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Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences

Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences

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  1. WKU
  2. Ogden College of Science & Engineering
  3. Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences

Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences at Western Kentucky University

The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences at Western Kentucky University provides relevant, up-to-date, and integrative undergraduate and graduate educational experiences in the broader field of the earth, environmental, and atmospheric sciences. The EEAS department strives to provide outstanding geoscience programs, with broad international connections, to meet the challenges of the Anthropocene. We aim to develop exceptional undergraduates and graduates in our programs and in colonnade courses, to engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving education, and relevant training in the classroom, laboratory, and field settings.

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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

 

Environmental, Earth, and Sustainability Sciences (5018)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • Geography & Geology

Overview

The B.S. in Environmental, Earth, and Sustainability Sciences (EESS) equips students to understand and solve environmental challenges through an integrated study of environmental sciences, geosciences, sustainability, and environmental management. Graduates pursue careers in environmental consulting and compliance, geoscience, GIS/remote sensing, sustainability planning, natural resource and environmental management, geotechnical and engineering support, climate and conservation, government agencies, or continue to graduate study and Professional Geologist (PG) licensure pathways.

Through immersive fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and geospatial/data-science training, students learn to analyze complex environmental and geoscience problems while building strong foundations in scientific writing, quantitative reasoning, and professional communication. Students choose between two concentrations: Environmental & Sustainability Sciences, which focuses on global sustainability, environmental processes and resource management, and geospatial applications; and Environmental & Geological Sciences, which focuses on earth materials and environmental processes, energy and critical minerals, and hydrology, and aligns with PG licensure preparation.

Concentrations

  • Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (ENSS)
  • Environmental and Geological Sciences (ENGS)

Program Requirements (48-53 hours)

The major in Environmental, Earth, and Sustainability Sciences (EESS) requires a minimum of 48-53 hours and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Other required math and science cognate courses total an additional 6-9 hours. No minor is required.

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at: www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

Course List
Common Core: 21-24 hours
GEOG/GEOL 103Our Dynamic Planet3-4
or GEOL 111
& GEOL 113		 The Earth
and The Earth Laboratory
GEOG 280Environmental Science and Sustainability3-4
or GEOL 250 Environmental Geology
GEOG 295Introduction to Research Techniques3
or GEOL 380 Introductory Field Techniques
GISC 316Geographic Information Systems I4
GEOG 300Writing in the Geosciences3
GEOG 391Geoscience Statistical Analysis4
GEOG 499Professional Preparation1-2
or GEOL 499 Professional Preparation in Geology
Total Hours21-24
Course List
Environmental and Sustainability Sciences Concentration (31 hours)
GEOG 110World Regional Geography3
GISC 317Geographic Information Systems II4
GEOG 380Global Sustainability3
or GEOG 480 Sustainable Cities
GEOG 495Applied Research, Independent Study, or Internship3
or GEOG 452 Applied Geoscience Field Experiences
Electives
Elective coursework selected from any GEOG, GISC, METR, EMDS, or GEOL 200-400 level course with advisor approval. Up to six hours may be taken outside of the department with advisor approval.18
Total Hours31
Course List
Environmental and Geological Sciences Concentration (25 hours)
GEOL 112Earth's Past and Future3
GEOL 114Earth's Past and Future Lab1
GEOL 350Mineralogy and Petrology4
GEOL 360Sedimentology and Stratigraphy4
GEOL 408Structural Geology4
GEOL 301Earth's Climate in Time3
GEOL 310Global Hydrology3
or GEOL 440 Hydrogeology
or GEOL 311 General Oceanography
GEOL 420Geomorphology3
or GEOL 399 Research Problems in Geology
Total Hours25
Course List
Additional requirements for both concentrations (Select two from the following) (6-9 hours)
BIOL 120
& BIOL 121		Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics
and Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab		4
or BIOL 122
& BIOL 123		 Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology
and Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab
BIOL 226
& BIOL 227		Microbial Biology and Diversity
and Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab		3-4
or BIOL 315 Ecology
CHEM 105
& CHEM 106		Fundamentals of General Chemistry
and Fundamentals of General Chemistry Laboratory		4-5
or CHEM 120
& CHEM 121		 College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory
PLSS 350Introduction to Soils3
CS 170Problem Solving and Programming3-4
or CS 180 Computer Science I
or GISC 414 Remote Sensing Fundamentals
or GISC 417 GIS Analysis & Modeling
or GISC 419 GIS Programming
DATA 301Big Data with its Applications3
or STAT 330 Introduction to Statistical Software
MATH 136Calculus I4
PHYS 180
& PHYS 181		Introductory Modern Physics
and Introductory Modern Physics Laboratory		4
or PHYS 231
& PHYS 232		 Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I

