Environmental Geoscience, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Environmental Policy
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:
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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 - Environmental Policy, BS Program Page - COMING SOON
Curriculum Guide
GPA Requirement
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
Summary*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 44 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major Requirements | 48 | |
| Electives | 28 | |
* 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 |
| STAT 152 | Elementary Statistics I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| 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 | 4 | |
| Biology I: Foundations of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity with Lab | ||
or BIOL 114 | Biology II: Foundations of Molecules, Genes and Cells with Lab | |
| Physical Science Inquiry | ||
| EVGE 201 | Earth Materials and Processes/Lab | 4 |
| Subtotal | 17 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 3 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 44 | |
- 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.
| 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
- 24 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 24 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Geoscience Core | ||
| EVGE 131 | Oceanography | 3 |
| GES 115 | Introduction to Geospatial Technologies | 3 |
| GES 220 | General Methods of Fieldwork | 3 |
| GES 325 | Introduction to Geographic Information Science | 3 |
| Capstone | 3 | |
| Field Camp | ||
| Internship | ||
| Science, Technology and the Environment | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Environmental Policy Core Requirements | ||
| GES 205 | Cultural Geography | 3 |
| GES 215 | Planning for Sustainable Communities | 3 |
| GES 235 | Conservation | 3 |
| GES 315 | Cartography I | 3 |
| GES 324 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3 |
| GES 344 | Environmental Justice | 3 |
| GES 355 | Earth's Changing Climate | 3 |
| NLPA 320 | Community Change and Development | 3 |
| PCRM 348 | Natural History of Ecosystems I | 3 |
| Subtotal | 27 | |
| Electives - Environmental Policy | ||
| 6 credits required | 6 | |
| Air Pollution Meteorology | ||
| Geomorphology/Lab | ||
| Glacial Geology/Lab | ||
| Introduction to Hydrology/Lab | ||
| Hydrogeology | ||
| Introduction to UAS for Remote Sensing and Monitoring | ||
| Population Analysis | ||
| Gender and the Environment | ||
| Applications in Sustainability | ||
| Cartography II | ||
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Environmental Modeling | ||
| Field Investigations in the Geosciences | ||
| Economics of Sustainable Development * | ||
| Literature of the Environment | ||
| Sustainable Planning for Tourism | ||
| Global Health | ||
| Environmental Communication | ||
| Natural History of Ecosystems II | ||
| Cultural Resources Management | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Total Hours | 48 | |
- *
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:
- 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 GEOSCIENCE - BS (6124)/ CIM 513
Concentration in Environmental Policy (ENPO)
This program is effective as of Effective Summer 2025
Revised 07.21.2025
UCC 11.26.2024