Earth Science (B.A.) Program

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Decoding Earth's DNA

Embark on an exciting journey to understand and protect our planet with Fredonia’s Earth Sciences BA program. This hands-on program explores Earth’s dynamic systems and human impact on the environment, preparing you for a meaningful career in sustainability, research, and environmental stewardship. With opportunities to work closely with faculty in both lab and field settings, you’ll gain skills to address today’s pressing environmental challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.

What You’ll Gain

Comprehensive Knowledge: Develop a strong foundation in Earth’s systems, geological principles, and environmental sciences.
Practical Field Experience: Participate in field research across diverse settings, including Lake Erie and Fredonia’s 200-acre College Lodge.
Analytical Skills: Learn to critically evaluate scientific literature, collect and interpret environmental data, and communicate findings.
Global and Local Perspectives: Understand the interconnectedness of natural processes and human impacts, with applications from local ecosystems to global contexts.
Personalized Advisement: Benefit from one-on-one mentorship and customized academic planning to support your unique goals.

Career Opportunities for Earth Science (B.A.)

Environmental Consultant
Environmental Policy Analyst
Geochemist
GIS Specialist
Natural Science Manager

Environmental Engineer
Field Geologist
Geological Consultant
Hydrogeologist
Oceanographer

What does a 4-year degree look like?

First Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
GEO 102	Freshman Seminar	1
GEO 165	Planet Earth	3
GEO 169	Planet Earth Lab	1
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	14

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
GEO 210	Earth History	3
GEO 211	Earth History Lab	1
STAT 250	Statistics for Scientists	3
CHEM 115	General Chemistry I	3
CHEM 125	General Chemistry I Lab	1
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	14

Second Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
GEO 215	Earth Materials	4
GEO 150	Moons & Planets (OR)	3
PHYS 118	Intro to Astronomy	0
CHEM 116	General Chemistry II	3
CHEM 126	General Chemistry II Lab	1
MATH 120	Survey of Calculus I	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	17

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
GEO 160	Blue Planet	3
GEO 311	Global Climate	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3


	TOTAL	15

Third Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
GEO 330	Geomorphology	4
PHYS 121	College Physics I	3
PHYS 123	College Physics I Lab	1
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	14

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
GEO 370	Structural Geology	4
GEO	300/400 level course	3
PHYS 122	College Physics II	3
PHYS 124	College Physics II Lab	1
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	14

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
GEP 459	Seminar in Geosciences	1
GEO	300/400 level course	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	16

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
GE0 460	Seminar in Geosciences	1
GEO 461	Field Geology	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	16

GRAND TOTAL:

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

View Full Curriculum

GEO 210 Earth History

Since its formation 4.5 billion years ago, our dynamic planet has undergone enormous changes. It has survived a multitude of volcanic eruptions, ice ages and mass extinctions. Learn about the physical history of the earth and the evolution of life on our dynamic planet from its early formation through the present.

GEO 165 Planet Earth

Explore the large and small scale processes that shape and reshape our dynamic planet Earth. This course introduces students to the many features and phenomena that help us understand Earth’s geologic history and its future. From the integral role that minerals and rocks play, to the wide range of internal and external processes operating on Earth, students gain a heightened awareness of natural resources, climate change and geologic hazards as society makes its way through the 21st century.

It's Different Here

Student-Centered

All class sizes are intentionally kept small, for better one-on-one interactions and instruction.

$78k+

Good Salaries

With excellent wages (median: $78K+) and above-average growth in the field, Environmental Science graduates are well-positioned for rewarding careers.

Job Growth

With excellent job growth expected between 2023 and 2033, graduates are well-prepared for the future economy.

Field Camp

A 3-credit summer program with the opportunity to travel, work with students and faculty from other universities, and investigate geologic landscapes across the country.

Geology Field Camp