Finish in Four Plans

EESS - Environmental and Geological Sciences (ENGS) concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
GEOL 1113GEOL 1123
GEOL 1131GEOL 1141
ENG 1003ENG 2003
GEOG 1752GEOL 2503
Colonnade - Quantitative Reasoning3COMM 1453
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3 
 15 13
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
GEOL 3803GEOL 3504
GISC 3164GEOL 3604
GEOL 3013Additional Science Requirement - 14
HIST 101 or HIST 1023Colonnade Connections - Social & Behavioral3
Independent Research (GEOL 399)3 
 16 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
GEOL 4084GEOL 4203
GEOG 3003GEOG 3914
GEOL 3992GEOL 310 or GEOL 3113
Colonnade Connections - Local to Global3General Elective3
Additional Science Requirement-2 (CS 170)33
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
GEOL 4992Field Study/Internship3
Independent Research (GEOL 399)3Independent Research (GEOL 399)3
General Elective4General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 120

EESS -  Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (ENSS) concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
GEOG 103 or GEOL 1113GEOG 1103
ENG 1003GEOG 2804
GEOG 1752ENG 2003
Colonnade - Quantitative Reasoning3COMM 1453
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3ENSS Concentration Elective3
 14 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
GISC 3164GEOG 3003
GEOG 2953GISC 3174
ENSS Concentration Elective3Colonnade Connections - Local to Global3
HIST 101 or HIST 1023ENSS Concentration Elective3
Colonnade Connections - Systems3Additional Science Requirements - 13
 16 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
GEOG 452 or GEOG 4953GEOG 380 or GEOG 4803
Additional Science Requirement - 23GEOG 3914
ENSS Concentration Elective3ENSS Concentration Elective3
ENSS Concentration Elective3Independent Research3
Colonnade Connections - Social & Cultural3General Elective3
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Independent Research3GEOG 4991
General Elective3Independent Research3
General Elective3Field Study/Internship3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective2
 15 12
Total Hours 120

Meteorology, Bachelor of Science (578)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • Geography & Geology

Overview

The B.S. in Meteorology degree at WKU is the first and largest meteorology program in Kentucky or Tennessee that meets all the Federal Civil Service requirements (GS-1340) for employment by the National Weather Service and enables TV broadcast meteorologists to immediately pursue the "Certified Broadcast Meteorologist" program of the American Meteorological Society upon graduation.  In addition to preparing students for immediate employment as meteorologists, the combination of advanced theoretical and applied coursework as well as experience with meteorological instrumentation and computer programming will provide a foundation for students who wish to pursue graduate school in the atmospheric sciences.  Students will become more directly involved in faculty-sponsored research, increased co-authorship of peer-reviewed research articles, and increased presentation of research results at professional meetings and conferences.

Students will also have the opportunity to work for White Squirrel Weather (WSWX), which acts as the WKU weather service, where students make weather observations and weather forecasts to provide decision support to a variety of WKU entities, including WKU Athletics, Environmental Health and Safety, and WKU Admissions. 

Program Requirements (50 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The major in Meteorology leads to a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and requires a minimum of 50 semester hours of meteorology, geography, GIS, and computer science. A minor program is not required. Other required courses in physics and mathematics total an additional 25 semester hours. Students majoring in meteorology will learn the key concepts and skills necessary to qualify as a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, and to meet the standards of the American Meteorological Society. 

