Department of Earth Sciences

Environmental Geology Concentration

In recent years, the environmental field has become more diversified, providing a job base for students with a more general background in the geosciences. To fulfill this need, the Department of Earth Sciences has created a major in Environmental Geology. This program is designed for those students who have a basic interest in the environmental industry, whether that be work with state, federal, or non-profit organizations; or in the environmental consulting field. The B.S. Earth Sciences-Environmental Geology concentration provides a solid grounding in the geosciences while providing greater flexibility and diversity in choosing courses. Students may select courses that emphasize water quality issues, land use, or coastal processes depending on their interests. Another selling point for many students is that this degree only requires one semester of precalculus. The B.S. in Environmental Geology is good preparation for a career in groundwater resource management, conservation and planning, or work with nonprofit organizations.

Required Earth Sciences

Environmental Earth and Ocean Science Core (20 credits)

  • ESCI 1XX or 2XX – Any 100- or 200-level Earth Science Class (3)
  • ESCI 221 Physical Geology (4)
  • ESCI 245 Environmental Meteorology (3)
  • ESCI 261 Introduction to Oceanography (4)
  • ESCI 322 Environmental Hydrology (3)
  • ESCI 385 Global Climate Change: Science & Policy (3)

Methods Courses: Choose 2 (6 credits)

  • ESCI 281 GIS Applications for the Earth Sciences (3)
  • ESCI 380 Remote Sensing and Image Interpretation (3)
  • ESCI 423 Applied Geophysics (3)

Field Courses: Choose 1 (3 credits)

  • ESCI 267 Field Methods (3)
  • ESCI 422 Geological Field Mapping (3-4)
  • ESCI 465 Biological Oceanography (3)

Environmental Geology Core: 22 credits

  • ESCI 222 Historical Geology (4)
  • ESCI 225 Geomorphology (3)
  • ESCI 321 Structural Geology (4)
  • ESCI 326 Sedimentation & Stratigraphy (4)
  • ESCI 327 Earth Materials (4)
  • ESCI 426 Groundwater Resources and Contamination (3)

Required Related Courses

Total: 13-16 credits

  • MATH 160 Precalculus (4)
  • Any 3 courses in the sciences that count toward the major