Environmental Geoscience, Bachelor of Science (BA) / Pre-Master of Education

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Slippery Rock University

Program Overview

Slippery Rock University's Environmental Geoscience, BA, introduces students to the Earth's physical systems, geological history and the relationships between natural resources and human society. It suits students interested in environmental science, geology, geospatial technologies or teaching, with the optional Pre-Master of Education pathway offering a route toward secondary-school Earth Science teaching.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students develop a foundation in Earth's systems and scientific investigation through courses such as Oceanography (EVGE 131), Introduction to Geospatial Technologies (GES 115), and Earth Materials and Processes/Lab (EVGE 201). General Chemistry I and its laboratory also help students build the scientific knowledge needed to understand environmental and geological processes.

Year 2: Students explore Earth's history, human geography and methods for interpreting environmental information. Courses include Earth History/Lab (EVGE 202), Introduction to Georeports/Lab (EVGE 272), and Cultural Geography (GES 205), helping students connect geological change with geographic analysis and human communities.

Year 3: Students advance into applied geographic analysis and environmental decision-making through Introduction to Geographic Information Science (GES 325) and Environmental Law and Policy (GES 324). Major electives and thematic courses allow them to explore areas such as environmental science, geology, sustainable communities or geospatial technology.

Year 4: Students consolidate their knowledge through advanced electives and the capstone option, World Environmental Cultures (GES 444), with the opportunity to choose a field-investigation or internship experience where appropriate. These studies help students apply environmental knowledge, strengthen research and communication skills, and prepare for employment or further education.

Focus Areas

Geology, geospatial technology, environmental science, global studies, sustainable communities, environmental law and policy, geographic information science, environmental conservation.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop an understanding of Earth's composition, structure and history, including plate tectonics, geological time, rocks and minerals, climate change and the hydrologic cycle. They build scientific research, critical-thinking, data interpretation, mapping, laboratory and fieldwork skills, alongside written communication, oral presentation and collaborative problem-solving abilities.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program emphasizes scientific investigation, field and laboratory techniques, geospatial analysis, environmental problem-solving and professional communication. The optional Pre-Master of Education pathway is designed for students pursuing secondary-school Earth Science teaching and state certification; students must complete the applicable education and certification requirements. No specific professional accreditation for the undergraduate Environmental Geoscience BA is identified in the catalog.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Slippery Rock University's Environmental Geosciences department highlights graduates working in roles such as hydrologist, industrial pretreatment specialist, air-quality research technician and field geologist. These examples demonstrate possible career directions, but the university's program information does not provide a specific employment rate, graduate salary figure or subject-specific employability ranking.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Slippery Rock University emphasizes practical learning through fieldwork, laboratory activities, industry-standard software and instrumentation, faculty-guided research and professional experiences. Environmental Geosciences students can investigate geological and environmental processes directly, work with geographic data, and participate in field trips and research expeditions that connect classroom learning with real-world challenges.

Key opportunities and resources include:

Field Trips and Research Expeditions: Departmental trips and course-based travel have included destinations such as Costa Rica, the Bahamas, Newfoundland, Death Valley, the Mojave Desert and the Cascade Range, giving students opportunities to study landscapes and environmental processes in the field.
Geospatial Technologies: Courses such as Introduction to Geospatial Technologies (GES 115) and Introduction to Geographic Information Science (GES 325) develop skills in working with geographic information and spatial data.
Laboratory Learning: Earth Materials and Processes/Lab (EVGE 201) and Earth History/Lab (EVGE 202) help students investigate rocks, geological processes and Earth's history using laboratory methods.
Environmental Research: Students can collaborate with faculty on research projects, develop research questions, collect and interpret data, and present their work at regional and national conferences.
Internships: The department promotes internship opportunities related to geology, geographic information systems and environmental work, helping students build practical experience and professional connections.
Field Investigations and Capstone Study: Students may select Field Investigations in the Geosciences or an internship as a capstone option, subject to program requirements and availability.
Professional Networking: Students can attend professional conferences and connect with alumni and local professionals to explore career options and develop industry contacts.
Education Pathway: Students interested in teaching can pursue the Pre-Master of Education route, combining environmental geoscience study with the additional education preparation required for secondary-school teaching.

The department's official materials describe field experiences, research, internships and laboratory work as important parts of its programs. Specific software packages and named laboratory facilities are not detailed in the cited sources, so they have not been assumed here.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Environmental Geoscience program prepares students for careers that involve studying Earth's systems, monitoring environmental conditions, managing natural resources and applying geographic data to real-world problems. Students interested in teaching can pursue the Pre-Master of Education pathway, while others can use their scientific, technical and analytical skills to explore environmental consulting, geology, hydrology or geospatial careers.

Potential career paths include environmental consultant, field geologist, hydrologist and GIS specialist.

Students can strengthen their professional preparation through the following opportunities:

Career Development Services: Slippery Rock University's career services resources help students explore career paths, identify relevant skills and prepare for employment. Departmental faculty and alumni networks can also help students learn about potential employers and career opportunities.
Employment and Salary Outcomes: The department identifies graduates working as an Industrial Pretreatment Specialist with the City of Denton Water Department, a Hydrologist with the USGS New Mexico Water Science Center, an Air Quality Research Technician with the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and a Field Geologist with Terracon Consultants. No verified program-specific salary figures or employment rate are provided in the cited official sources.
University–Industry Connections: The department encourages professional networking through internships, faculty-led research, conferences and interactions with local professionals. These experiences can help students develop contacts relevant to environmental consulting, resource management and geospatial careers. Specific formal industry partnerships exclusive to this degree are not confirmed.
Professional Accreditation and Certification: No specific professional accreditation for the undergraduate degree is identified in the official catalog. Students following the teaching pathway must complete the additional education and state-certification requirements applicable to their intended teaching role.
Graduation Outcomes: Students can develop a portfolio of research, fieldwork, laboratory and geospatial skills that supports applications for environmental-sector positions or further study. The university's listed graduate career examples demonstrate several directions available to students with relevant qualifications and experience.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, graduates can consider postgraduate study in environmental science, geology, hydrology, geographic information systems, environmental management or related fields, subject to each program's admission requirements. Students who choose the Pre-Master of Education pathway can continue into the associated Master of Education program, which is designed to support preparation for secondary-school teaching and the relevant certification requirements.