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.