229 Heller Hall
1114 Kirby Drive
Duluth, MN 55803
United States
About This Program
The Earth and Environmental Science B.S. is designed for students seeking a multidisciplinary science education and experience focusing on the study of Earth, its environments, natural resources, and human interactions with Earth systems.
Environmental scientists work to identify, control, or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards affecting the environment or public health. Geologists focus on understanding the history of our planet. They work with earth resources to help ensure a sustainable future. Hydrologists study surface water and groundwater to ensure water quality and availability for human consumption and industrial use while maintaining aquatic ecosystem integrity. No matter which path they choose, earth and environmental scientists work on critical environmental issues, solving some of the most important challenges of our day.
Earth and Environmental Science may be ideal for you if you want to explore a mix of sciences like biology, chemistry and physics along with history and public policy. It allows you to apply practical solutions to real-world problems, too.
You can choose a sub-plan to specialize in Environmental Science, Geology, and/or Hydrology, or take a flexible approach with the General sub-plan. All sub-plans require a broad base of knowledge in the basic sciences and may include mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, and statistics.
Program Highlights
- Situated on the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake, we enjoy tremendous geological and environmental diversity in a haven for outdoor activity; we take advantage of this fact as much as possible
- Our department has a long history at UMD and we take great pride in a strong tradition of geology research, with many opportunities for field-based work and independent study
Research & Experiential Learning
- The UMD campus, located on the Canadian Shield, is in and near classic areas of Precambrian geology with spectacular Pleistocene glacial deposits and Lake Superior on our doorstep. Paleozoic strata are easily found in southern Minnesota and there are a lot of hydrogeology opportunities. However, our research projects extend to other countries and other terrestrial planets!
- Our commitment is reflected by the initiative of our faculty members in working with students through our highly rated Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Student Internships
- State of MN, Pollution Control Agency
- Carver County
- State of WI, Dept of Transportation
- UMD, Natural Resources Research Institute
- Lake Superior Zoo
- UMD, Minnesota Sea Grant
- Arrowhead Regional Development Commission
- Howard Moors
- Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve
- United States Geological Survey
- Vermillion Gold, Inc
- UMD, Geospatial Analysis Center
Potential Careers
- Geologist
- GIS technician
- Field technician
- Hydrologist
- Environmental scientist
Scholarships
In addition to the SCSE scholarships, department scholarships include: the UMD Stephen and Karen Brand Geological Sciences Field Camp Scholarship, the UMD Crain Family Scholarship, The Frantes Graduate Fellowship, the Jill and Terry Swor Scholarship, the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences Faculty Emeriti Scholarship, the Charlie Matsch Surfical Processes Fellowship, the Charlie Matsch Field Camp Scholarship, the James R. Frantes Graduate Fellowship, the Ralph and Ellen Marsden Scholarship, the Robert C. Bright Field Camp Scholarship, and many others.
Get Involved
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Student Organization
- Society of Economic Geologists
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.
Earth & Environmental Science B.S.