Environmental GeoscienceMajor
Are you interested in environmental issues — and changing the world around you? This major combines geoscience and environmental awareness to examine the impact of human behavior on the our world.
What is Environmental Geoscience at WVU like?
Environmental Geoscience is a joint geology and geography major for students interested in geological and geographical approaches to environmental issues. The curriculum emphasizes the physical, human and spatial aspects of Earth and its environment. Students interested in geological and geographical approaches to environmental issues study how to positively affect the environment and find solutions to the problems around them.
Our graduates pursue careers in environmental remediation, land use planning, sustainability design, geographical information systems, environmental legislation and journalism. Geologists and geophysicists hold approximately 95,000 jobs nationwide. Energy and environmental companies employ about half of all geoscientists. Many other geologists work for consulting firms and business services, especially engineering firms, which often provide services to oil and gas companies.
Environmental Geoscience program highlights:
Department of Geology and Geography
What makes Environmental Geoscience at WVU unique?
Interested in adding another major or a minor? Environmental Geoscience pairs well with the Native American Studies minor or majors in:
In addition to guaranteed admission agreements WVU has transfer articulation agreements with:
WVU Keyser Campus
Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Environmental Geoscience major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances. Possible job titles for this career include: Enforcement Officer.
Environmental Economists
Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques. Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Economist.
$101,050 Median Salary
Environmental Engineers
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology. Possible job titles for this career include: Chief, Pesticides and Toxic Substances Branch.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing. Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Specialist.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Programs Specialist.
Geophysical Data Technicians
Measure, record, or evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect or evaluate core samples or cuttings. Possible job titles for this career include: Field Engineer.
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists. Possible job titles for this career include: Geologist.
Industrial Ecologists
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment. Possible job titles for this career include: Ecologist.
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. Possible job titles for this career include: Environmental Program Manager.
Range Managers
Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife. Possible job titles for this career include: Land Management Supervisor.
Soil and Water Conservationists
Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use. Possible job titles for this career include: Conservationist.
Urban and Regional Planners
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. Possible job titles for this career include: Community Development Planner.
Graduates from this major have gone to work at:
Geosyntec Consultants
Princeton Geoscience, Inc.
Wildlands Engineering
What are the courses like in Environmental Geoscience at WVU?
Major Map
Check out the course requirements and suggested plan of study for WVU's Environmental Geoscience major.
View the Major Map
For a program overview, learning goals and course descriptions, visit the course catalog.
GEOG 107:
Introduction to global environmental systems operating on the earth's surface, emphasizing weather and climate, soils, natural vegetation, and geomorphology, and examination of human interaction with these natural processes.
Introduces the concept of natural resources and surveys such topics as land, soil, rangeland, forests, water, atmosphere, minerals, and energy. Emphasis is on the United States within the context of the global environment.
Geographical Data Analysis
Quantitative techniques for collection, classification, and spatial analysis of geographical data with emphasis on map analysis and application of spatial statistics.
Examines the interrelationship between politics and the environment, human territoriality, the political organization of space, geopolitical aspects of the nation-state and international problems.
Biogeography: Theory and Method
An introduction to the field of biogeography including the study of the distribution and diversity of life, how species migrate, the importance of natural and human disturbances in ecosystems.
Climatological Analysis
Statistical analysis and interpretation of climatological data and application to physical and human problems across the globe using user-friendly tools. (Also listed as GEOG 517)
Environmental Geographic Information Systems
Provides background and hands-on experience needed to answer scientific questions about the environment within a raster-based GIS framework. Students should have introductory-level GIS background.
GEOL 300:
Geology of West Virginia
Journey through geologic history of West Virginia with emphasis on the geology of public lands and fossil fuels. Local and overnight field trips are a required part of this course.
Geology of the National Parks
Explore the geology of selected National Parks with emphasis on the plate tectonic setting and in-depth analysis of surface features. One overnight field trip is required as part of this course.
PR or CONC: GEOL 321. Principles, practice, and case histories in application of earth science to environmental problems. Includes: water quality; landslides; subsidence; waste disposal; legal aspects; and geological aspects of land-use planning. (Field trips and independent field project required.)
Environmental and Exploration of Geophysics 1
Basic theory, computer modeling, and use of gravitational, magnetic, resistivity, and electromagnetic methods in the evaluation or shallow targets of interest to environmental, hydrological, and hazardous waste site investigations.
How much does Environmental Geoscience at WVU cost? And how can you save?
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 WVU. In addition to guaranteed admission agreements Environmental Geoscience has transfer articulation agreements with:
What are the requirements to apply for Environmental Geoscience at WVU?
To be admitted to WVU's Environmental Geoscience major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2020-21 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
We prepare skillful communicators at both the theoretical and applied levels. Choose from four areas of emphasis (health, interpersonal or strategic/organization communication and social media and communication technology) — or complete the integrated communication track for a more general focus.
This interdisciplinary program includes courses in political science, languages, geography, history, sociology, anthropology, economics and other topics. You'll gain valuable real-life experience through study abroad, global service learning and internships.
Agriculture and Natural Sciences
Interested in the environment? Agriculture and natural sciences jobs range from sustainable crop and food production to ensuring responsible use of natural resources.
Math and science touch every part of daily life. In our STEM majors, you'll solve everyday problems and build a better future for all of us.
Want to know more about Environmental Geoscience at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.
© 2020 West Virginia University. WVU is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer — Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. Last updated on May 19, 2018.