Bachelor of Science Major in Geological and Environmental Sciences with Departmental Honors

The Bachelor of Science in Geological and Environmental Sciences prepares students for professional employment or graduate study in geology or environmental science. Students earning a BS in Geological and Environmental Sciences are competitive for jobs in a number of fields, including geotechnical and environmental consulting, where they assess geologic hazards and environmental impacts, government agencies at the state and federal level, as well as in natural resource management. An increasing emphasis on environmental issues and growing demand for natural resources, in addition to recent retirement patterns in the Geological and Environmental Sciences, create a considerable demand for these well-trained scientists. According to the American Geological Institute, Masters and PhD-level geoscientists have experienced effectively zero unemployment during the past 20 years.Environmental Science ConcentrationEnvironmental Science majors use an interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, integrating a core of geology, biology, chemistry, and mathematics with policy and humanities classes. This degree prepares students for exciting careers in science-based fields, such as pollution abatement, ecosystem protection, environmental restoration, as well as newly emerging fields in science communications and the technology industry.Geology ConcentrationGeology degrees are built on a foundation in the natural and physical sciences and integrate physics, chemistry, mathematics and a variety of advanced geology courses. This preparation provides the tools needed to scientifically approach all aspects of the earth system. Geology degrees are extremely marketable and prepare students for competitive careers in a broad range of traditional (geotechnical and environmental consulting, energy exploration, land use and resource management, natural hazard assessment) and non-traditional (law, policy, business, communication, education) fields.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.