Bulletin/Catalog Year 2017-2018
College of Science and Mathematics
Department of Geosciences
Location: McCord Bldg., Room 203
Phone: 931-221-7454
Website: http://www.apsu.edu/geosciences
Description of Major
The Department of Geosciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences with four concentrations that prepare students for working in a diversity of Geoscience specialties such as the geological sciences, environmental hazards, geographic information science, and global environment and development. In addition, we also offer minors in Geology, Geography, GIS and Water Resources Management.
The Environmental Hazards concentration examines the causes and impacts of both natural and anthropogenic hazards. Prevention or avoidance, mitigation, public policy, and legislation are studied in detail. Graduates of this concentration are well-prepared to work for local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as private environmental engineering firms.
The Geographic Information Systems concentration develops expertise with geographic information technology: geographic information systems (GIS), the global positioning system (GPS), and remote sensing (imaging of the earth from aircraft and satellites). Students in this concentration develop skills in spatial analysis, environmental modeling, and computer programming.
The Global Environment and Development concentration focuses on understanding the evolving international arena through regional and thematic studies of economic interrelationships, geopolitical systems, and various cultural aspects associated with challenges of human society’s interactions with the natural environment. This concentration prepares graduates for work in positions concerned with political, economic and health issues at the global scale as well as in other fields ranging from foreign service, geography education, local, state and federal agencies, and private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The Geology concentration encompasses the broad study of materials of the earth and processes that affect them as well as the evolution of life and its impact on earth materials and processes. Earth processes include volcanism, plate tectonics, earthquakes, landslides, and ground and surface water migration. Geologists utilize their knowledge to identify and assess environmental hazards such as ground and surface water contamination, land surface stability, and volcanic and earthquake activity. Knowledge of earth processes also helps the geologist understand the formation, occurrence, and extraction of natural resources such as water, oil and gas, and valuable minerals and metals. Geology is a great field of study for students who enjoy blending the outdoor physical environment with science. With consultation of a faculty advisor, our program prepares students for jobs in the geological sciences in private industry, state and federal government, and teaching, or for entrance into graduate school in the Geosciences. Our graduates are successfully employed in the environmental field and in the exploration or production of natural resources. The Bachelor of Geosciences with a concentration in geology prepares students for state licensure to practice geology in the state of Tennessee.
Return to: