Environmental Geosciences (BS)

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; and (4) Geospatial Science. 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 (39-41 credit hours); and (2) the Multidisciplinary Requirements (A-C below) in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Geospatial Science, and Supporting Courses (49 credit hours with a 2.0 or higher GPA). The curriculum leaves students with 30-32 hours of open electives. These open electives overlap with other programs may allow for completion of a double major or minor. Consult with the Environmental Geoscience faculty for current advice.

Environmental Geosciences Major Requirements

49 Core Credit Hours + 30-32 Suggested Elective Credit Hours

A. 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.

Select one (1) of the following introductory courses:
Complete the following five-course, curriculum-based undergraduate research experience (CURE):
Select three (3) of the following electives (12 credit hours):

B. 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.

GEOG 200 Digital Earth(3)
Select one (1) of the following:

C. Supporting Courses (15 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.

MATH 103 College Algebra(3) and MATH 104 College Trigonometry(3) or MATH 107 Precalculus(4)
CHEM 101 General Chemistry I(3) and CHEM 111 General Chemistry Laboratory I(1)
PHSC 219 Laboratory Research Methods and Ethics(1)
Select one (1) of the following for (4) hours:
Select seven (7) or more additional elective credit hours:
- BIOL 121 Foundations of Biology I(4) or higher
- CHEM 102 General Chemistry II(3) or higher
- CS 151 Introduction to Computer Science(3) or higher
- GEOG 101 Humans and the Environment(3) or higher
- GEOL 202 Evolution of Earth Systems(4) or higher
- HS 301 Public Health Epidemiology(3)
- LSPL 101 Introduction to Legal Systems(3) or BGEN 301 Principles of Business Law(3)
- MATH 105 Elementary Statistics(3) or higher
- PHYS 101 Introductory Physics(4) or higher
- PSY 229 Health Psychology(3)
- SOC 201 Social Problems(3)
- SOC 326 Medical Sociology(3)
- SOWK 302 Human Diversity(3)

NOTE:

MATH 103 , MATH 104 , or MATH 107 will be waived for those students establishing “equivalent proficiency” as defined by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (MATH ACT 25 for MATH 103 or MATH ACT 28 for MATH 104 or MATH 107 ).

D. Elective Concentrations by Career Interest

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.

HS 301 Public Health Epidemiology(3)
GEOG 101 Humans and the Environment(3)
GEOG 412 Public Health GIS(3)
Select three (3) courses from the following:

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.

GEOL 375 Chemistry and Petrology of the Solid Earth(4)
GEOL 380 Sedimentary Geology(4)
CHEM 102 General Chemistry II(3) and CHEM 112 General Chemistry Laboratory II(1)
Select two (2) courses from the following:

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 Five (5) courses from the following:

Note:

Students in need of accessibility accommodations or unable to conduct field work or travel for GEOL 405 may request for an appropriate course substitution or virtual field experience.