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Earth and Environmental Science, BS

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.

Your Degree Plan The ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

As an Earth and Environmental Science major, you'll learn about Earth systems, the processes that drive them, their impacts on human society and how to apply the scientific method to investigate real-world problems

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Climate and Environmental Science

    Prepare for a career in environmental consulting, natural hazard management, groundwater assessment or climate change studies. Contribute to solutions of the most pressing environmental problems of our time.

  • GIS Methods

    Learn to use up-to-date mapping technologies and satellite imaging technologies.

  • Geoscience and Sustainable Energy

    Prepare for a career in the sustainable development and management of Earth’s groundwater water and subsurface mineral and energy resources. Ensure these resources are maintained for future generations.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • On-site 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 ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Library computers.
  • Scholarships to offset field camp costs and merit-based mini-scholarships available.
  • Earn academic credit through .
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Scholarships

Over 92% of ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Research opportunities are available in:

  • Carbon Sequestration
  • Water Quality
  • Food Justice
  • Paleontology
  • Critical Minerals

Additional academic opportunities include:

  • Field trips (local and out-of-state)
  • Field experience
  • Volunteer work

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

  • Sustainable Development Internship Program
  • (on-site at ÃØÉ«´«Ã½) competitive-paid internships

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

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

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

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ÃØÉ«´«Ã½'s Earth and Environmental Science major, first-time freshmen must meet ÃØÉ«´«Ã½'s . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Earth and Environmental Science at ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Earth and Environmental Science major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ÃØÉ«´«Ã½.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ family.

Want to know more about Earth and Environmental Science at ÃØÉ«´«Ã½? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if ÃØÉ«´«Ã½ is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit ÃØÉ«´«Ã½

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.