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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
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What does a 4-year degree look like?

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

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.

Environmental Scientists

Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.

  • Median Salary: $78,980 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 7% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Conservation Scientists

Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

  • Median Salary: $68,300 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 5% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Geographers (GIS)

Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.

  • Median Salary: $90,880 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 3% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
Latest Articles

Earth Science News

Geology

Hegna co-authors published articles that utilized SEM-EDS equipment

Associate Professor Thomas Hegna was a co-author of two articles using SUNY Fredonia's new scanning...

Honors Program

Lamberton named Honors ‘Student of the Month'

Syd Lamberton, a senior from Pennsylvania majoring in Adolescence Education: Earth Science, is the...

Geology and Environmental Sciences

Environmental Science students excel at soil judging competition

SUNY Fredonia students narrowly missed bringing home a plaque from the Northeast Collegiate Soil...

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