Degree Options in the Department of Geosciences

We’re proud to offer a wide variety of experineces in our department, but we also realize that sometimes having choices can be overwhelming! On this page we run down the three different concentrations and talk about the kinds of territory and careers that can go with each. If you have a specific career in mind and are curious about how that might work for you, you can always talk to one of our faculty about career mentoring!

Bachelor of Science in Geosciences

The Department of Geosciences offers a flexible and interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree that prepares students for careers focused on the environment, Earth systems, and geospatial technologies.

All majors complete a shared departmental core focused on developing practical and technical skills used across the geosciences. The core includes coursework in:

• Geoscience Orientation and professional development
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Remote sensing and spatial technologies
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Field and applied geoscience methods

This shared skill-based foundation allows students to build technical expertise while pursuing specialized interests within their concentration.

Students choose one of three concentrations:

• Environmental Science
• Geospatial Science
• Geology

Environmental Science Concentration

The Environmental Science concentration focuses on understanding environmental systems and addressing modern environmental challenges through interdisciplinary scientific approaches.

Students study topics such as water resources, sustainability, environmental hazards, and environmental data analysis while gaining experience through fieldwork, research, and applied learning.

Career pathways include:

• Environmental consulting
• Sustainability and resource management
• Environmental planning
• Government and regulatory agencies
• Hazard mitigation and environmental assessment

Geospatial Science Concentration

The Geospatial Science concentration prepares students to use spatial technologies to analyze environmental and human systems.

Students gain experience in:

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Remote sensing
• Cartography and visualization
• Spatial data analysis
• Drone and geospatial technologies

Graduates pursue careers in GIS, planning, emergency management, environmental analysis, mapping, and geospatial data science.

Geology Concentration

The Geology concentration focuses on Earth materials, processes, resources, and history while preparing students for careers in geology, environmental geoscience, and graduate study.

Students develop skills through laboratory and field experiences in areas such as:

• Earth materials, resources, and surface processes
• Hydrology and groundwater
• Environmental geology
• Paleontology and Earth history
• Geologic mapping and interpretation

Career pathways include environmental consulting, hydrogeology, geotechnical work, geological surveying, natural resources, and graduate study.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Geosciences students are encouraged to participate in:

• Undergraduate research
• Faculty-led projects
• Internships
• Field experiences
• Professional conferences
• Community and industry partnerships

Small class sizes and close faculty mentorship provide students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop the technical and professional skills needed for success in a rapidly evolving workforce.

Master of Science in Geosciences

The department also offers a Master of Science in Geosciences degree that has two tracks: professional sciences and thesis research. The multi-disciplinary nature of the program offers opportunities to develop new skill sets in geospatial sciences (Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, spatial analysis) and environmental geosystems (hydrogeology and watershed systems) that complement/enhance undergraduates experiences and backgrounds. While all of our undergraduate tracks would prepare you to join the M.S. program, we have had many students successfully complete the program who started with with degrees in anthropology, physics, business, archeology, biology, computer science, and others. The program coordinator for the M.S. program is Dr. Henrique Momm.

• Professional Science Track – For students who want to combine business and science coursework to develop necessary science proficiency while simultaneously developing workplace skills. The program is designed to be completed in two years and it culminates with a professional internship.
• Thesis Research Track – For students who wish to complete a traditional research thesis project. Students, in consultation with a faculty member, define a thesis committee and work on a research project (field, laboratory, computer simulation, geospatial analysis, etc). This experience prepares students for specialized professional positions and doctoral programs.