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Earth and Environmental Geosciences (B.S.)

Master Earth Systems to Solve Environmental Problems

With When you pursue a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Geosciences through the Department of Earth, Environment and Sustainability at the University of Dayton, you gain the foundational earth science training needed to address complex environmental challenges. You'll be prepared to tackle society's most important environmental problems — climate change, energy resources, pollution and hazards — through a detailed and integrated study of major components of the Earth system: atmosphere, hydrosphere and the solid Earth.

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Fast Facts

80% of students

participate in faculty-mentored research

12 average

class size for environmental geosciences courses
About the Earth and Environmental Geosciences (B.S.) Program

Why study earth and environmental geosciences at UD?

Gain Real-World Experience

Majors gain hands-on experience in Geoscience Field Camp, which takes place in New Zealand and Colorado. All upper-level courses have extensive field components taking place in the U.S. and faculty share the opportunity with students to conduct field-based research around the world in places like Nepal, China, Ethiopia, Europe and South America.

Participate in Research

Faculty-mentored research is strongly encouraged as our faculty have active research programs funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA and other major funding agencies. Personal attention between students and faculty provides students with great research experience leading to presentations at national and international conferences, publication in peer-reviewed science journals, student awards and fellowships.

Find Opportunities Across Campus

Cross-campus opportunities are abundant for our majors, including with the Hanley Sustainability Institute and the Rivers Institute, which allow students to engage in various campus environmental initiatives.

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Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about earth and environmental geosciences at UD.

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How do I apply to the earth and environmental geosciences program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Earth and Environmental Geosciences (B.S.) Degree Requirements and Information
Requirements

The Bachelor of Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

The earth and environmental geosciences program is broad in scope, providing a broad foundation in the fundamentals of earth and environmental science, as well as an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes geology, biology, chemistry and other allied science courses. The curriculum stresses the interdisciplinary nature of modern environmental issues, such as climate change and the development of alternative energy resources.

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Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • GEO 115 and 115L – Physical Geology and Lab
    4
  • CHM 123 and CHM 123L – General Chemistry I and Lab
    4
  • MTH 148 – Introductory Calculus I
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 2
  • GEO 116 and GEO 116L – Geological History of the Earth and Lab
    4
  • CHM 124 and CHM 124L – General Chemistry II and Lab
    4
  • MTH 149 – Introductory Calculus II
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 3
  • BIO 152 – Concepts of Biology II: Evolution & Ecology
    3
  • PHY 201 – College Physics I
    3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • GEO Electives with Labs (200-400 level)
    8
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 4
  • PHY 202 – College Physics II
    3
  • GEO Electives with Labs (200-400 level)
    8
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 5
  • GEO 303 – Field Geology
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 6
Semester 6
  • GIS 450 – Applied Geographic Information Systems
    4
  • GEO Electives with Labs (200-400 level)
    8
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies/Faith Traditions
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • GEO Electives with Labs (200-400 level)
    8
  • Social Science Elective
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies/Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 8
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies/Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • GEO Elective with Lab (optional)
    4
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 9
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • GEO Elective with Lab (optional)
    4
  • General Electives
    5
  • Total Credit Hours 12

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Why Sustainability?

The Department of Earth and Environmental Geosciences has a strong focus on the environment and sustainability, with an integrative curriculum that trains students to solve 21st century problems. Students work closely with faculty to learn about the workings of the Earth and develop skills to thrive in modern geoscience careers.

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Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,279 average

starting salary for UD graduates in all majors

97% success rate

after graduation across all majors

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Earth and Environmental Geosciences Experience

Hanley Sustainability Institute

Nationally recognized for work on campus and within the Dayton community, the Institute allows students to engage with faculty and community stakeholders to help make campus and the community more sustainable.

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Rivers Institute

Students engage with faculty and community members to build community around the rivers by preserving and protecting our watershed.

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Undergraduate Research

Faculty-mentored research is strongly encouraged, as our faculty have active research programs funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA and other major funding agencies.

Learn More About Our Field Research

Stander Symposium

An annual campus-wide forum to showcase academic excellence and recognize student learning through faculty-mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and artistic accomplishment.

Learn More About Stander Symposium
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

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Ready to Study Earth and Environmental Geoscience?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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