The Natural World is Our Classroom

Through coursework, field research and hands-on learning, you'll study the planet Earth and the processes that shape it through time. Small class sizes and close relationships with faculty allow many opportunities to work and study in the lab and in the field.

Programs of Study



Every Student Is Unique. So Are We.

Real-World Research and Experience

University of Dayton students majoring in earth and environmental geoscience perform field work in the western United States, Canada, China, India, Africa and New Zealand. Students learn how to identify environmental problems in real-world settings, and gain valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, data analysis and accountability.

Sustainability students have multiple opportunities to participate in experiential learning and get involved with student-run programs that allow them to implement sustainability solutions in real-world situations.

Sustainability Programs

At UD, we're a leader in sustainability efforts. And students have multiple opportunities to get involved through efforts like the Hanley Sustainability Institute and the Rivers Institute.

A central focus of the sustainability program is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs recognize the inextricably linked nature of economic, environmental and social justice issues.

Our B.A. and B.S. degrees are therefore an important contribution to the mission of UD, but do not stand alone, as we strive for collaborations with other interdisciplinary programs, centers and initiatives on campus.

Students learn from highly knowledgeable faculty who are renowned scholars in the field of sustainability. Their education is enriched through faculty-mentored research and hands-on, experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Effort

The Sustainability, Energy and Environment Initiative is a multidisciplinary effort, drawing teaching and research expertise from the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education and Health Sciences and the School of Engineering. The faculty and staff are listed below.

Sustainability Program Advisory Committee

Program Administrative Coordinator

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate

Learn an in-demand skill with the graduate certificate in GIS, and find out how undergraduate students can earn this certificate during their time at UD.



9.16.2026
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Conservation and Sustainability: My Summer Fellowship at Five Rivers MetroParks link-arrow link-arrow

A biology major's summer internship with Five Rivers MetroParks strengthened their interest in a career focused on sustainability and conservation.
9.10.2026
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Finding Purpose at the Intersection of Business, Sustainability and Energy link-arrow link-arrow

A business student's energy fellowship allowed him to step outside the classroom and apply his academic experiences to challenges in Dayton.
9.1.2026
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My Experience as a City of Kettering Energy and Stormwater Fellow link-arrow link-arrow

A sustainability major's fellowship exposed her to how interconnected sustainability work is within each department of a local government.


Contact Department of Earth, Environment and Sustainability
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 2364
937-229-3432 email