Required Courses

Course List
METR 121Meteorology3
METR 122Aviation Meteorology3
CS 170Problem Solving and Programming3
GEOG 300Writing in the Geosciences3
GISC 316Geographic Information Systems I4
METR 324Weather Analysis and Forecasting3
GEOG 391Geoscience Statistical Analysis4
METR 431Dynamic Meteorology I3
METR 432Synoptic Meteorology3
METR 433Dynamic Meteorology II3
METR 437Mesoscale Meteorology3
METR 438Physical Meteorology3
Meteorology Technique Course
METR 325Meteorological Instrumentation and Measurement3
or METR 335 Satellite/Radar Meteorology
Total Hours41

In addition to the required courses, select 9 hours from any 200-level or above METR course 

Course List
Suggested courses include: 9
METR 322
Global Climate Systems
METR 325
Meteorological Instrumentation and Measurement
METR 326
Applied Meteorology / Climatology
METR 335
Satellite/Radar Meteorology
METR 422
Physical Climatology
METR 425
Field Methods in Severe Weather Analysis and Forecasting
METR 430
Meteorological Computing
METR 439
Atmospheric Modeling
METR 460
Climate Teleconnections
METR 475
Selected Topics in Meteorology
Total Hours9

Additional Courses Required Outside of the Major

Course List
PHYS 255
& PHYS 256		University Physics I
and University Physics I Lab		5
PHYS 265
& PHYS 266		University Physics II
and University Physics II Laboratory		5
MATH 136Calculus I4
MATH 137Calculus II4
MATH 237Multivariable Calculus4
MATH 331Differential Equations3
Total Hours25

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
METR 1213MATH 1374
ENG 1003METR 1223
MATH 1364HIST 101 or HIST 1023
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral3COMM 1453
GEOG 1752General Elective3
 15 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MATH 2374MATH 3313
METR Elective3METR 3243
GISC 3164World Language or General Elective3
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3ENG 2003
 CS 1703
 14 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
METR 4313METR 4333
GEOG 3003Colonnade - Connections3
METR 335 (or METR Elective)3METR 4383
PHYS 255
& PHYS 256		5PHYS 265
& PHYS 266		5
General Elective3 
 17 14
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
METR 4323METR 4373
Colonnade - Connections3METR 325 (or METR Elective)3
METR Elective or Independent Research3GEOG 3914
General Elective3Colonnade - Connections3
General Elective3General Elective1
 15 14
Total Hours 120
  • 120 Hours total are required in the program, with 42 hours at the 300/400 level.
  • Summer courses, including Study Abroad, Field Camps, and other independent research opportunities, can reduce the number of hours required in the regular semesters.
  • Any of the courses can be moved from semester to semester to take advantage of courses when offered.
  • The WKU Colonnade Program requires a minimum of 39 hours, with several required courses in the Geography program that can be double-counted. METR/GEOG courses marked * count for Colonnade Credit.
  • Colonnade Connections courses are restricted to Juniors/Seniors, unless 21 credit hours of Colonnade Explorations and Foundations courses have already been completed. Three disciplines are required for Connections credit (METR, GEOG, GEOL, and GISC count as separate disciplines).

REQUIRED IN THE MAJOR (48 hours): CORE COURSES = METR 121*, 122, CS 170, GEOG 300*, 391, GISC 316, METR 324, 431, 432, 433, 437, 438 (38 hours); ELECTIVE COURSES = any 12 hours of approved METR or equivalent coursework; PLUS PHYS, 255 256, 265, 266, MATH 136*, 137*, 237, 331.

Disaster Science (5019)

  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • Geography & Geology

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Disaster Science builds upon traditional emergency management practices to include a better understanding of the complex causal relationships that yield the destructive outcomes trending in modern catastrophic events. This program prepares students to function effectively in all phases of the disaster cycle, with particular focus on preparedness, prevention, and mitigation efforts to lessen the potential for loss of life, property, and environmental impacts.

