Environmental Geoscience, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
The environmental geoscience (BA) focuses on providing students with a scientific understanding of the Earth and surrounding environment. The student in geology gains an understanding of the various terrestrial processes and features (mountains, oceans, volcanoes, glaciers); the immenseness of geologic time, the history of the earth and organisms that inhabit it (fossils); the role of water, fuel, and mineral resources in the development of civilization; and the close interaction between the geologic and organic environments.
Students seeking state certification in secondary education must also complete requirements for a Master of Education degree, a one-year program at SRU. All of our programs are designed to steadily develop the quantitative, deductive and inductive reasoning skills that environmental geoscientists must have.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Outcome 1 (EGEO): Each graduate shall develop general knowledge and understanding of the composition, history, and structure of the planet, and of the physical, chemical, and biological processes involved in the interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of plate tectonic theory and be able to describe how it operates
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the geologic time scale and the timing of major events in Earth history
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to characterize and identify important rocks and minerals, and to interpret the processes by which they formed
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the history, causes, and effects of global climate change
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of evolutionary theory and its evidence in the fossil record
- Each graduate will demonstrate an understanding of the internal structure of Earth
- Each graduate will be able to explain the fundamental principles of the hydrologic cycle
Geology, Geology, and the Environment, Overall
- Outcome 1: Each graduate will develop strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrate the ability to work in a collaborative environment, and exhibit professional attitudes and behavior.
- Each graduate will deliver oral presentations, demonstrating the ability to effectively communicate discipline-specific concepts
- Each graduate will write scholarly papers using acceptable format and organization with proper citations to appropriate literature.
- Each graduate will actively participate in collaborative projects and in academic field trips
- Each graduate will demonstrate professionalism and integrity in his/her academic conduct
- Each graduate shall develop the ability to respect and integrate diverse worldviews in problem-solving frameworks
- Outcome 2: Each graduate shall possess and apply critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to develop valid research questions and hypotheses
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to apply proper techniques for data acquisition and interpretation in a problem-solving context
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to solve open-ended problems using scientific methodology
- Each graduate will develop the ability to make informed, scientifically-based decisions regarding environmental issues
- Outcome 3: Each graduate shall develop skills in quantitative, qualitative, technological, laboratory, and field procedures.
- Each graduate will learn and employ accepted laboratory and field techniques, protocols, and safety procedures
- Each graduate will learn to read, construct, and comprehend thematic maps and derive perspective output from a map
- Each graduate will demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge, concepts and techniques from complementary disciplines to solve problems
Related Links
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 43-45 | |
| Modern Language Requirement | 0-9 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 43-46 | |
| Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements | 12 | |
| Electives | 22 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
Rock Studies 2 Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 125 | Precalculus | 4 |
| or MATH 225 | Calculus I | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 16 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Science of Life | ||
CHEM 1xx | 100 Level Chemistry & Lab | |
BIOL 1xx | 100 Level Biology & Lab | |
| Physical Science Inquiry | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Understanding the Physical World | ||
EGEO 1xx | 100 Level Environmental Geoscience & Lab | |
| Subtotal | 15-17 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 43-45 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
BA Modern Language Requirement
BA degree requires language proficiency at the 103 class level. Exemption by placement or examination is possible.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 0-9 credits | 0-9 | |
| Total Hours | 0-9 | |
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
Major Requirements
- 22 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 22 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Major Requirements | ||
| EGEO 1XX | Any 100-level EGEO course | 3-4 |
| EGEO 201 | Earth Materials and Processes/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 202 | Earth History/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 272 | Introduction to Georeports/Lab | 1 |
| GES 115 | Introduction to Geospatial Technologies | 3 |
| GES 205 | Cultural Geography | 3 |
