Bachelor of Arts Major in Geological and Environmental Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts in Geological and Environmental Sciences is for liberal arts students with a strong interest in the earth and its environments, but who may wish to couple their major with multiple other programs or pursue a career outside the sciences, such as in policy, communications, advocacy. The breadth of a BA in Geological and Environmental Sciences is ideal for preparing students for professional degrees and successful careers in law, education, business, administration, or international relations.The Department of Geological and Environmental SciencesIn the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences we take a broad view of the Earth and offer courses that develop the practice of scientific inquiry and an understanding of our planet, its history, natural systems, resources and recent global change. Our students explore the origin of the Earth and solar system, the formation of continents and oceans, the evolution and extinction of life, the distribution and availability of water and natural resources, and the impact of humans on ecosystems and the environment. A truly distinctive and critical component of the student experience in our department is our experiential-based education that includes laboratory and field work and is designed to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning about the natural world. Many of our majors work closely with faculty on award-winning collaborative research projects that advance scientific knowledge of the Earth and its environments or participate in internship experiences throughout the United States.OutcomesSystems & Cycles - Understand fundamental environmental systems, cycles, processes, and interactions between and among them.Materials - Identify common earth materials in the lab and the field and interpret their origin.Problem Solving - Acquire and apply knowledge from the liberal arts to address problems.Standardized Approach - Employ consistently the standardized approach (“scientific method”) in research and problem solving.Oral Communication - Communicate science effectively in oral form and with a style appropriate to a range of audiences.Written Communication - Communicate science effectively in written form and with a style appropriate to a range of audiences.Professionalism - Demonstrate professionalism in interactions, collaboration, and approaches to ethical dilemmas in the discipline.