The environmental geosciences major provides students with the opportunity to study geologic and hydrologic processes as well as how people are influenced by and impact earth systems. The physical earth—its minerals, rocks, soils, water, and landscapes—form the foundation on which all ecosystems exist, so understanding geologic and hydrologic processes helps students understand environmental issues and their relationship to the earth.

The environmental geosciences major at Northland emphasizes field work, hands-on experiences, and the interdisciplinary nature of the geosciences. Students become proficient at gathering field data and using state-of-the-art equipment to produce maps that illustrate the distribution and nature of Earth’s features. The curriculum provides students the broad foundation required in earth science and prepares them to be successful as professional geoscientists immediately after graduation or to continue their studies in graduate school.

Students majoring in the environmental geosciences are required to take all the courses in the list of core courses and to choose an emphasis in geology or water science. The program also supports minors in geology and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).

Programs

• Geology Major (B.S.)
• Geology Minor
• Water Science Major (B.S.)