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Earth and Environmental Science, BS

When you complete the new bachelor of science in Earth and Environmental Science, you will understand Earth systems, the processes that drive them, their impacts on human society and how to apply the scientific method to investigate real-world problems.

The BS in Earth Science prepares you for both specific and evolving career pathways, including:

Environmental, hydrologic, geochemical and geospatial consulting, and the evolving energy industry (e.g., geothermal energy production, carbon extraction and sequestration, and discovery and recovery of minerals, such as rare earth elements, critical to battery/electronic production).
Regulatory agencies at the state and federal levels.
Entrepreneurial efforts to capitalize on the societal shifts that necessarily accompany our global shift towards a more sustainable future.
Professional Geologist.

You will also be well prepared for admission to graduate and professional schools.

Your Degree Plan The �� Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

As an Earth and Environmental Science major, you'll learn about Earth systems, the processes that drive them, their impacts on human society and how to apply the scientific method to investigate real-world problems

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

SUST 101:
Sustainable Earth
Introduction to Earth system processes, human impacts on the environment, and sustainability. Both human and environmental sustainability are emphasized in topics related to Earth materials, climate change, the origin of landforms, natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods), sustainable energy, and water resources.
SUST 201:
Earth System Science
Scientific study of the Earth systems, including hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere and biosphere, and their interactions. Emphasize earth materials, the use of data to predict natural hazards, how exploration and production of natural resources is conducted and the implications for environmental change and sustainability of human civilization.
SUST 240:
Earth Data Analytics
Introduction to quantitative analysis of data, including methods for extracting actionable information to guide decision-making in Earth science and Sustainability applications. Students are introduced to coding, open-source data science software packages, basic statistical methods and best practices in undertaking reproducible science.
SUST 250:
Digital Earth and GIS
Explores the concepts, principles and practices of acquiring, storing, analyzing, displaying, and using geospatial data and investigates the science behind geographic information systems and the techniques and methods GIS scientists and professionals use to generate data, answer questions and inform decision making. Explores the role of geospatial technologies in society and associated ethical practices.
GEOL 403:
Geological Data Analysis
Application of geological skills to real-world problems through a series of projects similar to those carried out by geological professionals. Analysis and interpretation of geological datasets using a combination of computer and traditional tools.
GEOL 404:
Geology Field Camp
S. 6 Hr. PR: GEOL 285 and GEOL 341 and GEOL 311 and Consent. Practical experience in detailed geological field procedures and mapping. (Living expense in addition to tuition must be paid at time of registration.)
GEOG 452:
Geographic Information Science: Applications
GIS uses, needs, analysis, design and implementation. Operational institutional and management topics of GIS for planning, locational decision making in business, government and research contexts.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

Climate and Environmental Science

Prepare for a career in environmental consulting, natural hazard management, groundwater assessment or climate change studies. Contribute to solutions of the most pressing environmental problems of our time.
GIS Methods

Learn to use up-to-date mapping technologies and satellite imaging technologies.
Geoscience and Sustainable Energy

Prepare for a career in the sustainable development and management of Earth’s groundwater water and subsurface mineral and energy resources. Ensure these resources are maintained for future generations.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Honors

Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the �� Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The �� Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

On-site with competitive paid internships.
Partnerships with Halliburton and ArcGIS – ESRI.
You'll work with one adviser throughout your undergraduate studies.
Access to the Undergraduate Resource Room, a study lounge with resources just for our majors.
Weekly updates with job postings, internships, on-campus resources and departmental events.
Conduct research and participate in meaningful activities with a focus on sustainability in our faculty labs.
Opportunities to present at conferences.
Four computer labs with ArcGIS, plus the web version of ArcGIS is on all �� Library computers.
Scholarships to offset field camp costs and merit-based mini-scholarships available.
Earn academic credit through .
500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Scholarships

Over 92% of �� freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Research opportunities are available in:

Carbon Sequestration
Water Quality
Food Justice
Paleontology
Critical Minerals

Additional academic opportunities include:

Field trips (local and out-of-state)
Field experience
Volunteer work

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Sustainable Development Internship Program
(on-site at ��) competitive-paid internships

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Career Options

Many graduates pursue careers or graduate study in:

Environmental Consulting
Land Reclamation
Environmental Impact Studies
Policy Analysis
Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Natural Resources
National and State Parks
Mapping/GIS
Leidos
US Government
Local Government
US Army Corps of Engineers

Who's Hiring Our Grads

Leidos
Range Resources
US Park Service
US Government
State and Local Governments
NGOs
Non-Profit Organizations
Environmental Consulting Firms
USGS

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ��'s Earth and Environmental Science major, first-time freshmen must meet ��'s . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Earth and Environmental Science at �� cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at �� Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any �� System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending �� in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Earth and Environmental Science major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ��.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the �� family.

Want to know more about Earth and Environmental Science at ��? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Visit

Experiencing campus is the best way to see if �� is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.