Environmental and Geographic Sciences, B.S.

Embark on a transformative journey with our Online Environmental and Geographic Science B.S. Degree, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex environmental challenges in the modern world. Our comprehensive program integrates cutting-edge technology with in-depth scientific understanding, enabling you to explore and analyze the dynamic interactions between natural and human systems. You will gain proficiency in geospatial technologies such as GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis, empowering you to visualize and interpret critical environmental data. Ideal for aspiring environmental professionals, this flexible online degree offers the opportunity to pursue your passion while accommodating your lifestyle. Join us to become a leader in sustainable solutions and innovation and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.

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Program Highlights

The B.S. in Environmental and Geographic Sciences, is a 120-credit program providing students with broad understanding of geosciences with a focus on a human-earth interaction. Coursework is designed for development of communication, critical thinking, field and technical skills, such as GIS and remote sensing. This fully online geoscience concentration is specifically designed for community college transfer students. All courses are offered online, synchronously with on-campus courses, using blackboard as delivery platform.

Certificate Option

Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), accredited by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, provides students with capabilities in Geospatial Intelligence and opportunities for work in the Intelligence Community and allied disciplines. Students enrolled in the online geoscience concentration can complete the GEOINT certificate in conjunction with their B.S. program.

Field Experience Options

A 5-day GEOG4950 Field Mapping course offered on the campus of NCCU during the May intersession.
Fall and spring field trips to Morgan State University’s PEARL Research Facility and Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station in Manchac, LA. Meet faculty and students and learn about green energy generation, water quality, and wetland restoration.

Acknowledgement: Development of this program has been supported in part by the NSF GEOPATHS grant # 1911558.

Careers

One of the strengths of the Department of Environmental, Earth and Geospatial Sciences, this program’s home department, is a number of cultivated local government, non-profit and business partnerships, ensuring high rate of student summer internships and practical training placements. According to US Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/), geoscience occupation is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028 due to demand for energy, other natural resources and environmental stewardship. This degree will prepare students for most entry-level geoscience careers, such as:

GIS/mapping technician
Transportation analyst
Junior geologist
Geological field technician
Junior hydrologist
Environmental project manager
Water resource manager
Geohazard mitigation planer
Earth science teacher

Graduates of the program have been accepted to Masters and PhD programs in geology, geography, environmental, atmospheric, energy and geospatial sciences. Program alumni are currently enrolled in the Masters and PhD programs at NCSU, NC A&T, UNC-Greensboro and UNC-Charlotte.

Costs

Estimated Tuition and Fees Per Credit Hour

*Please note: Tuition & Fees are subject to change*

Scholarships:

Department awards several scholarships annually – Nan Freeland, Dr. Jasper Harris and Parrish-Evans Scholarships.
Summer stipends and travel expenses are available for transfer students from partner community colleges interested in taking on-campus GEOG4950 Field Mapping course and/or participating in field trips.

Requirements

Complete a minimum of 120 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (1st Degree) and 2.0 (2nd Degree) or better. The last 30 hours must be completed at NCCU. Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all courses listed as part of the Required Core (23 hours) as well as all courses used to satisfy requirements listed for the Geoscience Concentration (30 hours).

Admission Requirements