Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences

Degree: B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences (BS EEOS) is a 4-year course of study focusing on the physical mechanisms, interactions, and human activities that characterize and impact the Earth system. BS EEOS students will gain an understanding of the environmental issues with an emphasis on climate change. In addition to a common core curriculum students choose one of three concentrations: Environmental Geology for those interested in studying environmental problems related to the lithosphere and hydrosphere; Environmental Ocean Sciences for those attracted to environmental issues related to marine systems; and Environmental Earth Sciences, to encourage students with broader interests to create a more interdisciplinary curriculum. All three EEOS concentrations provide a great deal of flexibility so that students may pursue minors that augment their degree.

Why Study This Program

Careers in the environmental earth sciences have a strong potential for growth. The increased need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and water resource management is projected to increase demand for geoscientists in the coming decade. Our BS EEOS program is designed to meet this demand by providing solid foundational knowledge in the Earth Systems as well as technical expertise in investigative methods and field techniques. This degree will make graduates competitive to enter the geoscience workforce or to enter top graduate programs. Additionally, the new BS EEOS degree Environmental Geology concentration meets the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s educational requirements for certification as a professional geologist (P.G. licensure).

What Will You Learn?

The Environmental Geology concentration enables students to understand how Earth Materials (the rocks, minerals, and waters of the Earth) are formed and utilized by humans. Understanding how minerals and rocks are formed and how surface and groundwater systems function enables geologists to understand how and where water, energy, and mineral resources can be found. Studying the details of these resources through classes such as Groundwater Resources and Contamination, Sedimentation and Stratigraphy, and Earth Materials allows students to understand and evaluate critical environmental problems such as water resource supply and contamination, energy and mineral resource identification, and environmental assessment and remediation. Graduates of the environmental geology concentration meet all of the necessary curricular requirements for professional licensure.

Course Requirements and Descriptions - Environmental Geology

The Environmental Ocean Sciences curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills to become tomorrow’s marine innovators and environmental leaders.  Our students explore the fundamentals of ocean circulation, seawater chemistry, and the growth and maintenance of marine ecosystems.  At our Chincoteague Bay Field Station, students gain hands-on experience collecting biological and oceanographic data at the shore and from our boats.  But they also, take courses in remote sensing and satellite-based observation so that they understand how data is collected on an ocean-basin scale.   Whether you're passionate about protecting marine life, decoding climate change, or shaping ocean policy, this program offers the tools and experience to enter a career in the ocean-sciences.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS & DESCRIPTIONS - ENVIRONMENTAL OCEAN SCIENCES

The Environmental Earth Sciences concentration offers a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum rooted in the core sciences of geology and oceanography. Designed for students passionate about the environment, this program emphasizes the study of Earth and marine resources, their sustainable use, and their impact on global systems—including climate change.  Students gain a holistic understanding of the challenges facing our planet through a rich blend of coursework based in the physical sciences and supplemented with courses in environmental ethics, management, and policy. The program empowers students to shape their academic journey by selecting courses that align with their unique interests in the environmental sciences, whether that’s coastal ecosystems, climate resilience, or sustainable resource development.

Course Requirements and Descriptions - Environmental Earth Sciences