Why study Environmental Geology?

The geosciences have undergone a revolution in the past decade, becoming an interdisciplinary science that emphasizes the study of major Earth systems — the geosphere (solid Earth), hydrosphere (water on the Earth's surface, underground, and in the air), atmosphere (the layer of gases that envelop the Earth), cryosphere (the frozen parts of Earth), and biosphere (the living things on Earth). Within the subdiscipline of environmental geology, students explore how the Earth systems interact with and influence human activities and how geological principles are used to solve environmental problems.

Students in the Department of Geosciences experience learning through small, hands-on classes and field and laboratory work. Examples of topics taught and researched in the department that relate to environmental geology include geormophology (the study of the Earth’s surface and how landforms change over time), hydrogeology (the study of how water moves and is stored in soil and rocks), economic geology (the study of the exploration of ore deposits for economical purposes), geochemistry (the study of the chemical composition of Earth and other planets and how elements move through Earth systems), and Quaternary geology (the study of Earth processes over the past 2.58 million years as they relate to glacial-interglacial cycles).

A minor in environmental geology serves to enhance related science majors, such as Environmental Studies, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and seemingly non-related majors as well, such as Political Science. For example, a student majoring in political science can learn about natural hazards and how they relate to public policy.

Admission Requirements

Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the minor to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the minor using our online form.

Students interested in prusuring a minor in geology or environmental geology or who have delared the minor should contact the Academic Director, Krista Smilek (krista.smilek@uc.edu) to schedule an advising meeting. Do this in a timely manor to avoid delay in obtaining the minor.

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Contact Krista Smilek, the Academic Director in the Department of Geosciences (krista.smilek@uc.edu) for information on the geology minor and environmental geology minor programs.

Students in McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-extensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources. 

If you have declared the minor, it will appear on your application for graduation. Apply for graduation as you normally would for your bachelor’s degree.

Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Department of Geosciences

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

Krista Smilek
500A Geology-Physics Building
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013
(513) 556-7169
krista.smilek@uc.edu

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Program Code: 15MIN-EVGEO-MIN