Changing Landscapes

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The Changing Landscapes pathway blends Earth surface processes with environmental applications, giving graduates a strong foundation in both geoscience and environmental science. This interdisciplinary background prepares students for careers as Natural Hazards Analysts and Resilience Planners, where they apply hazard assessment and risk analysis to community safety and disaster preparedness. Graduates may also work as Environmental Consultants, Remediation Specialists, or Environmental Project Scientists, using geoscience knowledge to address land-use challenges and site restoration. Specialized opportunities include becoming a Hydrologist, Watershed Manager, or Groundwater Technician, roles focused on managing water resources and ensuring sustainable use. In addition, students may pursue careers as Land Use Planners, Environmental Managers, or GIS/Remote Sensing Analysts, applying spatial analysis tools to guide development and conservation. Together, these career pathways highlight the pathway’s focus on applied geoscience, technical analysis, and environmental problem-solving.

  • Suggested courses for the two 200+ level lab courses: GEOL 211 Geomorphology and GEOL 216 Sedimentology.
  • Suggested courses for the two 300+ level courses: any 300+ level GEOL elective courses.
  • Suggested courses for the two 200+ level ESP (Environmental Science and Policy) courses: ENVS 236 Health Effects of Pollution, ENVS 271 Landscape Ecology, ENVS 329 Adapting to Climate Change, ENVS 360 Sustainable Agricultural Systems.

Suggested STEM major advisors: Andrew Beck (Geology), Antun Husinec (Geology), Alexander Stewart (Geology).

Suggested ESS major advisors: Sara Ashpole (ESS), Lori Clark (ESS), Aaron Iverson (ESS), David Murphy (ESS), Pete Pettengil (ESS),  Jon Rosales (ESS).