Earth and Environmental Science, BS
The BS in Earth Science prepares you for both specific and evolving career pathways related to the environment, 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
Sustainable Earth
SUST 101
Introduction to Earth system processes, human impacts on the environment, and sustainability. Both human and environmental sustainability are emphasized in topics related to Earth materials, climate change, the origin of landforms, natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods), sustainable energy, and water resources.
Earth System Science
SUST 201
Scientific study of the Earth systems, including hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, cryosphere and biosphere, and their interactions. Emphasize earth materials, the use of data to predict natural hazards, how exploration and production of natural resources is conducted and the implications for environmental change and sustainability of human civilization.
Earth Data Analytics
SUST 240
Introduction to quantitative analysis of data, including methods for extracting actionable information to guide decision-making in Earth science and Sustainability applications. Students are introduced to coding, open-source data science software packages, basic statistical methods and best practices in undertaking reproducible science.
Digital Earth and GIS
SUST 250
Explores the concepts, principles and practices of acquiring, storing, analyzing, displaying, and using geospatial data and investigates the science behind geographic information systems and the techniques and methods GIS scientists and professionals use to generate data, answer questions and inform decision making. Explores the role of geospatial technologies in society and associated ethical practices.
Geological Data Analysis
GEOL 403
Application of geological skills to real-world problems through a series of projects similar to those carried out by geological professionals. Analysis and interpretation of geological datasets using a combination of computer and traditional tools.
Geology Field Camp
GEOL 404
Practical experience in detailed geological field procedures and mapping. (Living expense in addition to tuition must be paid at time of registration.)
Geographic Information Science: Applications
GEOG 452
GIS uses, needs, analysis, design and implementation. Operational institutional and management topics of GIS for planning, locational decision making in business, government and research contexts.
Climate and Environmental Science
Geoscience and Sustainable Energy
GIS Methods
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- On-site WVGIS Technical Center with competitive paid internships.
- Partnerships with Halliburton and ArcGIS – ESRI.
- You’ll work with 1 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.
- 4 computer labs with ArcGIS, plus the web version of ArcGIS is on all WVU Library computers.
- Scholarships to offset field camp costs and merit-based mini-scholarships available.
- Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
- 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
- Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend, and enhance your academic experience.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
Research opportunities are available in:
- Carbon sequestration
- Water quality
- Food justice
- Paleontology
- Critical minerals
Additional academic opportunities include:
- Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Study abroad programs
- Field trips (local and out-of-state)
- Field experience
- Volunteer work
View all of the student organizations you can join.
- Center for Resilient Communities’ Sustainable Development Internship Program
- WVGIS Technical Center (on-site at WVU) competitive paid internships
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
- Mapping/GIS
Where our graduates work
- NGOs
- State and local governments
- Non-profit organizations
- Environmental consulting firms
- EQT
- Consol Energy
- Leidos
- Range Resources
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Park Service
- U.S. government
- USGS
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Division of Natural Resources
- Department of Environmental Protection
Graduate schools
Recent alumni have gone on to graduate programs at:
- WVU
- University of Kentucky
- University of Alaska
- University of Queensland
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Earth and Environmental Science major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Earth and Environmental Science at WVU 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.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Earth and Environmental Science, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
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 WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about Earth and Environmental Science at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
Visit
Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.