Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Slippery Rock University

Environmental Geoscience, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Applied Geographic Technology

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Outcome 1 (EVGE):  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
  • Maps to:

  • University-wide learning outcome:

    • 3A. Explain and predict natural phenomena through use of observation, experimentation using appropriate technology, and scientific reasoning.

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
  • Maps to: 

  • University-wide learning outcome(s)

    • 1A. Communicate successfully with diverse audiences in speech and writing.

    • 1C. Apply analytical reading to support language use.

  • 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
  • Maps to:

  • University-wide learning outcome(s)

    • 2A. Gather, analyze and evaluate information and ideas.

    • 2B. Produce well-supported reasons and evidence.

    • 2C. Reach well-argued conclusions and decisions.

  • 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
  • Maps to:
  • University-wide learning outcome(s)
    • 4A. Create and use mathematics in a variety of forms including formulas, graphs, schematics, and computing, where appropriate.
    • 4B. Implement experimentation and quantitative reasoning to solve problems and make inferences.

Related Links

Environmental Geoscience - Applied Geographic Technology, BS Program Page - COMING SOON

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements43
Other Basic Requirements0-3
Major Requirements48
Electives29

* 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

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
STAT 152Elementary Statistics I3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Sciences Inquiry3
Science of Life
Physical Science Inquiry
EVGE 201Earth Materials and Processes/Lab4
Subtotal16
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 312
Total Hours43
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA

3

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.

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.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

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

  • 24 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 24 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
Environmental Geoscience Core
EVGE 131Oceanography3
GES 115Introduction to Geospatial Technologies3
GES 220General Methods of Fieldwork3
GES 325Introduction to Geographic Information Science3
Capstone3
Field Camp
Internship
Science, Technology and the Environment
Subtotal15
Applied Geographic Technology Core Requirements
CPSC 236Selected Computer Languages3
GES 315Cartography I3
GES 321Introduction to UAS for Remote Sensing and Monitoring3
GES 345Population Analysis3
GES 410Remote Sensing3
GES 415Cartography II3
GES 425Advanced Geographic Information Systems3
GES 426Environmental Modeling3
CIVL 210Elementary Survey3
Subtotal27
Electives - Applied Geographic Technology
6 credits required6
Paleontology/Lab
Structural Geology
Plate Tectonics
Air Pollution Meteorology
Geomorphology/Lab
Glacial Geology/Lab
Introduction to Geophysics/Lab
Introduction to Hydrology/Lab
Stratigraphy/Lab
Hydrogeology
Environmental Law and Policy
Environmental Justice
Earth's Changing Climate
Gender and the Environment
Applications in Sustainability
Field Investigations in the Geosciences
Economics of Sustainable Development *
Sustainable Planning for Tourism
Global Health
Environmental Communication
Natural History of Ecosystems I
Natural History of Ecosystems II
Cultural Resources Management
Environmental Ethics
Total Hours48
*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

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:

  1. International study programs (short-term, semester, and year-long)
  2. Student-faculty research
  3. Service Learning Courses
  4. Internships
  5. 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 GEOSCIENCE - BS (6124)/CIM 514
Concentration in Applied Geographic Technology (APGT)
This program is effective as of Effective Summer 2025
Revised 07.21.2025
UCC 11.26.2024