Program Requirements (52 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Course List
Core Requirements
DISC 101Introduction to Global Disasters3
DISC 200Applied Disaster Science Practices3
METR 121Meteorology3
GEOG 226Our Dangerous Planet3
GEOG 300Writing in the Geosciences3
GISC 316Geographic Information Systems I4
GISC 317Geographic Information Systems II4
METR 324Weather Analysis and Forecasting3
METR 326Applied Meteorology / Climatology3
EMDS 400Emergency Management Policy and Practices3
EMDS 401Natural and Technological Disaster Risks3
EMDS 402Resiliency in Response to Terrorism and Violence3
EMDS 403Advanced Disaster Planning, Management, and Preparedness3
GEOG 499Professional Preparation1
Complete a minimum of 3 hours from these courses:3
EMDS 404
Trends in Disaster Preparedness and Management
GEOG 495
Applied Research, Independent Study, or Internship
Additional Required Courses:
MATH 136Calculus I4
MATH 183Introductory Statistics3
or STAT 301 Introductory Probability and Applied Statistics
or GEOG 391 Geoscience Statistical Analysis
Total Hours52

Students will complete the requirements for a certificate in Emergency Management Disaster Science in the course of degree completion.

Finish in Four Plans

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
DISC 1013COMM 1453
ENG 1003HIST 1013
MATH 1173ENG 2003
Colonnade3EMDS 4003
 Colonnade3
 12 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
DISC 2003GEOG 3003
GEOG 2263METR 1213
Colonnade3EMDS 4013
Elective3MATH 1364
Elective3Colonnade3
 15 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
MATH 183, STAT 301, or GISC 3163-4GISC 3174
GISC 3164Colonnade3
EMDS 4023Elective3
Colonnade3Elective3
Colonnade3Elective3
 16-17 16
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
EMDS 4033GEOG 495 or EMDS 4043
GEOG 4991Elective3
METR 3243Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
Elective3 
 16 15
Total Hours 121-122

Geographic Information Systems, Certificate (174)

  • Undergraduate
  • Science and Engineering
  • Geography & Geology

Overview

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is widely used in business, industry, government, and education. This certificate is designed for students in a variety of disciplines that involve the analysis, mapping, display, and interpretation of geospatial data and information. Students who complete the program will have a solid foundation that spans the collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and display of data using GIS. They will gain practical experience by completing projects that require the use of sophisticated GIS functions. Finally, they will learn how to develop and implement their own customized GIS functions.

The program is housed in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences.

Program Requirements (14 hours)

Course List
Enroll in the following GISC courses:
GISC 316Geographic Information Systems I4
GISC 317Geographic Information Systems II4
GISC 417GIS Analysis & Modeling3
GISC 419GIS Programming3
Total Hours14

 

Emergency Management Disaster Science, Certificate (1748)

  • Undergraduate
  • Science and Engineering
  • Geography & Geology

Overview

The certificate provides students, whether traditional or working professionals, an in-depth acumen related to incident management, risk identification, emergency planning, and emergency management program evaluation.

The program is housed in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences.

Program Requirements (12 hours) 

Course List
Program Courses:
EMDS 400Emergency Management Policy and Practices3
EMDS 401Natural and Technological Disaster Risks 1, 23
EMDS 402Resiliency in Response to Terrorism and Violence3
EMDS 403Advanced Disaster Planning, Management, and Preparedness 1, 23
Total Hours12
1

Students from other disciplines (Education Administration, Leadership, Engineering, Meteorology, etc.) may substitute up to three credit hours from within their discipline, with the approval of the program coordinator, in lieu of EMDS 401 or EMDS 403.

2

EMDS 404 may be substituted for either EMDS 401 or EMDS 403.

Geographic Information Systems, Certificate (174)

  • Undergraduate
  • Science and Engineering
  • Geography & Geology

Overview

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is widely used in business, industry, government, and education. This certificate is designed for students in a variety of disciplines that involve the analysis, mapping, display, and interpretation of geospatial data and information. Students who complete the program will have a solid foundation that spans the collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and display of data using GIS. They will gain practical experience by completing projects that require the use of sophisticated GIS functions. Finally, they will learn how to develop and implement their own customized GIS functions.

