time Investment | Typical Roles | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | Research Assistant, Program Coordinator | $35,000-$50,000 |
| Master's Degree | 6 years total (4+2) | Environmental Consultant, Applied Researcher, Program Coordinator | $50,000-$70,000 |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 10-11 years total (4+6-7) | University Professor, Research Scientist, Senior Consultant | $70,000-$110,000+ |
Related mental health professionals earn competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median salary of $59,190 nationally, with the top 10% earning over $98,210. Environmental psychologists working in clinical settings may see similar compensation.
Job Market Outlook
The field has experienced substantial growth since 2015, when the American Psychological Association's Task Force began promoting environmental psychology opportunities. Increased concerns about climate change, sustainable design, and conservation behaviors continue driving demand for professionals who can bridge psychology and environmental challenges.
Career opportunities exist across government agencies, environmental planning firms, research organizations, healthcare facilities, academic institutions, and corporate sustainability departments.
Environmental Psychology Degree Levels
Environmental psychology programs are available at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Each degree opens different career pathways and requires increasing specialization.
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Psychology
A bachelor's degree provides foundational knowledge in both psychology principles and environmental factors affecting human behavior. Most programs don't offer "environmental psychology" as a standalone major, so students typically earn a general psychology degree while taking electives in environmental psychology, sustainability, and related fields.
Recommended Coursework
As you plan your bachelor's degree, consider courses that build interdisciplinary knowledge:
- Environmental Psychology - Core theories and research methods
- Research Methods - Statistical analysis and experimental design
- Social Psychology - Group behavior and social influences
- Health Psychology - Environmental factors in physical and mental health
- Environmental Science - Ecological systems and sustainability
- Urban Planning - Community design and development
- Geography - Spatial relationships and human-environment interactions
Career Options with a Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree holders can work as research assistants, program coordinators for environmental nonprofits, community outreach specialists, or sustainability coordinators. These entry-level positions typically support senior researchers or practitioners and provide valuable experience for graduate school applications.
Master's Degree in Environmental Psychology
Master's programs offer advanced training in the relationship between humans and their environments. At this level, you'll develop expertise in predicting human behavior related to environmental design and management. Most programs take 2 years of full-time study to complete.
Few universities offer standalone "environmental psychology" master's degrees. More commonly, you'll find this specialization within broader psychology, environmental studies, architecture, or urban planning programs. Programs typically emphasize research methodologies and theoretical frameworks. Most require a thesis or capstone project demonstrating your ability to conduct independent research.
Core Master's-Level Topics
Graduate coursework explores specialized areas, including:
- Preferred Environments for Humans - Understanding optimal spaces for different activities
- Human Attention to the Environment - Cognitive processes and environmental perception
- Conservation Psychology - Promoting sustainable behaviors
- Environmental Stress - Impact of noise, crowding, and pollution on well-being
- Perception and Cognitive Maps - How people mentally represent spaces
- Human Coping Mechanisms - Adapting to environmental challenges
Career Advancement with a Master's Degree
A master's degree qualifies you for research positions, consulting work, and applied roles in various organizations. You can work as an environmental consultant, contribute to urban planning projects, join corporate sustainability teams, or conduct applied research. Master's-prepared professionals often need additional credentials or experience in related fields (urban planning, architecture, or business) to advance into senior positions. Note that urban planner positions often require specific planning degrees or certifications beyond psychology training.
Doctoral Degree Programs (PhD)
Doctoral programs in environmental psychology are actually more common than standalone master's programs. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) prepares you for university teaching positions, research director roles, and senior consulting work. This research-focused degree emphasizes original contributions to the field's knowledge base.
PhD programs typically require 6-7 years beyond the bachelor's degree (or 4-5 years if you enter with a master's). You'll complete advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, and an original dissertation contributing new knowledge to the field. Programs require extended focus in one specialty area, such as environmental stress factors, sustainable behavior change, or built environment design.
