Earlham’s Department of Earth and Environmental Science (formerly Geology) provides a firm foundation in how the Earth works, inside and out. We focus on problems of water, mineral and energy resources; geologic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis; and on deciphering the history of the Earth.
Earth and environmental science classes will lead you to the field and lab, working on real-world problems that prepare you to apply what you learn beyond the classroom in internships, research and life after Earlham.
Through our 3+1 Education Program, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) and teaching license—all in just nine semesters.
You’ll leave Earlham with two degrees, licensed to teach grades 5-12 in Indiana. (And it’s easy to transfer your license to other states—many of our graduates do!)
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Earth and environmental science, you must complete the following courses, in addition to general education requirements:
Four courses from the following three groups, at least one course from each group:
Group A
Group C
Two of the following supporting science courses from two different departments:
One of the following department-approved experiences
*We accept AP Environmental Science exam scores.
To earn a minor in Earth and environmental science, you must complete the following:
Two of the following core courses:
Two of the following upper-level courses:
83% of graduates in the past 5 years are employed in an environmental field or graduate program
91% of work seekers who majored in the natural sciences between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
Grads
Recent graduates have received full funding or the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship for graduate programs at Iowa State, University of Texas-Austin, Washington University and the University of New Hampshire.
Outcomes
Top jobs for Earlham Earth and environmental science graduates are environmental consulting, natural resource management, GIS and education.
What types of jobs and graduate school programs do graduates pursue?
Employment opportunities in the Earth and environmental sciences are outstanding, with some of the highest starting salaries among the sciences, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Recent Earlham Earth and environmental science graduates are employed in the fields of hydrology, environmental remediation and regulation, natural resource management, geologic hazards, climate change research, energy development, education, planning and GIS, agriculture and environmental law.
What kind of research experience and internships are available?
Recent majors have interned at places including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, NASA’s Lunar Planetary Institute, Patriot Engineering, the Mammoth Site, Wayne County GIS and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. You’ll also have opportunities for hands-on curation, outreach and exhibit design experience working at our on-campus Joseph Moore Museum. As a result, many students are hired soon after graduation or attend graduate school with full funding.
You can learn more about finding Earth and environmental science internships by visiting the Earlham Center for Global and Career Education.