Our earth and environmental sciences program links the study of hydrology, geology, meteorology and soil science—water, rocks, air and soil—to explore how Earth’s systems work and how humans impact those systems.
Earth and environmental science graduates go on to successful careers as environmental consultants, wetland scientists, mapping specialists and more. They also earn graduate degrees in a range of subjects.
You can also choose to study ecology—which examines the interactions between all living things and the nonliving environment—or pursue environmental studies, which incorporates science, law and policy to look at pressing environmental issues.
Unearth Valuable Career Skills
Many of our earth and environmental sciences graduates secure immediate employment in environmental consulting, putting the field and lab skills they gained at Susquehanna directly to work.
We’re in the perfect location to study the environment — just a stone’s throw from the Susquehanna River and surrounded by waterways, wetlands, fields and farmland.
You gain plenty of hands-on experience in the field and lab examining human impact on water, rocks, air and soil systems. We have a cutting-edge, green facility with 19 labs and a rooftop greenhouse. Our state-of-the-art freshwater research laboratory and 87-acre environmental field station are right on campus.
Interested in sustainable living? You have plenty of opportunities to make a difference — work at our campus garden, live in our Sustainability House, or join a sustainability working group or our Beekeepers Club.
With a broad background in geology, hydrology, meteorology and soil science and a solid knowledge of science fundamentals, you’ll be prepared to begin your career or enroll in a graduate program in the sciences.
The most sought-after candidates for jobs and professional schools excel at writing, teamwork, presentation delivery, critical thinking, interpersonal relationships and leadership. Because our bold curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts, you’ll develop all of these essential skills.
Recent graduates are earning master’s degrees in hydrology, environmental chemistry, environmental science, geophysics and more.
You can become an environmental consultant, wetland scientist, naturalist or an environmental specialist in a variety of fields.
WHICH ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Earth and environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology … they sound remarkably similar. How do you decide which one is right for you? Here’s your cheat sheet on these three fields.
Earth and environmental sciences studies the nonliving components of our environment and how they impact living things. Think of it as the study of water, rocks, air and soil.
Ecology examines the intersections between all living things and the nonliving environment. Unlike earth and environmental sciences, the primary focus is living organisms.
Environmental studies is the major for you if you want to advocate for the environment or work for a nonprofit or non-governmental organization (NGO). This program incorporates science, law and policy to look at pressing environmental issues.
A Susquehanna education provides students with flexibility in coursework so they can conduct research, intern and study abroad. When it comes to your major, you’ll begin taking classes in your chosen program of study in your first year.
Here are some of the courses thatearth & environmental sciencesmajors take in their first few semesters at Susquehanna.
Environmental Science
Geology and the Environment
Water Resources
Introduction to Meteorology
Download the current course catalogon this pageto see the full list of classes and course descriptions for Susquehanna’s majors.
Recent graduates are employed at:
Advanced Land and Water, Inc. (hydrogeology consultant) Advantage Engineers (environmental consulting) Arcadis (field technician) Bingaman & Sons Lumber (environmental health and safety) Chesapeake Energy (environmental/regulatory technician) Chesapeake Environmental Management (project scientist) Clean Harbors Environmental Services (chemist) Delmarva Power (environmental scientist) Earth Engineering (field geologist) EnviroServe (waste management project manager) GEI Consultants, Inc. (environmental consultant) Groundwater and Environmental Services (environmental consulting) Langan Engineering and Environmental Services (environmental consulting) Laurel Environmental Associates (environmental consulting) Liberty Environmental (environmental consulting) Maryland Geological Survey (coastal/estuarine geologist) McTish, Kunkel, & Associates (environmental consulting) Michael Baker, Jr. Inc. (GIS) Moody & Associates (environmental/geologic technician) New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (environmental services) New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (wetlands enforcement) New York - New Jersey Trail Conference (mapping) Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (water quality specialist) Perna Wastewater Management (soils/wastewater consulting) Soil Mechanics Environmental Services (hydrology consultant) Stericycle Environmental Solutions (remediation technician) T&M Associates (environmental consulting) Tectonic Engineering & Surveying Consultants (environmental consulting) Terracon Consulting Engineers and Scientists (environmental consulting) Testwell Laboratories, Inc. (geophysicist) Tetra Tech NUS (geoscientist) Trees for Tomorrow (outdoor education) US Filter Groundwater Services (field technician)
Recent graduates have enrolled in programs at:
Bard College (Center for Environmental Policy Masters International with Peace Corps) Bucknell University (environmental engineering) Clemson University (hydrogeology) Colorado State University (atmospheric science) Dartmouth University (Arctic climate change) Evergreen State University (environmental studies) Lehigh University (energy systems engineering) Lehigh University (environmental management) New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (hydrology) Rice University (planetary geophysics) Shippensburg University (geoenvironmental studies) SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry (environmental chemistry) University of Buffalo (earth science secondary education) University of Buffalo (secondary education) University of Calgary (geophysics) University of Idaho (outdoor science education) University of New Hampshire (oceanography) University of North Carolina at Raleigh (soils/wetlands) University of Pennsylvania (geohydrology) Vanderbilt University (hydrology and geomorphology) Vermont Law (environmental law) Villanova (environmental engineering) Widener University Law School (environmental law)
Many of our students are involved with the Freshwater Research Institute, which includes a dedicated laboratory and state-of-the-art equipment for river research.
ON THE ROAD TO CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
A group of earth & environmental sciences students took a spring break trip of a lifetime to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas.
“Each student was lucky enough to bring home a sentimental mineral/rock or a souvenir,” says Zach Groce ’19, who helped organize the eight-day, 2,800-mile trip. “Unfortunately, none of us returned with a diamond, but we did receive a great learning experience and made some great friends.”
After camping their way to Arkansas, students rented sieves and pans at the state park. “Thanks to Dr. Elick, our trip advisor, each student was able to experience real Tennessee BBQ and gain a further understanding of geological, fossil and even some historical sites,” Groce adds.
