The Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science prepares you to solve complex global challenges related to resources by sharpening your critical thinking skills and intensifying your focus on earth systems through research and hands-on experiences.
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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.
Areas of Emphasis
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Climate and Environmental Science
To prepare for a career that deals with environmental impacts, assessment, geohazards and climate change.
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GIS Methods
To prepare for a career using up-to-date mapping technologies and locate resources.
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Geoscience and Sustainable Energy
To prepare for a career in planning and development that deals with climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution which also maintains resources 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
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.
ProfOrgs and Assistantships
Professional Organizations
Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:
Internships and Assistantships
Internships and Assistantships
- Center for Resilient Communities' Sustainable Development Internship Program
- WVGIS Technical Center (on-site at WVU) competitive-paid internships
Research and Opportunities
Research opportunities are available in:
- Carbon Sequestration
- Water Quality
- Food Justice
- Paleontology
- Critical Minerals
Additional academic opportunities include:
- Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Study abroad programs
- Field trips (local and out-of-state)
- Field experience
- Volunteer work
Coursework
Featured Courses
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.
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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
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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