Lehigh’s undergraduate major and minor in earth and environmental sciences expose students to the fundamentals in environmental science, geology, and ecology, all in the context of a modern earth-systems-science approach. The robust degree programs are aimed at helping students prepare for a wide range of possible career paths in basic and applied science as well as a larger constellation of careers in areas like law, government, and business.The curriculum reflects the great range in approaches to studying the Earth system. It addresses the needs of both majors and non-majors who, as future citizens and leaders in business and government, will play an important role in facing issues of natural resources, hazards, environment, and energy.The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) is Lehigh’s home for teaching and research in the areas of ecology, environmental science, and geological sciences. Matters of environmental quality and natural resources will increasingly impact people and society in the years to come, and the EES department offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs that provide students with an understanding of Earth’s biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere, with an emphasis on how these components function as an integrated Earth system. Training in Earth and Environmental Sciences can lead to technical and scientific careers in research, environmental consulting, conservation ecology, government agencies, and the energy sector. It can also serve as an excellent liberal arts degree that provides context, depth, and preparation for careers in law, policy, journalism, economics, and health and medicine.