| GES 324 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3 |
| GES 325 | Introduction to Geographic Information Science | 3 |
| Subtotal | 24-25 | |
| Capstone Experience | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| World Environmental Cultures | ||
| Field Investigations in the Geosciences | ||
or GES 469 | Field Investigations in the Geosciences | |
| Internship | ||
or GES 450 | Internship | |
| Subtotal | 3 | |
| Focus Area | ||
| Choose 10 credits from one of the following Focus Areas: | 10 | |
| A: Geology | ||
| B: Geospatial Technology | ||
| C: Environmental Science | ||
| D: Global Studies | ||
| E: Sustainable Communities | ||
| Subtotal | 10 | |
| Electives | ||
| Any EGEO or GES 300 OR 400-level course | 3-4 | |
| Any EGEO or GES 300 OR 400-level course | 3-4 | |
| Subtotal | 6-8 | |
| Total Hours | 43-46 | |
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Geology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EGEO 303 | Paleontology/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 362 | Stratigraphy/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 327 | Structural Geology | 4 |
| EGEO 328 | Plate Tectonics | 3 |
| EGEO 358 | Introduction to Geophysics/Lab | 3 |
| EGEO 342 | Glacial Geology/Lab | 3 |
| EGEO 351 | Mineralogy/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 341 | Geomorphology/Lab | 3 |
Geospatial Technology
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GES 315 | Cartography I | 3 |
| GES 321 | Introduction to UAS for Remote Sensing and Monitoring | 3 |
| GES 410 | Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GES 415 | Cartography II | 3 |
| GES 425 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GES 426 | Environmental Modeling | 3 |
Environmental Science
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EGEO 131 | Oceanography | 3 |
| EGEO 360 | Introduction to Hydrology/Lab | 3 |
| EGEO 340 | Air Pollution Meteorology | 3 |
| EGEO 451 | Geochemistry/Lab | 4 |
| EGEO 460 | Hydrogeology | 3 |
| GES 355 & GES 356 | Earth's Changing Climate and Earth's Changing Climate Laboratory | 4 |
Global Studies
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GES 201 | Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
| GES 303 | Asia | 3 |
| GES 307 | Australia | 3 |
| GES 331 | Economic Geography | 3 |
| GES 345 | Population Analysis | 3 |
| GES 355 & GES 356 | Earth's Changing Climate and Earth's Changing Climate Laboratory | 4 |
Sustainable Communities
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GES 215 | Planning for Sustainable Communities | 3 |
| GES 235 | Conservation | 3 |
| GES 344 | Environmental Justice | 3 |
| GES 362 | Applications in Sustainability | 3 |
| GES 361 | Gender and the Environment | 3 |
| GES 355 & GES 356 | Earth's Changing Climate and Earth's Changing Climate Laboratory | 4 |
Natural Science and Math College-Wide Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 107 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| MATH 125 | Precalculus | 4 |
| or MATH 225 | Calculus I | |
| PHYS 201 | Elements of Physics I with Lab | 4 |
| or PHYS 216 | University Physics 1 with Lab | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Co-curricular and Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:
- International study programs (short-term, semester, and year-long)
- Student-faculty research
- Service Learning Courses
- Internships
- Volunteering
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
Environmental Geosciences - BA (6 35)
w/optional Pre Masters in Education (7-12) (PX)
This program is effective as of Fall 2020.
Revised 12.06.2021
UCC 10.26.2021
Recommended Four-Year Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| GES 115 | Introduction to Geospatial Technologies | 3 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| EGEO 131 | Oceanography | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| EGEO 201 | Earth Materials and Processes/Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 107 & CHEM 111 |
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Free elective/minor | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EGEO 202 | Earth History/Lab | 4 |
| MATH 125 | Precalculus | 4 |
| Social Science Inquiry | 3 | |
| Major elective | 3-4 | |
| Free elective/minor | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 17-18 | |
| Spring | ||
| EGEO 272 | Introduction to Georeports/Lab | 1 |
| GES 205 | Cultural Geography | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Humanities Inquiry | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Major elective | 3-4 | |
| Thread course | 3 | |
| Free elective/minor | 3 | |
| Free elective/minor | 3 | |
| Free elective/minor | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Spring | ||
| GES 325 | Introduction to Geographic Information Science | 3 |
| GES 324 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Major elective | 3-4 | |
| Major elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| GES 444 | World Environmental Cultures | 3 |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Major elective | 3-4 | |
| Free elective/minor | 3 | |
| Hours | 12-13 | |
| Spring | ||
| Major elective (if needed) | 0-3 | |
| Free elective/minor | 3 | |
| Free elective/minor | 3 | |
| Free elective/minor | 3 | |
| Free elective/minor | 9 | |
| Hours | 18-21 | |
| Total Hours** | 120-127 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject
- 2
Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses. However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.
Major Code: 6 35
Revised: 08.27.2021