Earth and Environmental Sciences

The Earth and Environmental Sciences program focuses on the suite of dynamic processes acting at or near the surface of the Earth.  Study spotlights the composition and dynamics of the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and/or surficial materials including environmental applications of these fields of study.  Coursework covers areas such as environmental geology, hydrology, remote sensing, surfaces processes, soil science, and Environmental Information Systems.  This program also offers Concentrations in Hydrologic, Atmospheric, or Environmental Sciences, which provide students the opportunity to be recognized for more focused academic work. 

Students majoring in Earth and Environmental Sciences pursue careers in environmental consulting, environmental planning, meteorology, land development planning, site analysis, terrain analysis, and teaching.  This degree also prepares students for graduate studies in hydrology and remote sensing.  There are employment opportunities in both government and private industry with the greatest range of positions available to students who earn graduate degrees.  For details, see the UNC Charlotte Graduate Catalog regarding the M.S. in Earth Sciences program.

Degree Requirements

A Major in Earth and Environmental Sciences leading to a B.S. degree consists of a minimum of 64 credit hours of required and elective coursework. The General Degree consists of 22 hours of required Earth Science (ESCI), Geography (GEOG), and Geology (GEOL) courses, 18 hours of required extra-departmental coursework, and 24 hours of elective courses.

Concentrations in Atmospheric Sciences , Environmental Sciences , and Hydrologic Sciences  are also available with their own individual degree requirements.

Degree Total = 120 Credit Hours

Cooperative Education Program

Students in the Geography and Earth Sciences programs may obtain practical work experience while pursuing their degrees by participating in the Cooperative Education program.  The work experience is approved by the department and is closely related to the student’s field of study.  The Cooperative Education Program allows qualified students either to alternate semesters of academic study with semesters of full-time work experience or to combine part-time academic study and part-time work during the same semester.  Students who are in good standing with the University, have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and have completed 30 credit hours are eligible to apply.  Transfer students are required to complete 12 credit hours at the University prior to application. Students interested in learning more about participating in this program should contact the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences or the University Career Center.

Honors Program

For details about the Honors Program in Earth and Environmental Sciences, visit the program page .

Suggested Curriculum

For the suggested course sequence toward completing the major, please see the Academic Plan of Study available online at academics.uncc.edu.  Consultation with an advisor is required.