Geoscientists study the Earth to understand how it works, how it has changed through time, and how it may change in the future. Our investigations are essential for helping society make informed decisions about how we live on and use our planet. By studying minerals, rocks, soils, water, and the atmosphere, geoscientists uncover the processes that shape Earth’s surface; drive natural phenomena like earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change; and impact the evolution of life. This knowledge helps protect communities from natural hazards, locate and utilize vital resources such as water, energy, and minerals responsibly, and mitigate human impacts on the physical environment. Understanding Earth’s past—its climates, ecosystems, and geological events—help us predict future changes and guide policies that support sustainability and resilience. In applying Earth’s story to today’s challenges, geoscientists play a vital role in ensuring a safer, healthier, and more sustainable planet for future generations. Geoscience is an exciting and fulfilling career path that offers graduates meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on both local and global communities.

 

The Geoscience major has two concentrations you can choose from: Geology and Earth Science. The course requirements for each concentration provide a broad geoscience foundation, but the breadth of the geoscience field means that different career paths will require different subsets of—or additions to—these courses. Thus, regular consultation with a departmental advisor is essential for developinga program of study to meet your individual goals (e.g., licensure as a Professional Geologist, admission to graduate programs, work within environmental or economic geology fields, etc.)

 

Geology Concentration

The Geology concentration focuses on the solid Earth system and provides coursework comparable to that offered in a traditional geology major. Choosing the Geology concentration prepares students to work as Professional Geologists in both the private and public sector, and even become Licensed Professional Geologists. There is a requirement for students in the Geology concentration to take a capstone Field Geology course; please speak to an academic advisor for more information. In addition to postgraduate employment, students electing the Geology concentration are well-prepared for continuing their studies in Geology or related graduate programs.

 

Earth Science Concentration

The Earth Science concentration is largely focused on the study of Earth’s landscapes, water resources, oceans, and climate. Choosing the Earth Science concentration prepares students for careers in physical and hydrological sciences in both the private and public sectors. There is no requirement for students in this concentration to take a Field Geology course, but students will still have plenty of opportunities for field-based learning. Earth Science students are also well-prepared for continuing their studies in Earth Science or related graduate programs.

 

Learn

Students majoring in either Geoscience concentration will learn to apply the scientific method to solve problems across the Earth system from the solid Earth to the climate. The common core courses provide all majors with a background in physical geology, Earth history, sedimentology and stratigraphy, geoscience field techniques, and plate tectonics. All majors will develop a strong, interdisciplinary foundation of mathematics, physics, and chemistry to support deeper investigations of topics covered in geoscience courses. Depending on the concentration and personal interests, students will grow their technical expertise with supporting coursework in geospatial technologies, computer sciences, and/or field-based data collection.

 

Students electing the Geology concentration will focus their studies on solid Earth materials and processes, including the chemistry and 3-dimensional physical structure of minerals, rocks, and sediment. Knowledge of these systems will be applied to understanding the history of formation and deformation of Earth’s materials as well as key principles of hydrogeology. Depending on the electives they choose, students can explore topics such as paleontology, landscape science, glacial geology, oceanography and climate science.

 

Students electing the Earth Science concentration will focus their studies on the physical and chemical processes governing Earth’s landscapes, water resources, and climate and the connections between these systems. Knowledge in these realms will be applied to better understand large-scale phenomena such as ocean circulation, landscape evolution, and climate change on Earth. Depending on the electives they choose, students can explore topics such as groundwater, advanced Earth materials, paleontology, and crustal deformation.

 

Opportunities

While at EMU, Geoscience majors have opportunities to visit, learn, and work in field sites across southeast Michigan, the broader Great Lakes region, the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains, and New England states. Geoscience majors find community on campus through participation in the EMU GeoClub, which is a student chapter officially affiliated with the American Institute of Professional Geologists and the Mineralogical Society of America. Many students participate in faculty-mentored research across a range of geoscience subdisciplines and present their work at the annual EMU Undergraduate Research Symposium and local, regional, and national geoscience conferences. Past students’ work has been published in University-level Honors Theses and journals and even internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.

 

EMU Geoscience students can be career-ready in four years, and Geoscience careers offer strong return on students’ educational investments. After graduating from EMU, Geoscience majors have a wide range of well-paid and growing career opportunities. In the private sector, graduates may work with environmental and geotechnical consulting firms, in ore/aggregate mining, or in the energy and petroleum industries.In the public and educational sectors, graduates may find work with local, state, and federal government agencies or as educators and science communicators with public institutions like colleges, universities, or museums. For more information, please refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook’s Geoscientist and Hydrologist roles.

 

Although Michigan does not require licensure for Professional Geologists, EMU Geology alumni strongly suggest that Geoscience graduates seeking employment in consulting, mining/petroleum industries, or government roles should consider obtaining professional licensure as a Professional Geologist. The first step towards licensure is by taking the Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam. The core required courses in the Geology concentration prepare students with the knowledge to take the FG Exam, even before graduation. Students electing the Earth Science concentration may also qualify for taking the ASBOG FG exam for professional licensure, but in order to do so, they must use their Restricted Electives to enroll in ESSC 326 Structural Geology, ESSC 329 Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology, and ESSC 356 Field Geology.

 

Current students choosing either concentration who are considering graduate school should be aware that many graduate programs have STEM prerequisites that may exceed the minimum requirements of this program. It is recommended that students discuss their potential career path with a Geoscience Program advisor to determine the best way to achieve their plans.

 

STEM Program

This is a STEM-designated program (see OPT Extension).