University of Mary Washington

Majors, Minors, and Programs

Just an hour from Washington, D.C., UMW is a small school with growing diversity and passionate master teachers. Our liberal arts and sciences curriculum – with more than 60 majors, minors, and courses of study – will challenge your mind and let you explore.

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Environmental Geology

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Driven to understand – and protect – the planet we live on? UMW’s bachelor’s program in environmental geology arms you with the knowledge and principles you need to understand Earth’s evolution and processes. Discover how these fundamentals relate to human interaction with the landscape. Examine such topics as hydrogeology, soil and water chemistry, and geomorphology. Discover ways to curb the hazards that threaten our planet.

Degree Awarded

Students majoring in Environmental Geology who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science and Geology.

Areas of Study

UMW’s bachelor’s program in environmental geology includes courses in soil and water chemistry, geography, environmental science, and geographic information science. Geology courses from which to choose include Evolution of the Earth, Mineralogy, Sedimentation and Stratigraphy, Hydrogeology, and Icehouse-Greenhouse Earth. Independent research is highly recommended.

Career Opportunities

Thanks to plentiful opportunities for independent study, research, and internships, and the state-of-the-art facilities available in UMW’s Jepson Science Center, students who earn their degrees in environmental geology from UMW are poised to find work in environmental consulting, government, teaching, and several other fields. Many go on to graduate study at highly competitive universities.

Internships

Our students land internships with private industry, government agencies, and NGOs. Recent UMW geology students have held internships with the City of Fredericksburg, Army Corps of Engineers, National Resources Conservation Services, Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries, Friends of the Rappahannock, and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. More information on internships can be found through the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, or through Academic and Career Services.

Honors

Students with a 3.00 overall GPA and a 3.25 average in geology courses may pursue Honors in Geology or Environmental Geology by completing an independent research project and writing and defending a thesis.

Requirements

UMW’s environmental geology major requires 41 to 44 credits, including two required chemistry courses and six required geology courses, with the remainder of the required credits in geology, geography, or environmental science. Environmental geology majors also are encouraged to do independent study and research during their senior year.

Scholarships

A complete list of available scholarships is provided by UMW’s Office of Financial Aid.

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Special Majors

Students also have the option to design a special major that combines courses from two or more academic disciplines into a coherent plan of study. Special majors are developed with a faculty advisor and approved by a curriculum committee. Examples of some of the special majors UMW students have developed are journalism, digital media studies, Italian studies, linguistics, biochemistry, communication, arts management, and Latin American studies.

Honors Program

The undergraduate Honors Program offers advanced students the opportunity to engage in rigorous honors designated coursework, interdisciplinary seminars, strong internship experiences, extended research and creative projects, and community service as part of a supportive community of learners.

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