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Environmental Geoscience Major

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Help an expanding population live on a finite Earth.

Human population is growing at a rapid rate today. Undesirable disruptions of natural systems have resulted from increasing demand for natural resources and places to live and work. Environmental geoscientists work to restore natural systems and solve problems before they occur. They also work to protect people from natural hazards including floods, landslides and other catastrophic events.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn an environmental geoscience major?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's Environmental Geoscience program combines a broad foundation in geology with classes in a wide range of other sciences, including biology, chemistry, geological engineering, physics and more.This degree prepares students for jobs in a variety of professions ranging from private consulting firms to federal agencies, urban planning to wildlife refuge restoration, and sustainable farming to energy production.

Geology courses include fundamental geology, as well as more applied courses in engineering aspects of:

  • Geology
  • Hydrogeology
  • Geological mapping
  • Computer applications

Most classes involve lab or fieldwork. Internships – summer or during the school year – may provide first-hand experiences.

Geoscience Major Research Topics

Many Environmental Geoscience majors work with faculty on research projects. These projects range from fundamental scientific studies to applied studies that seek solutions to real-world problems. Recent student research has included:

  • Studies of the effects of human actions on habitats and species
  • Development of the resources needed to support development of coal, oil, and gas production
  • Designing better agricultural drains
  • Understanding the physical factors that affect rare and threatened species
  • Establishing hazards related to mining and minerals

Students must complete a senior capstone research project. Some students elect to also attend a summer geology field camp. They have a great deal of fun while learning fundamental skills that will lead to future employment.

Environmental Geoscience Major at UND

  • Gain access to extensive resources, including cutting-edge equipment at the Environmental Analytical Research Laboratory. It has electron microprobe and X-ray fluorescence equipment. It is largest geoscience laboratory in the upper Midwest.

  • Join student groups, including the Association of Undergraduate Geologists and Environmental Restoration club, for networking, field trips and more.

  • Small classes with outstanding instructors ensure engaging and successful learning. 

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized Degree Map software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

  • Get hired! At UND, you'll receive help perfecting your resume, practice interviewing, and learn effective job-hunting strategies.

What can I do with an environmental geoscience major?

93k

Median annual salary for geoscientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for geoscientists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Environmental geoscientists are expected to be in heavy demand in years to come. As our population and resource needs grow, so, too, will the need to use those resources responsibly.

Graduates of UND's Environmental Geoscience program can pursue further education. They can also branch into fields such as:

  • Geography
  • Ecology
  • Hydrology
  • Engineering
  • Environmental policy

Many of our graduates work on:

  • Evaluation and mitigation of natural hazards (earthquakes, landslides, floods, etc.)
  • Hydrological and environmental field monitoring
  • Characterization and remediation design of contaminated sites
  • Site selection for waste disposal and other critical land-use activities
  • Water resource management

Environmental Geoscience Major Courses

GEOL 322. Geology, Society, and the Environment. 3 Credits.

Relationship of geology to society; natural hazards; protection, reclamation, and restoration of our natural environment; application of geology to engineering, land planning, and resource management. Prerequisite: One introductory geology course or upper division standing; MATH 103 is recommended. S, even years.

GEOL 321. Geochemistry. 3 Credits.

Application of the principles of chemistry to geologic and hydrogeologic problems. Origin and distribution of the chemical elements. Introduction to radiochemistry, isotopic geochronology, and stable-isotope geochemistry. Prerequisite: GEOL 318 or GEOE 301; CHEM 122; MATH 165; or consent of instructor. S.

GEOL 220. Computer Applications in Geology and Environmental Science. 2 Credits.

Introduction to the application of computers, software, and digital processing in the geological and environmental sciences. F.

GEOE 323. Engineering Geology. 2 Credits.

This course is to introduce the application of geological, hydrological and environmental principles to geotechnical/geological engineering design, construction and operation as well as various geohazards. Prerequisite: One introductory geology course and MATH 165. S.

GEOL 103. Introduction to Environmental Issues. 3 Credits.

Introduction to Environmental Issues. A survey of environmental issues concerning society's interaction with Earth's natural systems and exploitation of Earth's resources. F,S.

GEOL 322. Geology, Society, and the Environment. 3 Credits.

Relationship of geology to society; natural hazards; protection, reclamation, and restoration of our natural environment; application of geology to engineering, land planning, and resource management. Prerequisite: One introductory geology course or upper division standing; MATH 103 is recommended. S, even years.

Environmental Geoscience Degree Online

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Environmental Geoscience Degree Online Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

SUMMER LAB REQUIREMENTS

Top-Tier Online Environmental Geoscience Degree

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders that Do

Students use their skills to investigate the legendary bootleggers' tunnel in East Grand Forks, MN.

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