B.A., B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences - Geoscience

The University offers a bachelor of arts (B.A.) and a bachelor of science (B.S.) in earth and environmental sciences. Coursework includes a core of courses and laboratory work in environmental science, world culture and environments, earth science, and conservation and sustainability. Students also complete a core of mathematics and science courses in chemistry, calculus, and physics. Electives are selected from areas such as environmental processes, water and geochemistry, geobiology, geoarchaeology, physical geosciences, and research. Students benefit from one-on-one guidance from dedicated faculty mentors with diverse expertise. Most hold doctoral degrees—and all engage in research and scholarly publication. Coursework is further enriched with lectures and presentations by graduate student researchers and visiting scholars from around the nation and overseas. Classroom activities and research are enhanced by state-of-the-art laboratories, field camps, and fieldwork as part of faculty research projects conducted in a wide variety of environments around the world. Internships are available. Other opportunities include the University's Honors Program and study abroad programs, which range from summer programs to a single semester or a full academic year in over 56 countries. Geoscience: This concentration focuses on field and laboratory techniques needed to interpret earth and environmental processes, analyze and evaluate scientific data, and assess new environmental issues. Coursework includes earth history, mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, field geology, environmental geology, stratigraphy and sedimentation, chemistry, and physics. Graduates are prepared for professional careers as geologists or hydro geologist in a variety of industries or in government agencies, including those dealing with distribution and quality of groundwater, pollution problems, waste disposal, and hazards such as flooding and erosion. Careers Our graduates possess the marketable skills, knowledge, and training in field and laboratory techniques necessary for professional positions. The program also provides a sound foundation for graduate study. Career options vary depending on the concentration selected. There is an increasing need for geoscientist and environmental scientists who can apply their expertise to finding energy and mineral resources as well as evaluating and mitigating the impact of humans on the environment. Our graduates are prepared for careers with geological, environmental, and engineering firms, analytical laboratories, petroleum and mining companies, and hydrological consulting firms. They are qualified for careers with federal agencies such as the United States Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. On the state level, career opportunities include positions with state geological surveys or departments of natural resources, environmental management, or private environmental or engineering firms.