Geography, Geology and Environmental Science

Gaining expertise regarding what is around us, above us, and underneath us in the physical world is a pursuit that is exciting, gratifying, and crucial to further our knowledge as human beings. This is the world of geography and geology.

The Department of Geography, Geology & Environmental Science offers an array of physical science, social science, and technical courses covering a wide range of academic interests and career paths that students may pursue. Listed here are the majors, minors, and certificates for the department:

Majors

• Geography - Environment and Society Emphasis BA/BS
• Geography - Geology Emphasis BA/BS
• Geography BSE
• Social Studies Broadfield Major - Geography Emphasis BSE
• Environmental Science - Sustainability and Environmental Management Emphasis BA/BS
• Environmental Science - Geosciences Emphasis BA/BS
• Environmental Science - Natural Science Emphasis BA/BS

Minors

• Environmental Studies
• Geography
• Geography - Elementary Education Emphasis
• Geology
• GIS Geographic Information System 

Certificates

• GIS-Geographic Information System 
• Global Engagement

Faculty

All tenure-track faculty and most academic staff in the department hold doctoral degrees. Strong student evaluations of instructors indicate a high measure of effective teaching.

Hands-on Learning

Faculty often hire students as technical specialists to assist in computer labs and as assistants on faculty-generated teaching and research grants. Some offer travel study opportunities. In addition, students can intern with local businesses, environmental offices, and city, county, and regional planning agencies. Most internships are paid. Recent firms/agencies include:

• City of Janesville (WI)
• Jefferson County (WI)
• Johnson Controls
• Land Information Office
• Pheasants Forever
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Student Organizations

Students can pursue a variety of educational, social, and travel opportunities with the Whitewater Geography Association (WGA). A local chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon, geography national student organization, is open to qualified students.