Immerse yourself in the environment and what's all around us—water, rocks, air and soil.
We're in the perfect location to explore your interests—just a stone's throw from the Susquehanna River and surrounded by waterways, wetlands, fields and farmland.
You'll get plenty of hands-on experience in the field and lab. Sample stream sediments, and study water chemistry in local streams. Explore what's underground using geophysical sensors, monitor air quality and weather, and use sophisticated computer programs to analyze data.
We have a cutting-edge, green facility with 19 labs and a rooftop greenhouse. Our state-of-the-art freshwater research laboratory and 87-acre environmental field station are right on campus.
Interested in sustainable living? There are plenty of opportunities to make a difference-work at our campus garden, live in our Sustainability House, or join a student group like S.A.V.E. or the Beekeepers Club.
We'll give you a broad background in geology, hydrology, meteorology and soil science, plus a solid knowledge of science fundamentals. 88 percent of our graduates from 2012-16 are working directly in the environmental field or studying earth/environmental science in graduate school.
You'll be able go right into your career or enroll in a graduate program in the sciences. Our interdisciplinary minors, like ecology, help you gain a better understanding of important topics in today’s world.
Recent graduates are earning master's degrees in geophysics, geoenvironmental studies, environmental science, environmental management, water resources and environmental engineering, hydrology, engineering, biology, hydrogeology, environmental law and policy, environmental chemistry, applied geosciences and oceanography.
They've become environmental consultants, wetland scientists, naturalists and environmental specialists in a variety of fields.
Requirements for the Major in Earth and Environmental Sciences. All majors must complete the department foundation courses, a choice of distribution courses, and the corollary science and mathematics courses listed below. To satisfy degree requirements, courses in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences must be completed with grades of C- or higher. Students who change majors after completing EENV-102, EENV-103, EENV-104, EENV-105 or EENV-213 may substitute that course in place of EENV-101 in the introductory sequence.
Double-counting restriction: students in the Earth & Environmental Sciences department may double-count a maximum of 16 semester hours toward another major or minor.
For the purposes of calculating the required 2.00 minimum GPA in the major, the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department uses all of the major courses with the EENV prefix.
Minor in Earth and Environmental Sciences. The minor requires 20 semester hours, with grades of C- or better, from among the courses in the major. No more than 8 SH in 100-level EENV courses may be applied toward the minor.
Double-counting restriction: students may double-count a maximum of 8 semester hours toward another major or minor.
Many of our students are involved with the Freshwater Research Institute, which includes a dedicated laboratory and state-of-the-art equipment for river research.
Which Environmental Science Is Right for Me?
Earth and environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology ... they sound remarkably similar. How do you decide which one is right for you? Here's your cheat sheet on these three fields.
Earth and environmental sciences studies the nonliving components of our environment and how they impact living things. Think of it as the study of water, rocks, air and soil.
Ecology examines the intersections between all living things and the nonliving environment. Unlike earth and environmental sciences, the primary focus is living organisms.
Environmental studies is the major for you if you want to advocate for the environment or work for a nonprofit or non-governmental organization (NGO). This program incorporates science, law and policy to look at pressing environmental issues.