The program is housed in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences.

Program Requirements (14 hours)

Course List
Enroll in the following GISC courses:
GISC 316Geographic Information Systems I4
GISC 317Geographic Information Systems II4
GISC 417GIS Analysis & Modeling3
GISC 419GIS Programming3
Total Hours14

 

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Geoscience (072)

  • Graduate
  • Master of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • Geography & Geology

Overview

The M.S. Geoscience program in the Department of Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences at WKU is interdisciplinary in nature, bringing together research perspectives from across the human-physical spectrum. The Department’s internationally recognized graduate faculty conduct research on a variety of human-environment interactions. The graduate program in Geosciences provides advanced professional training for careers as hydrologists, environmental resource managers, city and regional planners, engineering geologists, geophysical and geochemical geologists, meteorologists and climatologists, earth science teachers, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists, consultants in business and industry, and professional educators. The program also provides a scientific foundation for graduate students who plan to continue advanced studies leading to the Ph.D.

Graduate Assistants and Graduate Research and/or Teaching Fellows work with designated faculty on research projects, teach introductory courses, and provide mentoring support for undergraduates. We aim to make your experience in the M.S. Geoscience program educational, rewarding, inspiring, fun, and productive.  The department offers a wide range of supporting funding, equipment, and facilities, including resources at the Kentucky Climate Center, Disaster Science Operations Center, Kentucky Mesonet, Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies, Crawford Hydrology Laboratory, Reynolds Geological Sciences Laboratory, StrataMax Laboratory, and Landscape Geodynamics Laboratory to facilitate student training and applied experiences.

Program Admission

  • A resume or CV
  • Focused 1-2 page description of research interests, including potential research topics with an identified theme, defined problem, and/or potential questions that demonstrate knowledge of a field of interest within the Geosciences and how these intersect with current faculty expertise within the Department
  • Written evidence of an agreement from a graduate faculty member in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences willing to supervise the proposed research project
  • Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references

  • The following is recommended, but not required:

    • An additional writing sample (e.g., a paper, manuscript, thesis, etc.)
    • Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)1
1

Admitted students who have provided GRE scores in prior years typically scored 4.0 or higher on the analytical writing subtest. However, each applicant will be evaluated individually and on a holistic basis; inclusion of the GRE with a strong analytical writing score may be beneficial for students looking to offset weaknesses in their application.

Program Requirements (30 hours)

Course List
Required Courses
GEOS 500Geoscience Research and Literacy3
GEOS 502Geoscience Research Methods3
GEOS 520Geoscience Statistical Methods3
GEOS 599Thesis Writing and Research6
Electives
Select 15 hours from GEOS, GEOL, GEOG graduate courses appropriate to support the thesis research project and approved by the thesis director: 115
Total Hours30
1

 A maximum of six hours of advisor approved electives that are consistent with the student's research focus may be selected from other departments.

Emergency Management Disaster Science (1749)

  • Graduate
  • Science and Engineering
  • Geography & Geology

Overview

The certificate program in Emergency Management Disaster Science is designed to provide students with a strong technical knowledge base of the essential concepts of Incident Management. The program is designed as either a standalone certificate or for interdisciplinary incorporation into existing Masters, and Doctorate programs in Science and Engineering, Education, Leadership, and other disciplines.  

Program Admission

Graduate Studies Admission

Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate Studies admission requirements.

Program Requirements (12 hours)

All students must complete the core courses or equivalent transfer coursework approved by program advisor.  Students who are pursuing the  "stand alone"  certificate, must complete the require elective graduate seminar for a total of 12 hours.

Course List
Required Courses
EMDS 500Emergency Management Policy and Practices3
EMDS 501Understanding Natural and Technological Disaster Risks 1, 23
or EOHS 595 Public Health Management of Disasters
EMDS 502Terrorism, Violence, Resiliency, and Response3
EMDS 503Advanced Disaster Planning, Management, and Preparedness 1, 23
or EOHS 580 Solid and Hazardous Wastes
Total Hours12
1

Students from other disciplines, may substitute up to six graduate credit hours from within their discipline, with the approval of the program coordinator, in lieu of EMDS 501 and/or EMDS 503.

