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Bachelor of Science in Environmental & Applied Geology

Department of Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Environmental & Applied Geology

Department of Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Help Inform Policy, Protect People, and Practice Environmental Stewardship

Make a positive impact on the natural world

Geologic and geographic information and analysis is key to a variety of exciting fields—from alternative energy solutions to natural disasters and hazards mitigation. EKU’s environmental and geology programs emphasize hands-on experience that prepares students to solve real-world problems and lead future generations of environmental geoscientists. Students also have the option to complete a certificate in geographic information systems (GIS) that can give you a competitive edge in fields as diverse as environmental management, criminal justice, health care, and more.

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Career Outlook


The demand for geoscientists involved in discovering and developing sites for traditional and alternative energy sources is expected to increase due to the need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management. Local, state, and federal governments need geoscientists, and many firms employ geoscientists as federal contractors: the US Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Land Management, Environmental Protection Agency, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and federal contractor positions in Kentucky.

Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A degree in geology can open the door to a wide variety of career options across the industry spectrum.

Job Titles Include:

  • Geoscientists
  • Mining and geological engineers
  • Meteorologist
  • Environmental engineer
  • Hydrologist
  • Petroleum engineer

EKU geology graduates work in a variety of fields and positions.

Employers Include:

  • Aquatic Resources Management
  • Quantum Spatial
  • Solid Ground Consulting Engineers, PLLC
  • Summit Engineering, Inc.
  • PS&S Civil Engineering
  • Kentucky Division of Water

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
  • Generous credit transfer policy Field camp in the Rocky Mountains
  • Preparation for Professional Geologist Exam
  • Apply for departmental scholarships

Program Options

Choose between two concentrations that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

Students will gain the foundational knowledge and skills in geology, mathematics, and natural sciences necessary to be successful in graduate school, as well as to explore potential areas of geologic specialization through independent research or a field camp experience and elective courses.

Prepares our students to become competent professionals with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to successfully pass the initial certification exam to eventually obtain their Professional Geologist designation. Students will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in each of the eight areas of professional geology and geotechniques, as well as develop critical research skills through a senior thesis or field camp experience.

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Enrollment


Learn essential skills for today’s geology careers. Our programs are made up of high-quality courses and taught by experienced professors. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as geographic information systems; structural and sedimentary geology; the ocean world, gold and diamonds; and earthquakes and volcanoes.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, including 18-23 hours of academic concentration credits or 15 – 20 hours of professional concentration credits.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Photo of Aida Bermudez

Aida Bermudez

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2902
aida.bermudez@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features

Madison High

EKU Environmental and Applied Geology Graduate
My degree provided me with the knowledge I needed to get a solid start to my career. I was able to get a job with the Kentucky Geological Survey within a few months of graduating and I am thrilled to be working for them. I also took the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology exam shortly after graduating and passed it on my first try.
Photo of James Matthew Christie

James Matthew Christie

EKU Physics Graduate
My undergraduate research helped get me familiar with a big range of vacuum equipment that I regularly use for my ongoing research. Professors almost always had an open-door policy, you could just drop by and hang out and chat, and it really made for a much more welcoming environment than I’ve seen in many places.

Upcoming Events

Halls Open

Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

Check-In Deadline

Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.

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Related Programs

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

Common Job Titles: geoscientist, hydrologist, surveying and mapping technician, urban and regional planner

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 18

B.S. in Biology

Common Job Titles: biologist, ecologist, animal scientist, biology teacher

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120


Contact Information

Department of Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy

Science Building
Room 3140

859-622-1521
pgas@eku.edu