Environmental Geology Major

Advisers Adams, Harnick, Harpp, Leventer, Levy

The Environmental Geology concentration focuses on the intersection between the Earth's environment and human activity. The program combines scientific study of Earth's environmental systems with consideration of the human relationship with the planet in terms of both humanistic values and social issues. Environmental Geology majors explore terrestrial and aquatic systems, Earth surface processes, and the fundamental geological mechanisms that drive the long-term evolution of Earth's interior and climate system.

Major Requirements

The following courses are required for the major:

Environmental Studies Courses (four)

• ENST 202/PHIL 202 - Environmental Ethics 
• ENST 232 - Environmental Justice or  ENST 321 - Global Environmental Justice  
• ENST 390 - Community-based Study of Environmental Issues
• One full-credit course or two half-credit courses from the list of Interdisciplinary Courses Focused on the Environment

Geology Courses (seven)

All of the following:

• GEOL 190 - Evolution of Planet Earth
• Two full-credit courses numbered 200 or higher and not counted towards other major requirements, excluding independent study courses
• Capstone seminar: Any full-credit 400-level geology course, excluding GEOL 491.

200-level Courses

Any three of the following:

• GEOL 201 - Mineralogy and Geochemistry and GEOL 201L 
• GEOL 215 - Paleontology of Marine Life and GEOL 215L 
• GEOL 225 - Sedimentology and Surficial Processes and GEOL 225L 
• GEOL 253 - Environmental Geochemistry and Analysis and GEOL 253L 

Cognate Science Courses (two)

• Any two full-credit courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics. GEOG 245 may be taken in place of one of these courses.

GPA Requirement

A GPA of 2.00 in the environmental geology major is necessary for graduation. A passing grade must be received in all courses counted toward the major.

Honors and High Honors

Students interested in pursuing honors can find the additional requirements on the Environmental Studies program page.

Additional Information

Students majoring in environmental geology are strongly encouraged to take the summer field course GEOL 320 - Techniques of Field Geology. Students who wish to pursue graduate study or a career in environmental geology are strongly encouraged to supplement the major requirements with at least one year of chemistry, mathematics, and physics or biology.

Environmental Studies Program

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the Environmental Studies program catalog page.