Earth & environmental sciences Major

The Department of Earth & Environmental Systems offers a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences with concentrations in atmosphere and surface processes or geoscience.

Course work includes a core of courses and laboratory work in environmental science, world culture and environments, earth science, and conservation and sustainability. Students also complete a core of mathematics and science courses in chemistry, calculus, and physics.  Electives are selected from areas such as environmental processes, water and geochemistry, geobiology, geoarchaeology, physical geosciences, and research.

In addition, each student selects a concentration in one of the following areas. 

          Atmospheric and Surface Processes:  This concentration focuses on the field and laboratory techniques needed to understand earth surface processes and climate. Course work includes physical geography, weather and climate, geomorphic processes, chemistry, and physics. Graduates are prepared for careers in fields such as environmental science, land reclamation, surface water/soil contamination, and conservation of natural resources.  Concentration Requirements  4 year curriculum plan

          Geoscience:  This concentration focuses on field and laboratory techniques needed to interpret earth and environmental processes, analyze and evaluate scientific data, and assess new environmental issues.  Course work includes earth history, mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, field geology, environmental geology, stratigraphy and sedimentation, chemistry, and physics. Graduates are prepared for professional careers as a geologist, hydrogeologist, or environmental scientist in a variety of industries or in government agencies, including those dealing with distribution and quality of groundwater, pollution problems, waste disposal, and hazards such as flooding and erosion.  Concentration Requirements  4 year curriculum plan

Students benefit from one-on-one guidance from dedicated faculty mentors with diverse expertise.  Most hold doctoral degrees—and all engage in research and scholarly publication. Course work is further enriched with lectures and presentations by graduate student researchers and visiting scholars from around the nation and overseas.

Classroom activities and research are enhanced by state-of-the-art laboratories, field camps, and fieldwork as part of faculty research projects conducted in a wide variety of environments around the world. Internships are available. 

A number of activities and organizations are available that enable students to interact with other students and professionals in the industry. Student organizations include Gamma Theta Upsilon, Kappa Nu Chapter, the Anthropology Club, and the Earth Science Club. In addition, the department regularly hosts special events.

 

EES Courses