Bachelor of Arts in Geology and Environmental Science

About

Environmental science is the study of society’s relationship with the physical and biological world. This knowledge may be applied to understanding natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides; addressing problems associated with environmental contamination; and investigating earth’s history to understand the global climate change. Environmental scientists are employed by environmental consulting firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and universities. The Department of Geosciences faculty maintain research programs to study topics as diverse as: ground water, pollution impacts, microbe-mineral interactions, environmental change, biodiversity, remote sensing of buried structures. External funding and alumni support allow faculty to support student research. The faculty provides a broad-based education focused on both academic and applied aspects of the geological and environmental sciences. Environmental science students apply state-of-art field and laboratory techniques to study geologic and environmental issues in Ohio and around the world. Students use modern equipment in the field for computer mapping, and in the laboratory for studying the chemical, mineralogical, magnetic, biologic, and physical properties of rock, sediment and water samples. Many courses have a component that involves a practical problem that is examined using field and laboratory methods. Geology and environmental science students gain the skills necessary to compete in the workforce or continue in a graduate program. Students are provided opportunities through research-orientated courses, paid laboratory assistantships and summer internships to gain practical professional experience. Summer Field Camp in South Dakota and Wyoming further provides students practical experience in geology. 

Career Path 

Graduate career path includes Environmental Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Conservation Officer, Natural Resource Manager, Environmental Policy Analyst, Sustainability Coordinator, Soil Scientist, Water Quality Analyst, Wildlife Conservation Specialist, Environmental Health & Safety Officer, Environmental Educator (Schools, NGOs, Community Programs), Climate Change Analyst, Ecologist / Field Researcher, Air Quality Specialist, Waste Management Specialist, Renewable Energy Analyst, Environmental Impact Assessment Officer, GIS & Remote Sensing Specialist (Environmental Applications), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Environmental Officer, Environmental Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator (NGOs), Urban Planning & Environmental Development Assistant, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist.