Undergraduate Sustainability Degrees

The Department of Geology and Geography provides undergraduate and graduate students with an opportunity to understand the sustainability of natural and human systems.

New Degrees in Sustainability Studies

Students in Sustainability Studies and Earth & Environmental Science learn analytical skills, apply their experience in the field and meet professionals from a broad cross-section of the fastest-growing career sectors worldwide. Both degrees provide foundations in their respective disciplines and provide applications to sustainability.

Sustainability Studies, B.A.

Studying sustainability helps you understand the complexity of human-environment relations by examining concepts and practices from the geosciences, environmental studies, and social and human geography.

Earth and Environmental Science, B.S.

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.

Minors

Our minors are crafted to complement various majors across disciplines, offering you the opportunity to develop spatial analysis skills, critical thinking, and a global perspective.

Former Undergraduate Degree Programs

The Geology, Geography, Environmental Geoscience programs are not admitting any new majors. The links for these majors are for current students only. Read the FAQs about these New and Former Undergraduate Degrees

Resources and Opportunities

You will find many opportunities available to you as an undergraduate student in our department. Our faculty and staff encourage questions and we are all committed to your success.

Advising & FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our programs and advising. Our advisors are well-equipped to assist students in progressing through our program.

Field Camp

Visit the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming to apply concepts from the classroom and learn how to communicate your findings.

Scholarships

Due to the generosity of alumni, students majoring in our programs may apply for a variety of scholarships and awards. We also maintain a list of external scholarships for our students.

Internships and Research

Check regularly as we frequently post internship and research opportunities.

Student Organizations

We offer several student organizations to help you make the most out of your education and to connect with your fellow students.

Job and Career Resources

The Department of Geology and Geography is often sent job opportunities to share with students. Our department takes pride in its professional development and job placement rate.

In the Spotlight

Our Sustainability Studies and Environmental and Earth Science majors have varying backgrounds, interests and accomplishments. Learn about their journeys through the Student Spotlights below.

I chose WVU because we have great programs for the physical sciences.... and Morgantown is filled with amazing trails.

Ruby stands in the middle of a stream wearing a cap, short sleeve shirt, and shorts, while giving a thumbs up with both hands.

Ruby Ulrich

Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Environmental Studies and a minor in Sustainable Trails DevelopmentClass of 2025

After I complete my undergraduate degrees here at WVU, I want to attend law school and eventually practice environmental law.

Male with short curly hair and wearing a dark blue jacket stands outside overlooking a canyon geologic formations in the background.

Andrew O’Neal

Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Political ScienceClass of 2027

I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies to be able to learn and create ways to sustain the earth and its resources for the future.

Female in hockey gear standing with her hockey stick in front of the goal

Sophia Grace Kranias

Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability StudiesClass of 2027

Joe Lebold

Teaching Associate Professor of Geology; Associate Chair

“I want folks to see the stories of our Earth, written in rock, I want them to see the geological patterns that shape our landscapes, and I want them to understand how we must strike a sustainable balance.”

Amy Weislogel

Associate Professor of Geology

“I train the next generation of earth scientists.... The goal is to develop capable scientists who can address challenges ranging from mitigating global climate change to meeting global energy demands. ”

Bradley Wilson

Associate Professor of Geography and Director of the WVU Center for Resilient Communities

“We want to elevate the spirit of solidarity among community leaders in our state and learn from the wisdom of those working tirelessly on the frontlines to create a brighter future in West Virginia’s communities.”

Meet Our Faculty and Staff