Global concerns about resource availability, natural disaster impacts, environmental change and sustainable development have propelled Environmental Earth Science to the forefront in the 21st century. Employment in the field is projected to grow faster than average from 2016-26 — between 10-14 percent. Environmental Earth Science (EES) is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines pure and applied science with modern technologies and research methods.
Environmental Earth Science (EES) students at Eastern receive a broad education in environmental earth science with a strong foundation in geoscience, using classroom, laboratory and field-based learning. The curriculum stresses the materials, processes, and features of the Earth, Earth history and the ways in which earth scientists address scientific, societal and environmental problems. Student pick from three concentrations in Environmental Earth Science, General Earth Science or Sustainable Energy Science. A minor is also available to students in other majors.
Environmental Science students at Eastern receive a broad education in environmental earth science with a strong foundation in geoscience, using classroom, laboratory and field-based learning. The curriculum stresses the materials, processes, and features of the Earth, Earth history and the ways in which earth scientists address scientific, societal and environmental problems.
Students in the General Earth Science concentration in the Environmental Earth Science major perform formal coursework, independent studies and internships that integrate field, laboratory, technical writing and computer skills to investigate environmental problems.
The Sustainable Energy Science concentration in the Environmental Earth Science major teaches the impact of energy consumption on humans and the natural environment and the application of renewable energy to address these problems. Students integrate field, laboratory, technical writing and computer skills in the investigation of energy resources and the application of energy science.
$68,910
Median annual salary
$41K-$120K
salary range
Students have laboratory experiences in Sedimentology, Geomorphology, Petrology, Structural Geology, Field Methods, Hydrology, GIS and Sustainable Energy, and present their findings at local, regional and national research conferences.
Eastern’s Institute for Sustainable Energy offers credit and paid internships for Environmental Earth Science students. Other internship opportunities are available through Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and regional geo-environmental firms.
The EES Department frequently offers field trips to locations such as Iceland, Arizona and Wyoming/Idaho.
Students who pursue undergraduate degrees in Environmental Earth Science can have rewarding and successful careers in a variety of professional fields, including:
Recent Eastern students who earned a bachelor’s degree or a minor in Environmental Earth Science are at the following companies and professional/graduate schools:
