Program Type: 
Major
Minor

Earth science is the study of the earth's physical makeup and history. Earth science can be divided into two basic areas: physical geology, which focuses on the earth's structure and composition, and historical geology, which focuses on the evolution of the earth and its life forms from its origins to the present. Careers in the realm of geology are very diverse. The optimum level of preparation in many of these fields is the master of science degree; however, in some fields, employment opportunities are available with a bachelor's degree.

  • The education program is designed for students who will teach at the high school level, upon completion of the degree, prerequisite education sourses, and school placements. Students complete a graduate-level licensure program in the College of Education and Human Services to be eligible for licensure by the state of Ohio.
  • Students may pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts curriculum. The Bachelor of Science is more structured and, through the various options offered, is intended to prepare students for rather specific professional or technical objectives. The Bachelor of Arts is more flexible and permits interdisciplinary studies, such as a dual major.
  • There are three different curricular options designed to meet students' specific interests: earth science, environmental science, and earth and environmental sciences education (earth and space sciences, earth sciences/chemistry, or life sciences/earth sciences).
  • Field courses at the northern Rocky Mountains, the southwestern United States, the Smoky Mountains, and the Bahamas provide the opportunity to visit sites of unique geological and paleontological interest.
Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Earth Science Concentration —Suggested Curriculum
Freshman
English Comp I & II
Elem Stats I or Applied Stats I
Physical Geology & Geomorphology I, II, & Labs
Historical Geology & Lab
Submicroscopic Chemistry
Macroscopic Chemistry
Reaction Dynamics
Calculus I & II
GE History
GE Non-Western Course
Sophomore
Gen Physics I, II, III, & Labs
Calculus III, Elem Stats II, or Applied Stats II
Electives
Geological Science Elective
Earth Materials I, II, III
College Component
GE Human Expression
GE Human Behavior
Junior
Stratigraphy
Invertebrate Paleontology
Geology Colloquium
Intro to C Programming, Comp Programming I, or FORTRAN Programming
Geological Science Elective
Electives
Intro to Structural Geology
GE Human Behavior
GE Additional Courses (2)
Senior
Field Geology
Geological Science Electives
Supporting Electives
Elective

 

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Sciences Concentration—Suggested Curriculum
Freshman
English Comp I & II
College Algebra
Business Calculus
Elem Stats I
Human Biology
Cell Biology & Genetics
Biology Diversity & Ecology
Submicroscopic Chemistry
Macroscopic Chemistry
GE History
GE Non-Western Course
Sophomore
Reaction Dynamics
Elem Stats II
Organic Chemistry I, II, & Labs
Principles of Physics I, II, & Labs
Organismal Physiology
Intro to Ecology
GE Human Expression
GE Human Behavior
GE College Component
GE Additional Course
Junior
Microbiology
Organic Chemistry III & Lab
Microbiology of Food
Water Quality & Treatment
General Environmental Health
Solid & Hazardous Waste Management
Environmental Sci Internship
Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response
Human Behavior
The Aquatic Environment
Careers in Environmental Health
GE Additional Course
Senior
Topics in Environmental Science
Ecotoxicology
Risk Assessment I
OSHA Compliance
Problems in Environmental Health
Epidemiology & Community Health
Fund Occupational Health & Safety
Air Quality Management
Environmental Issues Seminar
Environmental Elective
Senior Seminar

 

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences Education—Suggested Curriculum
Freshman
English Comp I & II
Physical Geology & Geomorphology I, II, & Labs
College Algebra
Business Calculus
Elem Stats I
Human Biology
Cell Biology & Genetics
Submicroscopic Chemistry
GE History
GE Non-Western Course
Sophomore
Macroscopic Chemistry
Reaction Dynamics
Biology Diversity & Ecology
Hydrology & Water Resources
Planetary Astronomy
Electives
College Component
GE Human Expression
GE Human Behavior
Junior
Principles of Physics I, II, III, & Labs
Geologic Hazards & Env Quality
Meteorology or Climatology
Practicum Experience I & II
Schooling in a Pluralistic Society
Human Development & Learning
Intro to Learning Differences
Rocks & Minerals
Stratigraphy
Invertebrate Paleontology
Geology Colloquium
GE Human Behavior
GE Additional Course
Senior
Earth Materials I: Minerals & Rocks
Oceanography
Intro to Structural Geology
Geological Sci Electives
Field Geology
Other Electives Outside COSM & CECS
GE Additional Course

 

What Can I Do With a Degree in...
Discover what some of Wright State's alumni are doing with a degree in:
Earth and Environmental Sciences—public health, environmental protection, industrial hygiene, natural resources management, field supervisor, business owner, contract manager

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