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Nov 21, 2024
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2021-2022 Academic Catalog June 1, 2021- May 31, 2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Environmental Geosciences (BS)
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 Return to: Degrees, Majors, and Minors
This degree prepares students for scientific careers or graduate study in the Earth and environmental sciences. The curriculum includes concentrations in: (1) Public Health, Society, and Environment; (2) Geology; (3) Environmental Science; (4) Geospatial Science; and (5) Earth and Space Sciences. Students will gain field, laboratory, and computer skills necessary for employment in the environmental, engineering, geospatial, geologic, and public health workforce.
The degree requires completion of 120 semester hours, including: (1) the General Education Program (23-29 hours beyond the Environmental Geosciences major); and (2) the multidisciplinary Requirements (A-D below) in Earth and environmental sciences, geospatial science, and supporting courses (53-60 hours with a 2.0 or higher GPA). The curriculum leaves students with 31-44 hours of open electives. These open electives and overlap with other programs may allow for completion of a double major or minor. Consult with the environmental geoscience faculty for current advice.
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Environmental Geosciences Major Requirements
53-60 Hours
A. Introductory Courses (6-7 Credit Hours)
Introductory courses provide an overview of the environmental geosciences from the perspective of Earth, its resources, and the society. Select one course from each of the following two lists in either order.
- Select one (1) of the following:
- Select one of the following or one additional course from (B) Earth and Environment Sciences Core Electives:
B. Earth and Environmental Sciences Core (28 Credit Hours)
The core develops field and laboratory research skills, and a broad knowledge about earth processes to help understand and remediate environmental problems in complex geologic settings.
Complete the following five-course, curriculum-based undergraduate research (CURE):
C. Geospatial Science (6 Credit Hours)
Geospatial Science uses computer applications such as Geographic Information Systems to study natural and societal patterns in order to help define and solve environmental and public health problems.
D. Supporting Courses (13-19 Credit Hours)
Scientific and environmental problems require interdisciplinary problem-solving skills. Courses in the social and health sciences are available as electives because environmental problems also involve interaction with people and society, including property owners, businesses, schools, government agencies, and the legal system.
NOTE:
MATH 104, MATH 105, MATH 105C can only be used as an elective if it was not used as a core.
MATH 103 and/or MATH 104 will be waived for those students establishing "equivalent proficiency" as defined by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (Math ACT 25 or 28).
E. Elective Concentrations by Career Interest
The program includes 26–29 hours of electives (9–10 courses) from prescribed lists in parts (A–D). You can use some of these to develop an "area of emphasis" or "concentration." The following are suggested concentrations of 5–7 courses to consider using as electives in your program to match your career interest. These are optional so you are not required to select or complete one, and you may instead select a mix of courses in collaboration with your advisor.
Public Health, Society, and Environment
GeoHealth is a rapidly growing field addressing how natural resources, climate change, and the Earth – minerals, bedrock, soil, water, and air – impact society and public health.
Geology
A traditional pathway for employment as a geologist or environmental scientist with engineering, energy, and environmental companies or government agencies. These courses will help qualify graduates for licensure as a professional geologist (P.G.), and admission to geology and geoscience graduate programs. Many graduate programs expect one year of coursework in chemistry, physics, and calculus.
Environmental Science
A concentration similar to geology but may incorporate a broader background connecting Earth's surface processes to the biosphere. Suitable for employment as environmental scientists and technicians.
- Select five (5) courses from the following:
Geospatial Science
Geospatial scientists use computer applications to analyze the distribution of Earth and environmental data important to society. Suitable for students looking for technology-oriented careers or admission to graduate programs in geospatial science and many areas of geology and geosciences.
- Select Six (6) courses from the following:
Earth and Space Sciences
For careers or admission to graduate programs in ocean and atmospheric sciences, planetary geology, or Earth science teaching.
Note:
Students in need of accessibility accommodations or unable to conduct field work or travel may request for an appropriate course substitution or virtual field experience.
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Return to: Degrees, Majors, and Minors
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