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Environmental Geosciences
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Bachelor's in Environmental Geosciences

About the Environmental Geosciences Program

Our environmental geoscience curriculum is an interdisciplinary science program, incorporating geology, chemistry, biology, physics and atmospheric science. These courses may have students using seismic data to explore for natural gas or collecting air quality readings to identify pollution sources. The geography major will introduce students to the key processes shaping our physical environment, and how human societies interact with that environment. Students will have hands on experience with cutting-edge geospatial technology including drones, GPS equipment, and Geographic Information Systems. Geography students may take on a project to make our campus more environmentally friendly or model the impacts of environmental change on their community.

What Can I Do With an Environmental Geosciences Degree?

The Environmental Geoscience and Geography programs are for anyone who wants to understand our earth and how we live on it. Geographers and geoscientists can track pollution in our air and water, explore for valuable resources, prepare for the impacts of climate change on our society, or design policy to protect nature. They also can collaborate across nations and cultures, plan prosperous and sustainable communities, model and predict environmental processes, coordinate international ventures, or read the history of our planet, as well as analyze satellite data, design location-based apps and programs, or help businesses “go green.” We value field experiences, from examining landforms in our own backyard to traveling to places like Western China, the Mojave Desert, Death Valley, or Costa Rica.

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Why Choose an Environmental Geosciences Degree?

  • Personal Interaction
    With 15-30 students in our classes, students will get personalized attention from faculty and opportunities to develop close relationships with classmates.
  • Cutting-edge Technology
    Our department strives to use the latest hardware and software to give students the skills they need for the most in-demand jobs.
  • Field Experiences
    Students can’t study the earth without getting out to see it, so we have multiple opportunities for field experiences built into individual classes and our program as a whole.
  • Projects and Research with Faculty
    Our department offers many opportunities to collaborate with faculty members on research that will expand experiences and skills. Our students frequently present their work at regional and national conferences.
  • Networking
    We have a wide network of alumni who can help students decide what career is right for them and to find employers looking for SRU graduates.
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In the environmental geosciences department, I never felt like just a number. The professors know you by name, know your goals, and they're genuinely invested in your success. That kind of mentorship is what truly prepared me for my career.

Connor Maxwell ‘25, Cartographer and Graphics Specialist
Petrotek Engineering Corporation, Denver, CO
Connor Maxwell

Environmental Geosciences BA, BS and Concentrations

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Environmental Geoscience, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Allows students to explore the Earth's geological and environmental processes. This program is highly flexible, making it easy to pair with a second major like Safety Management, Business, or Education. Students can also choose to concentrate in either Environmental Science or Geology, and there is a Pre-Master’s of Education option for those interested in teaching Earth Science.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Environmental Geoscience, BA / Pre-Master of Education

Offers an accelerated path for students who want to become middle or high school science teachers. In just five years, this program allows students to earn two degrees: a bachelor's in Environmental Sciences and a Master of Education in Secondary Education. This dual-degree track, in partnership with the Department of Secondary Education, is the fastest way to get certified to teach.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Environmental Geoscience, BS - Concentration in Environmental Science

This major uses scientific knowledge from a wide range of disciplines—including biology, chemistry, and physics—to help students understand the complex relationship between human activities and the environment. Through extensive laboratory and field experiences, you will get to study environmental systems and problems firsthand and even have the opportunity to work directly with faculty on research projects.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Environmental Geoscience, BS - Concentration in Geology

Provides exceptional, hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom. You'll gain practical skills in both laboratory and field settings. This program also offers exciting career development opportunities, including research, internships, and professional networking.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Geography, BS - Concentration in Applied Geographic Technology

Focuses on using modern technologies to examine both the natural and human environment. The curriculum combines computer science, visualization, geographic information science, and remote sensing. Through intensive, hands-on projects, students will become experts in these fast-growing and highly sought-after technologies.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Geography, BS - Concentration in Environmental Studies & Sustainability

Offers a flexible degree that helps students understand the complex interactions between humans and the environment. Through a combination of fieldwork, laboratory classes, and geospatial technology, students build a strong technical background. The program also provides unique opportunities for students to connect with the local landscape and travel for internships or fieldwork, preparing them for careers or graduate studies.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Geography, BS - Concentration in Global Studies

Encourages students to examine complex, real-world issues related to human societies and their relationship with the natural environment. Students explore questions about global agreements on greenhouse gas emissions and population growth. The program also delves into topics like the potential for conflict between Native Americans and the Forest Service over nature conservation, seeking to find solutions to such challenges.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Environmental Geosciences - Certificates

For a listing of this program’s undergraduate certificates and related offerings, visit SRU’s official program catalog page.

Catalog | Program List


Career Outcomes

Environmental Geoscience students have gone on to positions such as:

  • Industrial Pretreatment Specialist, City of Denton Water Department
  • Hydrologist, USGS New Mexico Water Science Center
  • Air Quality Research Technician, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences
  • Field Geologist, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
  • Exploration Manager, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Internship Opportunities

SRU Environmental Geoscience students have completed internships at various locations including:

  • Department of Environmental Protection, Philadelphia, PA
  • National Park Services, Gates of the Arctic, AK
  • Cabot Oil and Gas, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Altoona Water Authority, Altoona, PA
  • Kappe and Associates, Monroeville, PA
  • Cape Cod National Seashore, Wellfleet, MA
  • Consol Energy Inc., Pittsburgh, PA
  • Environmental Data Resources, Milford, CT
  • Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Petrotek Engineering Corporation, Denver, CO

Clubs & Organizations

  • Gemma Theta Upsilon - Geography Honor Society
  • Geography, Geology, and the Environment Club - Open to all interested students
  • Sigma Gamma Epsilon - Environmental Geoscience Honor Society

Resources

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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