About the Program

---

B.S. in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies 

The B.S. in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies (ESGS) degree prepares students for thinking critically about the complexities of human-environmental interactions through technical course work encompassing scientific writing, quantitative skills and data analysis, applied field- and lab-based experiences (including internships, study abroad, community service, collaborative assignments and research, capstone projects), and effective use of geospatial technologies (e.g., GIS and cartography, GPS, radar, satellite, drone, photogrammetry, environmental quality monitors, and surveying).

Since the geo-environmental sector is very broad in scope, the major does not include pre-defined and narrow concentrations. Instead, the program allows students to complete a customized set of elective coursework that best prepares them for any one of the wide ranging careers in the environmental field that they find of most interest as well as for graduate school.

 

Quick Facts

• The B.S. in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies program at WKU is the largest such program in Kentucky or Tennessee.
• The degree does not require a minor or second major.
• 53 semester hours within the program (plus supporting coursework) are required.
• WKU offers a strong Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program that can work in tandem with the ESGS degree.
• There are many opportunities for students to become involved in faculty-sponsored research, including co-authorship of peer-reviewed research articles, and presentation of research results at professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• The ESGS degree is holistic in that it offers classes for both the physical and human aspects of place and space. 
• The Department of Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences offers multiple faculty-led study abroad options that can earn students up to six credit hours in the ESGS major.