Geosciences : Environmental & Applied Geosciences
Bachelor's
Why study Geosciences : Environmental & Applied Geosciences?
The geosciences have undergone a revolution in the past decade, becoming an interdisciplinary science that emphasizes the study of major Earth systems - the solid Earth, the Earth’s surface, the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and cryosphere (ice), and the ancient and modern biosphere. Geosciences majors learn how these systems work and how they are connected. Geosciences majors integrate knowledge of Earth materials, the processes that have shaped them, and the deep chronology of Earth history to understand global change through time.
The Department of Geosciences offers two subplans for its majors; the Geological Sciences subplan and the Environmental & Applied Geosciences subplan. The Environmental & Applied Geosciences subplan allows the student to concentrate in coursework specific to gaining employment or progressing to graduate school with a focus in the environmental geosciences or related field. In order to best set the student up for success in gaining employment, participating in a co-op is a requirment of this subplan. Guidance from departmental advising and faculty is provided to majors to help determine which track best suits their career goals.
Admission Requirements
The Department of Geosciences follows the admissions requirements set by the University of Cincinnati and the College of Arts & Sciences. For admissions information for high school, international, and transfer students, visit https://admissions.uc.edu/apply.html.
The ideal student for this subplan is someone who is interested in learning about the Earth systems (hydrosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere) and how they interact to shape the Earth, and the integration of geology, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics in coursework. The student should also be interested in hands-on learning in the classroom, field, and laboratory, analyzing and interpreting scientific data, utilizing data to investigate real-world scientific questions and issues, communicating science through writing and presentations, and who is specifically interested in pursuing a career in the environmental geosciences or related field.
Geoscientists are in high demand. Projections extending to 2029 show that employment in the geosciences will grow faster than the average occupation. The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management has spurred continued demand for geoscientists well into the future (US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm).
Students in the Environmental & Applied Geosciences subplan will be prepared to join the workforce upon graduation in the most high-demand entry-level employment opportunities in the geosciences, such as environmental consulting, geological and geotechnical engineering, energy and natural resources management. Potential employers include the U.S. Geological Survey, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Land Management, and a variety of geotechnical and environmental consulting companies. Students will also be prepared to continue on to graduate study.
Minors that compliment the geosciences major include Environmental Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Economics. A popular certificate is the GIS certificate.
A student is not expected to progress through the major alone. Course and degree planning is readily available through advising appointments with the departmental Program Director, Krista Smilek. The Undergraduate Director and departmental faculty are excellent resources for course recommendations and research, graduate school, and career advice. The members of the Department of Geosciences pride ourselves on having an “open door” policy where we invite students to feel welcome to chat with geoscieces faculty and staff on a regular basis. Existing and potential majors are ecouraged to contact the Program Director, Krista Smilek (smilekka@uc.edu) for advising inquiries.
Transfer students should reach out to the Program Director, Krista Smilek (smilekka@uc.edu) for advising. This will ensure that transfer courses are being counted toward the geosciences major properly and a degree plan can be built, so that the student has an idea of what courses to look forward to in future semesters.
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Department of Geosciences
Contact Information
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Program Code: 15BAC-GEOL-BS-GEOL-EAG