2

EMDS 504 may be substituted for either EMDS 501 or EMDS 503.

Disaster Science MS (0507)

  • Graduate
  • Master of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • Geography & Geology

Overview

The Master of Science in Disaster Science builds upon traditional emergency management practices to include a better understanding of the complex causal relationships that yield the destructive outcomes trending in modern catastrophic events. This program integrates science-based principles from emergency management; earth, environmental, and atmospheric sciences; public health; engineering; and social sciences to prepare graduates for leadership roles in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, and research.

  • Thesis (DSTH)
  • Non-thesis (DSNT)

Prospective students must meet the WKU general admission requirements for graduate programs.

Program Requirements (30 hours)

The M.S. in Disaster Science offers thesis and non-thesis tracks. Thesis students enroll in three hours of DISC 598 and six hours of DISC 599 as part of their degree program. Non-thesis students enroll in six hours of DISC 595 as part of their degree program.

Thesis Track

Course List
REQUIRED COURSES
EMDS 500Emergency Management Policy and Practices3
EMDS 501Understanding Natural and Technological Disaster Risks3
EMDS 502Terrorism, Violence, Resiliency, and Response3
DISC 598Research Methods for Disaster Science3
DISC 599Thesis Research and Writing1-6
ELECTIVES
Any 12 hours from the following: EMDS 503, EMDS 504, EMDS 505, EMDS 506, EMDS 510, GEOS 510, GEOS 522, GEOS 526, GEOS 543, GEOS 577, EOHS 550, EOHS 572, EOHS 577, EOHS 595, PH 581, PH 582, PH 584, PH 586, LEAD 500, LEAD 505, LEAD 525, LEAD 530, RSA 515, RSA 534, RSA 536, RSA 53812
Total Hours30

Non-Thesis Track

Course List
REQUIRED COURSES
EMDS 500Emergency Management Policy and Practices3
EMDS 501Understanding Natural and Technological Disaster Risks3
EMDS 502Terrorism, Violence, Resiliency, and Response3
DISC 595Disaster Science Capstone6
ELECTIVES
Any 15 hours from the following: EMDS 503, EMDS 504, EMDS 505, EMDS 506, EMDS 510, GEOS 510, GEOS 522, GEOS 526, GEOS 543, GEOS 577, EOHS 550, EOHS 572, EOHS 577, EOHS 595, PH 581, PH 582, PH 584, PH 586, LEAD 500, LEAD 505, LEAD 525, LEAD 530, RSA 515, RSA 534, RSA 536, RSA 53815
Total Hours30

 

Headshot of Mackenzie Senig

My personal WKU experience has been nothing short of amazing. Pursuing a bachelors in Geology and Meteorology was the best decision I could have made. The inclusiveness of the professors and students involved in this program is incredible. WKU is not just a college, it is a close-knit community that offers a multitude of opportunities to anyone seeking. From presentations to research opportunities to clubs to show and tell, there is a not a single activity you won’t find in this program!

Mackenzie Senig, Geological Sciences major, and Geographic Information Systems and Emergency Management & Disaster Science certificates

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Why Study EEAS at WKU?

The Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences programs at Western Kentucky University offer students a unique and immersive experience. In addition to developing fundamental core knowledge in the classroom, EEAS emphasizes applied experiential and high-impact student learning via immersive study abroad programs and otherwise nationally awarded and globally recognized field course programs. Students engage in the department’s state-of-art operational and research facilities, certified commercial water quality laboratories, as well as service-learning experiences in collaboration with local, regional, national, and global entities.

 

 

 

  • 270- 745-4555

  • eeas@wku.edu

  • Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences
    Environmental Science & Technology 304
    1906 College Heights Blvd. #11075,
    Bowling Green, KY 42101-1075

 

 

 

 

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 Last Modified 7/30/26