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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 Tuition

$5,010 Per Semester

Low-Cost Textbooks

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?

  • Low-cost 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

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 & Admission


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 your enrollment advisor.

professional photo of Heather Davis

Heather Davis

Senior Director of Enrollment and Intervention

859-622-3524
cstem.recruitment@eku.edu

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Robert Munafo

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-3101
robert.munafo@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.
  • 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.

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More Kentuckians screened. Lung cancer detected earlier. Longer, healthier lives. Put simply, that’s the goal of a research project in Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) College of Health Sciences.  November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, which puts the spotlight on the prevention and education measures being implemented across the country. Kentucky has the highest incidence and […]

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Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), located in the heart of the state’s manufacturing hub, prepares skilled graduates to enter various areas of manufacturing operations. Committed to meeting workforce demands, the university partners with local businesses to identify ways to support local industries. In 2010, Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific […]

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
533 John Hanlon Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1521
pgas@eku.edu