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Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Department of Geology and Geography
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Earth and Environmental Science, B.S.

Work with faculty in state-of-the-art labs to find solutions to real-life problems and apply the scientific method to investigate Earth’s environment, climate and life through time and space.
Plan of Study

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

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Program Overview

Program Delivery: On-campus

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.

a male rofessor with glasses stands next to a male student looking at maps during a class.

Areas of Emphasis

  • 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.

Opportunities

  • On-site WVGIS Technical Center 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 WVU Library computers.
  • Scholarships to offset field camp costs and merit-based mini-scholarships available.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.

Living Learning Communities

Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.

Student Organizations

To explore more organizations, visit WVUEngage where you can browse and manage organizations, find events, and showcase your involvement.

Professional Organizations

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

Internships and Assistantships

Research and Opportunities

Research opportunities are available in:

  • Carbon Sequestration
  • Water Quality
  • Food Justice
  • Paleontology
  • Critical Minerals

Additional academic opportunities include:

Undergraduate Internships and Research

Explore Career Paths

Start your journey into the industries that are leading the global energy transition towards a more sustainable future, or those that are solving current environmental problems.

Explore careers in environmental, hydrologic, geochemical, energy and geospatial industries. Learn about geothermal energy production, carbon sequestration, discovery and recovery of minerals critical for clean energy; or learn skills required by regulatory agencies at the state and federal levels.

  1. 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

  2. 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