Program Overview
Geoscientists study the many physical aspects of the Earth by using sophisticated instruments to analyze the composition of earth, rock, and water. Many geoscientists help to search for natural resources such as groundwater, metals, and petroleum; others work closely with environmental and other scientists to preserve and clean up the environment. Geoscientists usually study and work in one of several closely related fields of geoscience. Geologists study the composition, processes, and history of the Earth. They try to find out how rocks were formed and what has happened to them since their formation. They also study the evolution of life by analyzing plant and animal fossils. Geophysicists use the principles of physics, mathematics, and chemistry to study the Earth’s surface, its internal composition, ground and surface waters, atmosphere, oceans, and magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Students who complete this degree program possess the educational requirements to seek licensure as certified geoscientist. WCU also offers an accelerated B.S. to M.S. program option in Geoscience, allowing students to complete both degrees in just five years.
Get involved:
• Earth and Space Science Club
• Environmental Association for Repair of the Habitat
• Outing Club
• Sigma Gamma Epsilon National Geological Honor Society
• Women in Science Club
• Women in Astronomy Club
Tracks
Earth Systems
The Earth Systems concentration provides a broader understanding of geoscience and human interaction with the environment. This concentration is excellent preparation for students pursuing careers in fields such as resource management, environmental law, or environmental consulting. In addition to the geology core, students take required courses in oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy.
Geology
The Geology concentration emphasizes depth in the traditional disciplines of geology including mineralogy, rock formation, paleontology, structural geology, and surface and tectonic processes. This concentration is a great foundation for occupations in geology, geochemistry, and the environmental industry as well as for studies toward advanced degrees.
Program Highlights
- Courses that build career skills: problem-solving, cooperative teamwork, field work, data analysis, written/oral communication, and cutting-edge training on scientific instruments
- Flexible curriculum with opportunities for independent study research or internships for credit
- A solid foundation for a career in the environmental industry, geology, or teaching in secondary schools
- A faculty of nationally-known scholars
- A large alumni network of professional geologists and teachers in the Philadelphia Region
- Graduate assistantships (GAs), scholarships, travel and research grants available each semester
- Study abroad opportunities including field work in Iceland
What can I do with this degree?
With a foundation of communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills pairs with technical knowledge and training on scientific instrumentation, our graduates can do just about anything. Here are some fields and positions where you can find recent graduates:
- Engineering technician
- Environmental consulting
- Forest restoration
- Geochemistry
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Geoscience
- Hydrogeology
- Hydrology
- Petroleum engineer
- Renewable energy development
- Surveying technician
- Sustainability
And just a sampling at the many companies our graduates find employment with:
- Avatar Environmental
- Brownfield Science & Technology
- Challenger Learning Center
- Earth Engineering Inc
- Groundwater and Environmental Services
- PA Department of Environmental protection
- TA Instruments
- Terraphase Engineering
- Wawa Whitestone Associates
- Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions