Environmental Geoscience

If you enjoy studying earth science and see yourself working to address environmental issues, our environmental geoscience major is for you. You’ll be prepared for a rewarding career that deals with major societal concerns related to land surface, soil and water. As a geoscience-oriented environmental scientist, you can go work with a private company, government agency or in many other settings.

Career Potential

• Environmental geoscientist
• Watershed specialist
• Hydrologist or hydrogeologist

What Will I Learn?

• Explore an interdisciplinary field rooted in geology and environmental science
• Add useful technical skills in areas such as ecology and geographic information systems
• Address topics such as water pollution, stream bank erosion and flooding
• Pursue fieldwork embedded in almost every geology course
• Learn research skills for modern environmental science
• Develop scientific writing and presentation skills for professional development at the Geological Society of America Conference

 Special Features

• Required internships available with environmental consulting companies, soil and water conservation districts, nature preserves, government agencies and non-profit organizations
• New laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation came with a $43 million science center renovation in 2014
• Easy access to exceptional field sites in the Finger Lakes region and beyond
• Summer field geology opportunities at SUNY Cortland’s own Brauer Field Station
• An engaged alumni network features graduates working with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, local soil and water agencies and private companies

Get Involved 

• Pursue a funded opportunity made available by SUNY Cortland’s Undergraduate Research Council: a summer fellowship, a small grant or a travel grant to attend a conference.
• Become a lab teaching assistant or peer mentor who helps other students gain a deeper understanding of geology.
• Volunteer for community service with local environmental and school groups.

Student Clubs

• Geology Club
• Environmental Club - CSAVE

Next Steps