Program structure: Environmental psychology PhDs are often housed within broader psychology departments or offered as interdisciplinary programs spanning psychology, urban design, environmental policy, architecture, or environmental studies. This interdisciplinary nature means programs vary significantly between institutions in their specific focus and requirements.
Doctoral Program Focus Areas
PhD students take advanced seminars in areas such as:
- Social Ecology - Complex human-environment systems
- Urban Planning Theory - Advanced community design principles
- Environmental Science - In-depth ecological knowledge
- Cultural Studies - Cross-cultural environmental perspectives
- Architectural Psychology - Building design and human behavior
- Advanced Statistics - Complex research methodologies
Doctoral Specializations
Within environmental psychology, you might specialize in:
- Environmental Interior Design - Optimizing indoor spaces for well-being
- Community Development - Designing thriving neighborhoods
- Energy Efficiency - Promoting sustainable consumption
- Population Density - Understanding crowding effects
- Human Factors/Ergonomics - Workspace optimization
- Ecological Literacy - Environmental education and awareness
Licensing Requirements for Environmental Psychologists
Licensing requirements for environmental psychologists depend entirely on your career path. Understanding when licensure is necessary helps you plan your education and career trajectory effectively.
When Licensure is NOT Required
The majority of environmental psychologists don't need professional licensure. "Environmental psychologist" isn't a regulated professional title like "licensed clinical psychologist." Most professionals in this field work in research, teaching, consulting, or corporate roles that focus on applying psychological principles to environmental design and policy rather than providing direct clinical services.
No licensure needed for:
- Research positions at universities, think tanks, or government agencies
- Teaching roles (though some universities prefer licensed faculty)
- Consulting work for businesses, architecture firms, or planning agencies
- Corporate positions in sustainability or workplace design
- Urban planning and community development roles
- Environmental policy and advocacy positions
When Licensure IS Required
Licensure becomes necessary only if you provide direct clinical mental health services. Some environmental psychologists work in clinical applications such as nature-based therapy, outdoor behavioral healthcare, ecotherapy, or treating patients whose mental health is affected by environmental factors. In these cases, you must become a licensed psychologist or licensed professional counselor according to your state's requirements.
Clinical paths requiring licensure typically need:
- Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in clinical or counseling psychology from an APA (American Psychological Association)-accredited program
- Supervised clinical experience (typically 1,500-3,000 hours, depending on state)
- Passing score on the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)
- State-specific jurisprudence exam
- Ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure
Academic and Faculty Positions
Many universities prefer or require faculty members to hold licenses, even if they primarily teach and conduct research. This requirement ensures faculty can properly mentor students who may pursue clinical careers themselves.
State-Specific Considerations
Licensing requirements change frequently and vary by state. If you plan to pursue clinical work or certain academic positions, research your state's specific requirements early in your education. Most states require a doctoral degree, supervised clinical hours (often 1,500-3,000 hours), and passing scores on national examinations like the EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology).
For comprehensive information about psychology licensing in your state, explore our state-specific psychology career guides.
Career Pathways in Environmental Psychology
Environmental psychology opens diverse career options across multiple sectors. Here are the primary pathways graduates pursue.
Academic and Research Careers
Many environmental psychologists work in university settings, conducting research and teaching courses in psychology, environmental studies, or urban planning departments. Research positions also exist at think tanks, government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, and nonprofit organizations focused on conservation or sustainability.
Typical roles: University Professor, Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Researcher, Lab Director
Salary range: $55,000-$95,000 depending on institution, experience, and funding
Education required: PhD for faculty and research scientist positions, master's for research assistant roles
Corporate Sustainability and Workplace Design
Businesses increasingly hire environmental psychologists to optimize workplace environments for productivity, creativity, and employee well-being. These professionals help design office layouts, develop sustainability programs, and create spaces that support organizational goals. This career path often benefits from additional training or credentials in business, organizational development, or facilities management.
Typical roles: Workplace Consultant, Sustainability Coordinator, Human Factors Specialist, Corporate Wellness Director
Salary range: $50,000-$85,000
Education required: Master's degree typically sufficient, PhD advantageous for senior roles
Urban Planning and Design
Environmental psychologists collaborate with architects, landscape designers, and city planners to create public spaces that promote community engagement, reduce stress, and support healthy behaviors. This work includes designing parks, transportation systems, housing developments, and public facilities. Note that many urban planning positions require specific planning credentials (such as AICP certification) or degrees in urban planning beyond psychology training.
Typical roles: Environmental Planning Consultant, Community Development Specialist, Design Research Consultant
Salary range: $48,000-$80,000
Education required: Master's degree, often combined with urban planning, architecture, or design credentials
Healthcare and Therapeutic Applications
Some environmental psychologists work in clinical settings, applying knowledge of how environments affect mental health. This includes nature-based therapy, outdoor behavioral healthcare programs, ecotherapy, and designing healing environments for hospitals and treatment centers. Important: Clinical therapeutic work requires professional licensure as a psychologist or counselor in your state.
Typical roles: Nature-Based Therapist (licensed), Healthcare Design Consultant, Outdoor Program Director
Salary range: $45,000-$75,000
Education required: Master's or doctoral degree; state licensure required for direct clinical practice
Government and Policy
Federal, state, and local agencies employ environmental psychologists to inform policy decisions about public spaces, environmental regulations, and community programs. These positions involve translating research into actionable recommendations for policymakers.
Typical roles: Policy Analyst, Environmental Program Manager, Community Health Specialist
Salary range: $52,000-$85,000
Education required: Master's or doctoral degree
Industries Hiring Environmental Psychologists
Environmental psychologists find opportunities across diverse sectors, including:
- Government Agencies - Federal, state, and local environmental and health departments
- Environmental Planning Firms - Consulting companies specializing in sustainable design
- Business and Corporate - Fortune 500 companies and startups focused on sustainability
- Healthcare Organizations - Hospitals, treatment centers, and wellness programs
- Environmental Management - Conservation organizations and sustainability nonprofits
- Research Organizations - Think tanks, university research centers, foundations
- Urban Design Firms - Architecture and planning companies
- Academia - Universities and colleges
- Environmental Policy Organizations - Advocacy groups and policy institutes
The field continues expanding as organizations recognize the value of evidence-based approaches to environmental design and sustainability. For related career paths in applied psychology, explore our guide to industrial-organizational psychology degrees.
How to Choose an Accredited Program
Selecting the right environmental psychology program requires careful consideration of accreditation, faculty expertise, and program structure.
Accreditation Matters
Choose programs with appropriate accreditation for your career goals. If pursuing clinical pathways that require licensure, seek programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). For research and applied tracks, ensure the university holds regional accreditation from recognized accrediting bodies. Important note: APA accreditation specifically applies to clinical and counseling psychology programs. Many excellent environmental psychology programs exist within other department structures (architecture, environmental studies, urban planning) and won't have APA accreditation because they don't train clinical practitioners.
Faculty Research Specializations
Review faculty research interests and publications. Strong programs employ professors actively conducting environmental psychology research. Look for faculty working in areas matching your interests, whether that's sustainable behavior, urban design, nature-based interventions, or workplace optimization.
Program Format Considerations
Environmental psychology programs offer various formats:
- Traditional on-campus programs - Provide face-to-face mentorship and laboratory access
- Hybrid programs - Combine online coursework with occasional in-person requirements
- Online programs - Offer flexibility for working professionals
Consider your learning style, professional obligations, and career goals when selecting a format. Online programs work well for mid-career professionals, while traditional programs often provide stronger research training and networking opportunities.
Internship and Practicum Opportunities
Quality programs provide hands-on experience through internships, practicum placements, or research assistantships. These opportunities let you apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects and build professional connections in your chosen career path.
Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Options
Master's programs typically offer thesis and non-thesis tracks. Thesis programs require independent research culminating in a written thesis, better preparing you for doctoral studies or research careers. Non-thesis programs focus on applied coursework and work well if you plan to enter professional practice rather than research.
Admission Requirements
Most graduate programs in environmental psychology require:
- Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field
- GRE scores (though some programs have eliminated this requirement)
- Minimum GPA (typically 3.0 or higher)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose outlining research interests
- Resume or CV showing relevant experience
Research-focused programs often prefer applicants with prior research experience, while applied programs value professional experience in related fields.
Continuing Education for Environmental Psychologists
Staying current with field developments maintains your professional edge and, for licensed psychologists, fulfills state requirements.
Professional Development Options
Environmental psychologists pursue continuing education through:
- Workshops and Seminars - State-approved educational institutions offer focused training on emerging topics
- APA-Sponsored Programs - The American Psychological Association provides courses and workshops, earning continuing education credits
- Professional Organizations - Join the Society for Environmental, Population, and Conservation Psychology (APA Division 34) for conferences, networking, and resources
- Industry Journals - Subscribe to publications like the Journal of Environmental Psychology and Environment and Behavior
For those pursuing clinical careers combining environmental and mental health approaches, explore our comprehensive guide to becoming an environmental psychologist for detailed licensure and continuing education requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an environmental psychologist?
The timeline varies by career path. A bachelor's degree takes 4 years, preparing you for entry-level research assistant positions. Adding a master's degree extends your education to 6 years total. If you pursue a PhD for research or academic careers, expect 10-11 years from starting college to completing your doctorate (4 years bachelor's plus 6-7 years doctoral study). Some students complete master's degrees first, then enter PhD programs, which can adjust the timeline. Licensed clinical positions may require additional supervised hours after graduation.
Can I get an environmental psychology degree online?
Online and hybrid options exist, particularly at the master's level, though they're less common than traditional on-campus programs. Several accredited universities offer online master's programs in environmental psychology or related specializations within broader psychology or environmental studies degrees. Online programs provide flexibility for working professionals while maintaining academic rigor. However, many programs require occasional in-person components (intensive workshops, practicum experiences, or research presentations). PhD programs in environmental psychology are almost exclusively on-campus due to the intensive research training and mentorship requirements. When considering online programs, verify their accreditation and ensure they meet any licensure requirements if you plan clinical work.
Do environmental psychologists need to be licensed?
No, most environmental psychologists don't need licensure. "Environmental psychologist" isn't a regulated professional title. The vast majority work in research, teaching, consulting, or corporate settings that don't require licensure. Licensure only becomes necessary if you provide direct clinical mental health services (counseling or therapy). In clinical roles like nature-based therapy or ecotherapy, you'll need state licensure as a psychologist or professional counselor. Requirements vary by state but typically include a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program, supervised clinical hours, and passing the EPPP exam. Check your specific state's requirements early in your educational planning if considering clinical work.
What's the difference between environmental psychology and ecopsychology?
Environmental psychology is a scientific field that studies how physical environments affect human behavior and well-being using research methods and empirical data. Ecopsychology focuses more on the emotional and spiritual connections between humans and nature, often emphasizing nature's therapeutic properties. Environmental psychology tends to be more research-focused and applied to practical problems like workplace design or urban planning, while ecopsychology emphasizes the psychological benefits of nature connection.
How much do environmental psychologists make?
Salaries vary significantly based on education level, career path, and location, as "environmental psychologist" isn't separately tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Entry-level positions with bachelor's degrees (research assistants, program coordinators) start around $35,000-$50,000. Master's-level professionals in consulting or applied positions earn $50,000-$70,000. Doctoral-level professionals in research, academic, or senior consulting roles can earn $70,000-$110,000 or more, depending on the sector and location. For context, related professionals such as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median of $59,190 nationally, according to May 2024 BLS data, with the top 10% earning over $98,210.
