Earth & Environmental Sciences
Why Study Earth & Environmental Sciences at UWG?
Research from Day One
- Every EES major completes a faculty-mentored capstone research project.
- Research skills are developed through GEOL/GEOG 2333, 3333, and 4333.
- Opportunities to present research and build professional experience.
Learn in the Field
- Dedicated Field Methods coursework.
- Field experiences embedded throughout the curriculum.
- Study geological systems where they occur, not just in the classroom.
Industry-Grade Laboratories
- GIS and geospatial technologies
- Water quality and environmental testing
- Soils and sedimentology
- Paleontology
- Dendrochronology
- XRF and SEM analysis
Travel Beyond Campus
- American West Field Trip
- Alumni Field Experiences
- International opportunities, including planned Costa Rica experiences
Signature EES Experiences
Undergraduate Research Faculty-guided research projects culminating in a capstone experience.
Field-Based Learning Field trips, geological mapping, and outdoor investigations integrated throughout the program.
Internships & Co-ops Professional experiences with industry, government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and community partners.
Study Away Explore geology across the American West and participate in international field experiences.
Professional Preparation Pathways toward professional geologist licensure and strong career placement opportunities.
Experiential Learning Pathway
From Student to Professional Geoscientist
Year 1-2 📚 Foundations + Introduction to Research
↓
Year 2-3 🔬 Research Methods (GEOL/GEOG 2333)
↓
Year 3 🌍 Field Methods & Faculty-Mentored Research (GEOL/GEOG 3333)
↓
Year 4 🎓 Capstone Research Experience (GEOL/GEOG 4333)
↓
Career or Graduate School 💼 Professional Employment, Licensure, or Advanced Study
Student Spotlight: Ellie Hobson and Alumna Ana dos Santos
Land Your Dream Job
Graduates of the program excel in the skills and knowledge needed for success beyond UWG. Our alumni thrive in private businesses (such as geologic exploration and environmental consulting), and as GIS analysts/developers, environmental analysts, and sustainability coordinators. Students also pursue careers at state and federal agencies such as the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the US Geological Survey.
Earth and Environmental Sciences graduates help solve some of society's most important challenges:
- Clean water and water resources
- Environmental protection
- Natural hazards
- Sustainable resource management
- Energy development
- Infrastructure planning
Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Professional Geologist
- GIS Analyst
- Natural Resources Specialist
- Water Resources Scientist
- Government Geoscientist
- Geological Researcher
Professional Advantage
- Professional Geology concentration provides the first step toward Georgia geologist licensure.
- Graduates are well positioned for graduate study in the geosciences.
Unmatched Courses
Whatever your path, our Earth and Environmental Sciences Program will equip you with the skills needed to jumpstart your career. To discover more about the Earth and Environmental Sciences program at the University of West Georgia, please visit us in the Callaway Building.
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Jekyll Island 2026Students, alumni, and faculty traveled from the Fall Line to the coast, experiencing geology firsthand while strengthening the Earth and Environmental Sciences community.
