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Concentration

Environmental and Geological Sciences concentration (ENGS)


Interested in studying the Earth, our only home? Looking to make a difference for the Planet? Aspire to shape your own future? Look no further than Geology/Earth Science, the science of the 21st Century, dedicated to fostering a sustainable Planet. ENGS is the ground zero for tackling global societal challenges today like climate change, environmental degradation, natural hazards, water resources, mineral resources, and renewable energy resources. Join WKU's Environmental and Geological Sciences concentration (ENGS) in B.S. in Environmental, Earth, and Sustainability Sciences (EESS) and be part of a vibrant community of geoscientists. This concentration of EESS lets you explore the far corners of the world. All the processes on Planet Earth are complex and interrelated.

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)

This program provides advanced professional training for careers as hydrologists, geologists, environmental resource managers, city and regional planners, engineering geologists, geophysical and geochemical geologists, meteorologists and climatologists, earth science teachers, Geographic Information Systems specialists, consultants in business and industry, university faculty, and professional educators. The program also provides a scientific foundation for graduate students who plan to continue advanced studies leading to the Ph.D. 

Find your career in Geoscience

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Empower Earth’s Future with Smart Geology
Environmental and Geological Sciences (ENGS) concentration helps you prepare for geoscience and environmental science graduate programs, prepares for a wide variety of exciting career opportunities, including jobs and internships in the corporate (e.g., environmental, engineering, mining, and energy), government (e.g., surveys, agencies, and park service), and academia, and gain the core knowledge necessary to pursue the Professional Geologist licensure. We offer a unique and immersive student-centered active learning experience through exciting fieldwork in eye-popping places including the Mammoth Cave, and cutting-edge technology like Raman microscopy, remote sensing, GIS, and 3D subsurface modeling that set ENGS apart. Our students present their research at professional conferences, author or coauthor peer-reviewed publications, and engage in active research opportunities with hands-on work using top-of-the-line techniques, tools, and equipment. We're also proud to offer study abroad and study away opportunities. 

In-State Tuition
for Border States

Full-time, first-time freshmen who are residents of any state that borders Kentucky can attend WKU for the in-state tuition rate. This scholarship will lower the tuition cost by nearly 60% for most students, and students can still stack on other institutional scholarships to further reduce cost. Eligible states include Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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Unearth the Secrets of Our Planet

 

Students with rocks and stream

Digging Deeper for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Students with rocks and streamMeet Our Current Students

 

Climb With Us

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Fieldtrip in California's Mojave Desert

 

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Students learning from our 'remote senssing image processing for critical mineral' workshop.
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Geolologic map explained by Dr. Groves during a fieldtrip.
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Geology investigation in microscale
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ENGS students on action taking measurement on bedding plane.

Our students are presented with applied research and plenty of fieldtrip opportunities that empower a passionate and creative culture within our Geological Sciences program.

 

Donate To WKU ENGS

 

Connect With Us

Environmental and Geological Sciences Concentration

B.S. in Environmental, Earth, and Sustainability Sciences (EESS)

Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences
Ogden College of Science & Engineering
Western Kentucky University

1906 College Heights Blvd. #31066
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1066

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 Last Modified 7/30/26