What jobs can I get with an environmental psychology degree?
Career options include research positions at universities or think tanks, consulting roles helping organizations design better workplaces, urban planning positions shaping communities, healthcare design consultant work, sustainability coordinator roles in corporations, nature-based therapist positions, and academic teaching positions. The specific opportunities depend on your degree level and whether you pursue research, applied, or clinical pathways.
Is environmental psychology a growing field?
Yes, the field has grown substantially since 2015, driven by increased awareness of climate change, sustainability, and the connection between environmental design and human well-being. Organizations increasingly recognize the value of evidence-based approaches to workplace design, urban planning, and conservation behavior. The APA's Task Force actively promotes opportunities in environmental psychology, contributing to the field's expansion.
What undergraduate major prepares me for environmental psychology graduate school?
Psychology is the most common and straightforward undergraduate major for environmental psychology graduate programs. However, related fields also provide strong preparation and are often welcomed by graduate programs due to the field's interdisciplinary nature. Consider majors in environmental science, environmental studies, sociology, anthropology, urban planning, geography, architecture, or design. Regardless of your major, take courses in research methods, statistics, general psychology, environmental psychology (if offered), and related electives. Many successful applicants combine a psychology major with a minor in environmental studies or architecture, or vice versa. Graduate programs value applicants with interdisciplinary knowledge bridging psychology and environmental issues, so don't feel limited to psychology as your only path.
Can I work as an environmental psychologist with just a master's degree?
Yes, many environmental psychology careers are accessible with a master's degree. Consulting positions, urban planning roles, corporate sustainability work, and applied research positions often require only a master's degree. PhD programs are typically necessary for university professorships, research director positions, and certain senior consulting roles. Clinical positions may require doctoral degrees depending on state licensing requirements.
What's the difference between a PhD and PsyD in environmental psychology?
Environmental psychology programs almost exclusively offer PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees rather than PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) degrees. PhDs emphasize research training, scholarly contributions, and developing new knowledge through dissertation research. The PhD is the standard doctorate for environmental psychology because the field focuses primarily on research, teaching, and applied consulting rather than clinical practice. PsyD programs, which emphasize clinical practice skills over research, are designed for careers in direct patient care and are rare in environmental psychology. If your goal involves clinical work applying environmental principles to therapy (such as nature-based therapy or ecotherapy), you'd more likely pursue a PsyD or PhD in clinical or counseling psychology and then specialize in environmental applications during your training. For research, teaching, consulting, or applied environmental psychology careers, the PhD is the appropriate and most common degree.
Key Takeaways
- Environmental psychology degrees combine psychological science with environmental factors to understand and improve human-environment interactions across built and natural spaces.
- Bachelor's degrees (4 years) prepare graduates for entry-level research and program coordinator positions, earning $35,000-$50,000, while master's degrees (2 years additional) open consulting and applied research roles, earning $50,000-$70,000.
- Doctoral programs (PhD, typically 6-7 years beyond bachelor's) are necessary for university faculty positions, research scientist roles, and senior consulting work with salaries ranging from $70,000-$110,000+.
- Licensure is only required if you provide direct clinical mental health services. Research, teaching, consulting, and corporate roles typically don't require licensure, as "environmental psychologist" isn't a regulated professional title.
- Career opportunities span diverse sectors, including academia, corporate sustainability, urban planning, healthcare facility design, government policy, and environmental consulting, often requiring complementary credentials in related fields.
- The field has experienced substantial growth since 2015, driven by increased focus on sustainability, climate change, and evidence-based environmental design, though salary data isn't separately tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Ready to Explore Environmental Psychology Programs?
Find accredited environmental psychology degree programs that match your career goals, location, and schedule preferences.
Find Your Program
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors are based on national data. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
