Geology - Environmental Science Emphasis
Pursue a career in environmental geology, land conservation, or environmental policy.
Unmatched Curriculum and Learning Opportunities
Coursework throughout the program will teach you how to apply the practical principles of geology to solve environmental problems. Learn about the origin, distribution, use, misuse, and conservation of minerals, water, soil, and fuels. Discuss problems associated with the development of water resources. Study U.S. environmental and sustainability law and policy, and evaluate alternative resources and lifestyles for the future.
Rooted in experiential, real-world learning, the growing major will blend traditional geological field skills with modern technology and computational science, preparing you well for the real world. In fact, you'll use the same tools and software as experts in the field — and have endless opportunities to learn from them. Geology classes regularly include guest speakers, field excursions across the U.S., and opportunities to join faculty in groundbreaking research.
This "learn by doing" approach, combined with our state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, has earned national recognition. And thanks to strong industry connections, partnerships and grants, our students have opportunities for internships and careers unmatched by other schools.
Program Details
The Geology and Environmental Science Department at UW-Eau Claire, along with the Materials Science and Engineering Center, houses state-of-the-art analytical equipment that is rarely found at undergraduate institutions. With nearly 100 unique pieces of high-tech instrumentation, here, you can analyze your field samples right on campus. From analytical geochemistry equipment to mineralogy and petrology equipment to the latest software used in the field — we have it all.
Our geology students have unparalleled internship opportunities, largely due to the rare industry partnerships we have forged through the Responsible Mining Initiative (RMI) grant. These connections give our students a huge hiring advantage with several industry leaders in the region.
Student-faculty collaborative research is the hallmark of all geology programs at UW-Eau Claire. Faculty members will regularly encourage you to become involved in their latest research projects — or encourage you to start your own. Past projects have brought students to places like southwestern Montana, Maine, Ontario, and the Swiss Alps.
The Geology and Environmental Science Department is committed to providing you with real-world experience before you graduate. Field excursions regularly include trips to the Black Hills and Badlands areas of South Dakota, northern and western Wisconsin, Arkansas, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A required three-week field course in West Texas and New Mexico will introduce you to geologic mapping techniques, including the construction of geologic maps and cross-sections in mildly deformed sedimentary and volcanic rocks.
Blugold Stories
Being part of the Geology Club is a super fun experience. You get a tight-knit family and meet a bunch of different people. We also go on fun camping trips and just do a bunch of different geology-related activities together.
Justthe
facts
Where can the geology - environmental science emphasis program lead me after graduation?
The geology - environmental science emphasis degree is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in an environmental field, especially land conservation and environmental law. Our grads go on to help clean up pollution, reduce industrial waste, and create and enforce environmental policies.
And these jobs are in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
The curriculum throughout the geology - environmental science major will provide you with a solid foundation in geology, with a special emphasis on environmental science. Electives within the disciplines of biology, geography, chemistry and geology allow you to pursue multiple interests and study the topics that best align with your career goals.
Coursework throughout the program will give you firsthand experience using computer graphics and applying geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze and present geologic data. Preparation for internships and jobs is also stressed.
Here are a few courses in Geology - Environmental Science Emphasis at UW-Eau Claire.
GEOL 301
Earth Resources and Sustainability
Origin, distribution, use, misuse, and conservation of minerals, water, soil, and fuels. Alternative resources and lifestyles for the future are evaluated.
GEOL 308
Water Resources
Origin, nature, distribution, movement, exploitation, and conservation of surface and subsurface waters; problems associated with development of water resources in Wisconsin and the U.S.
GEOL 452
Responsible Mining Seminar
Industry speakers will discuss environmental and political aspects of responsible mining. Preparation for internships and jobs will be stressed.
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