Environmental Geology (B.S.)
As an environmental geologist, you will predict, prevent and remediate hazards related to human activity or the Earth's dynamic processes such as beach erosion, earthquakes, flooding, groundwater contamination, landslides, and volcanic activity.
To gain an understanding of the broad range of factors relevant to geology and environmental geology, you will take courses such as hydrogeology and geochemistry, along with other courses in biology, chemistry, and civil and environmental engineering. You'll also find a variety of courses related to environmental issues are offered in departments across the University.
As an environmental geology major, you will have opportunities to collaborate with faculty conducting research on diverse issues related to environmental challenges. Recently, students have studied the projected impacts of global climate change on coastal zone erosion, the distribution of toxic heavy metals in the environment and the hydrogeologic properties of glacial sediments in the Miami Valley.
Labs and research facilities include the Keck Environmental Laboratory, which features equipment for the analysis of water quality and soil and a Geographic Information System facility. These are part of the NSF-funded Environmental Instrumentation Laboratory. The Ritter Undergraduate Research Facility consists of a completely renovated sample rock preparation room, an analytical lab with fume hood and a furnished student work area.
Career Opportunities
There is a great need for environmental geologists, and extensive employment opportunities exist in industry, government and education. Recent graduates have found careers in engineering geology, environmental education, environmental geochemistry, environmental law, hydrogeology, land-use planning, public service and water supply development.
Our graduates have also enjoyed ready acceptance into their choice of graduate schools providing advanced studies in environmental topics. Eighty-five percent of our graduates in recent years have received assistantships or fellowships.