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Geosciences: Environmental/Physical Geography

Investigate the movement of air, water, and earth materials resulting in weather/climate, the hydrologic cycle, and landscapes that collectively support life on Earth.

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Geosciences: Environmental/Physical Geography

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 52 in Major
Careers
Scientists, Health, Technologists, Technicians, Surveying
Geosciences: Environmental/Physical Geography students at EIU

Why Study Geosciences: Environmental/Physical Geography at EIU?

  • Learn through a collaborative environment in small class settings
  • Apply what you learn in the classroom to the real world through fieldwork and hands-on projects
  • Gain proficiency with technology that will give you the experience to stand out
  • Build real-world skills through mentored research projects and internships
  • Prepare for a range of diverse careers that make a difference in the world
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"The Geosciences Department has given me opportunities to do field research and even encouraged me to study abroad. Overall, I enjoy studying Geography and the helpful faculty that make classes intriguing."
Joe Pointer
Geosciences: Environmental/Physical Geography | Class of 2028
Joe Pointer, Geosciences: Environmental/Physical Geography at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Supportive community: Work individually with a faculty member on a mentored research project
  • Hand-on learning: Collect and analyze project data using GIS, remote sensing, drones, and surveying equipment
  • Career ready: Apply classroom knowledge at an internship with local/regional employers and agencies
  • Get involved: Join the Geography Club to take part in service activities and take a trip to see Illinois and beyond
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Hands-On Experience, Geosciences: Environmental/Physical Geography students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Environmental/Physical Geography option in the B.S. in Geosciences investigates Earth's natural systems, landforms, climates and ecosystems, including the movement of air, water and earth materials that create weather, climate and the landscapes that support life. It is a fit if you are curious about how the natural world works, enjoy being outdoors and want to understand how human activities affect the environment.

Program Curriculum Dept Flyer
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$84,347
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Environmental Scientists &…
  • Geographic Information Systems…
  • Surveying & Mapping Technicians
  • Cartographers & Photogrammetrists
  • Conservation Scientists
  • Atmospheric & Space Scientists
  • Surveyors
  • Remote Sensing Technicians
  • Foresters
  • Geodetic Surveyors
  • Emergency Management Directors
  • Forest & Conservation Workers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit InvestigativeInvestigative interest typeYou like digging into how things work. This type of work involves researching and analyzing natural phenomena, living things, health problems or human behavior.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

James Riley
Department Chair & Associate Professor
jdriley@eiu.edu
3007 Physical Science
217-581-2142
James Riley Message James

Message James

or email jdriley@eiu.edu directly
Michael Cornebise
Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences & Professor, Geography
mwcornebise@eiu.edu
2214
217-581-7486
Michael Cornebise Message Michael

Message Michael

or email mwcornebise@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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