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Become a professional geologist


Gain expertise in processes occurring at the Earth’s surface including environmental geology, geomorphology and hydrology.

Environmental Geoscience Major


This program is ideal for preparing you to enter the job market in geological/environmental consulting. It is also an excellent choice you want to double major in environmental science.

What Will I Learn?


You will gain expertise in the areas of environmental geology, geomorphology or hydrology. The environmental geology major focuses on surficial geologic processes.

What is Unique About Our Program?


Since the environmental geology program is embedded in an environmental science program, you will have easy access to classes that are very important in consulting geology, but are typically not taught in geology programs, like soils, environmental chemistry, water quality modeling and ecology.

Other benefits include:

  • Before graduation, students can complete a 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response course, which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires of anyone working with contaminants. The completion of this course, gives students a competitive edge in the job market.
  • The environmental geoscience major leads to qualifying you for licensure as a professional geologist.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory and field facilities, including:

What Are My Career Opportunities?


The environmental geology program will prepare you for a career in geologic and environmental consulting. Our graduates can work at state and federal agencies that employ geologists like the United States Geological Survey, state geological surveys, state Department of Transportation, state Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service.

Careers:

  • A professional geologist for governmental agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey, state geological surveys, state Department of Transportation, state Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Forest Service.
  • A professional geologist with expertise in processes occurring at the Earth’s surface.
  • An environmental or geotechnical consultant.
  • The program also prepares students well for graduate programs.
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