Environmental Science is an important and interdisciplinary field that addresses how humans interact with the natural world. As climate change, pollution, and resource management become global concerns, Nigeria is seeing a rise in the demand for Environmental Science professionals. However, not all Environmental Science programs are equally rigorous.
If you're a student who wants a career in sustainability, environment, or public health but prefer courses that are less demanding, this blog will help you. We’ve compiled the easiest Environmental Science courses offered in Nigerian universities in 2025—programs that are practical, rewarding, and easier to navigate academically.
Top 7 Easiest Environmental Science Courses in Nigeria
1. Environmental Education
Why It’s Easy:
This course focuses more on educating the public about environmental issues than on deep scientific or technical analysis. Less focus on laboratory work or field data collection.
Career Opportunities:
- Environmental educator
- NGO staff
- Sustainability campaign coordinator
- Policy advocate
Job Market Advantage:
Ideal for roles in education, awareness programs, and environmental NGOs.
Estimated Starting Salary: ₦70,000 – ₦200,000/month
2. Urban and Regional Planning
Why It’s Easier:
While technical, the course mostly emphasizes design, urban mapping, and land use without requiring deep knowledge in core sciences like physics or chemistry.
Career Opportunities:
- Town planner
- Land-use analyst
- GIS technician
- Urban policy advisor
Job Market Advantage:
Federal and state urban development agencies, real estate firms, and construction companies recruit graduates.
Estimated Starting Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000/month
3. Environmental Management and Toxicology (Entry Level Focus)
Why It’s Easier:
Though it sounds complex, many universities offer this course with more theory and fewer advanced lab-based components, especially in the first few years.
Career Opportunities:
- Waste management officer
- Pollution control inspector
- Environmental auditor
Job Market Advantage:
Highly employable in government agencies like NESREA and private manufacturing industries.
Estimated Starting Salary: ₦120,000 – ₦280,000/month
4. Geography and Environmental Studies
Why It’s Easy:
Combines physical geography with environmental themes. There’s less scientific rigor compared to courses like Environmental Engineering.
Career Opportunities:
- Environmental researcher
- Cartographer
- Disaster risk planner
- GIS consultant
Job Market Advantage:
Often employed in climate planning, geographical data handling, and disaster management.
Estimated Starting Salary: ₦90,000 – ₦250,000/month
5. Forestry and Wildlife Management
Why It’s Easier:
More field-based and observational, this course avoids complex lab work. It emphasizes conservation, forest health, and wildlife tracking.
Career Opportunities:
- Park ranger
- Forest manager
- Wildlife conservationist
- Agricultural extension officer
Job Market Advantage:
Available roles in national parks, ministries of environment, and conservation NGOs.
Estimated Starting Salary: ₦80,000 – ₦200,000/month
6. Environmental Health Science (ND or BSc)
Why It’s Easier:
Compared to other health sciences, Environmental Health focuses on fieldwork, public health campaigns, and sanitary inspections. Minimal chemistry or pharmacology involved.
Career Opportunities:
- Public health officer
- Sanitary inspector
- Water quality analyst
- Waste disposal manager
Job Market Advantage:
Local government health departments, ministries, and environmental consultancy firms recruit these graduates.
Estimated Starting Salary: ₦90,000 – ₦250,000/month
7. Marine and Coastal Management (Offered in Select Schools)
Why It’s Easy:
This program focuses on marine environments and coastal sustainability with fewer technical courses in chemistry or physics.
Career Opportunities:
- Marine park manager
- Coastal erosion consultant
- Fisheries officer
- Coastal planner
Job Market Advantage:
Useful in coastal state government agencies, marine tourism, and NGOs focused on ocean preservation.
Estimated Starting Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦270,000/month
Admission Requirements for Environmental Science Courses in Nigeria
Most Environmental Science programs require:
- O’Level Requirements:
- 5 credits in English, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, and Mathematics.
- UTME Subjects:
- English Language (compulsory)
- Biology
- Chemistry or Geography
- Physics or Agricultural Science (depending on course)
- Cut-off Marks:
- Vary by university but generally between 160 – 220, depending on course and institution competitiveness.
FAQs – Easiest Environmental Science Courses
1. Which is the easiest Environmental Science course to study in Nigeria?
Environmental Education and Forestry & Wildlife Management are widely considered the easiest due to minimal lab work and simpler theoretical content.
2. Can I get a good job with these "easy" Environmental Science courses?
Yes. Many of these fields are practical and in demand. Roles in public health, urban planning, and environmental NGOs often favor these degrees.
3. Do federal universities offer these programs?
Yes. Schools like University of Ibadan, UNILAG, FUTA, UNN, UNIBEN, and FUNAAB offer variants of these courses.
4. Are there self-employment opportunities in these fields?
Absolutely. You can start an environmental consulting business, run community outreach programs, or even work as an independent researcher.
5. Are these courses less respected than core environmental or science courses?
Not at all. Respect comes from how well you use your skills. Environmental needs are growing in Nigeria, and these "easier" courses equip you for real-world impact.
Conclusion
You don’t need to struggle with the most difficult courses to have a successful career in Environmental Science. From Environmental Education to Forestry, Urban Planning, and Environmental Health, these programs are easier to study, widely available, and connected to real job opportunities in Nigeria’s growing environmental sector.
If you're passionate about protecting the environment and want a course that's less demanding but still impactful, then these options are your perfect fit.
