Dec 11, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog | 2017-2018 
    
Undergraduate Catalog | 2017-2018 Previous Edition

Earth and Environmental Sciences, Atmospheric Sciences Concentration, B.S.


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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


The B.S. in Earth Sciences with a Concentration in Atmospheric Sciences consists of a minimum of 39 hours of required Earth Science (ESCI), Geography (GEOG), Meteorology (METR) and Geology (GEOL) courses, 18 hours of required extra-departmental coursework, and 7 hours of elective courses.

General Education Courses (37-41 credit hours)


For details on required courses, refer to the General Education Program 

Foreign Language Requirement (0-8 credit hours)


All students who earn a degree within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences are required to demonstrate proficiency in the language of their choice through the 1202 level.  Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

  • Completing the required coursework at UNC Charlotte
  • Completing three years of the same foreign language in high school through level three
  • Achieving a satisfactory score on the foreign languages placement test (in Spanish, French, or German)
  • Through approved transfer or transient credit earned at other accredited institutions
  • By transferring in with an A.A., A.S. or A.F.A. degree
  • A combination of the above methods (e.g., placing out of or earning transfer or transient credit for 1201 and completing the 1202 course, completing 1201 and placing out of or earning transfer or transient credit for 1202)

Note:


Students are responsible for meeting all required prerequisites for elective courses.

Unrestricted Elective Courses


As needed.

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 each semester.

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