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B.S. Environmental Earth Science

Why Environmental Earth Science?

Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and life sciences (including physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, soil science, geology, and geography) to the study of the environment and environmental systems and to the solution of environmental problems. Earth science is an all-encompassing term for the science related to the planet Earth, including the study of the solid earth (lithosphere), the atmosphere, the hydrosphere (including the oceans), and the biosphere. This major blends these academic fields into a coherent interdisciplinary program applying geoscience skills and knowledge to environmental issues, problems, and solutions. This initiative complements other initiatives with the College of Arts and Science to expand environmental programs and offerings and interdisciplinary pursuits. Fundamentally, this is an Earth Science major but with a more interdisciplinary approach.

Environmental earth scientists are trained to work in a variety of areas crossing numerous disciplines. With concerns about shortages and conservation of natural resources, environmental pollution, and global climate change in today's society, many environmental earth scientists are involved in developing alternative energy systems, investigating, mitigating and controlling pollution solving problems associated with waste disposal, promoting sustainable urban development, and understanding the causes and effects of global climate change. Environmental earth scientists study the human influence upon the earth and provide basic information needed to solve problems and establish rational policies for resource management, environmental protection, and public health safety and welfare.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Define and properly use the principal specialized terms and concepts employed in the geosciences;
  2. Demonstrate proficiency with the use of tools, technologies and methods common to the geosciences;
  3. Communicate effectively to specialists and non-specialists;
  4. Demonstrate quantitative literacy;
  5. Demonstrate proficiency with the application of the scientific method to geoscience problem solving

What Can I Do With a Major in Environmental Earth Science?

Environmental earth scientists are typically employed in environmental consulting and planning firms, energy and mineral resource companies, or government agencies, such as the National Park Service, environmental protection agencies, and health departments. They are also employed in schools and universities, a wide array of both small and large corporations, legal practices, non-profit organizations, and even the news media. Because environmental earth scientists are continually urged to recognize and address the world around them, they acquire and hone skills that are highly valued in many disciplines.lookings at rock

About 50 percent of our graduates obtain immediate employment in earth science disciplines. A bachelor's degree can provide the background to obtain support or assistant positions as a geologist in government agencies or consulting companies as well as the laboratory or field programs of mining and petroleum corporations and state or national geological surveys.

In recent years, about 30 percent of our graduates have furthered their education in graduate programs. A master's degree, which is the terminal degree of most practicing earth, environmental, and geoscientists, provides a wide opportunity for professional achievement and advancement. A Ph.D. in Geology, Earth Science, or Environmental Science can lead to an academic career of teaching and research. Environmental Earth Science majors may continue in the sciences after obtaining their undergraduate degree, but they may also go into law, business, or education. Environmental law, environmental policy, and earth science education have become increasingly active areas in recent years, and the A.B. in Environmental Earth Science is an ideal path to these opportunities.

What Classes Would I Take?

The Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree in Environmental Earth Science is designed for those students who are interested in the geosciences and applying their geosciences pursuits to environmental issues, problems, and solutions. This degree offering reflects the fact that most of our faculty are involved in environmental research and study. The degree includes a core of introductory geosciences, environmental science, hydrogeology and geomorphology, or sedimentology/stratigraphy. Required electives include a wide array of our upper-level courses that address environmental themes, teach tools of environmental science, or are otherwise cross-disciplinary by nature. By petition, some elective requirements may be fulfilled by courses in other natural sciences or Geography. This degree also requires courses in mathematics/statistics, chemistry, physics, and the life sciences.