Undergraduate programs

Undergraduate study in environmental science and geology at Wayne State trains students to address environmental issues and provides a firm foundation for advanced study. Our curriculum emphasizes laboratory and field experiences that prepare our graduates for careers in the petroleum and mining industries, environmental consulting, and graduate studies.

Our program serves the needs of students who:

• Desire a general knowledge of geology as part of a broad liberal arts education
• Need geological information as a cognate subject in other professions
• Wish to major in environmental science
• Plan to become a professional geologist

Introductory courses are primarily general, but they also provide a foundation in geology for the student who desires to continue an intensive program of study. Students with an interest in environmental problems will find a number of relevant courses among those offered by the Department of Environmental Science and Geology. In addition, a variety of courses in various phases of geology is available to the general student. Intermediate and advanced courses are designed to develop the principles of geology beyond the elementary level and to give a firm technical foundation for advanced study.

Degree programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Geology
• Bachelor of Science in Geology
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
• Minor in Geology
• Minor in Geochemistry
• Minor in Geophysics
• Minor in Environmental Science
• Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE)

Choosing the best electives for your career interests

Learn more about how geology connects to your intended career path.

• Energy (coal, oil, gas, and other energy sources)

  Electives

  • GEL 3450: Principles of Paleontology
  • GEL 5120: Environmental Geochemistry
  • GEL 5210: Applied Geophysics
  • GEL 5450: Hydrogeology
  • GEL 6500: Economic Geology
• Environmental geology

  Electives

  • GEL 3100: Environmental Systems Analysis
  • GEL 4400: HAZWOPER Training
  • GEL 5000: Geologic Site Assessment
  • GEL 5450: Hydrogeology
  • GEL 5120: Environmental Geochemistry
  • GEL 5510: Environmental Fate & Transport of Pollutants

  Note: Students interested in this career path may want to consider a dual-major or dual-degree option with biology or environmental science; see your advisor for more information.

• Geologic mapping

  Electives

  • GEL 5000: Geologic Site Assessment
  • GEL 5210: Applied Geophysics
  • GEL 5600: Special Topics in Geology (Applied Geologic Mapping)

  Note: Students interested in this career path may want to consider options in geography as well.

• Hazards

  Electives

  • GEL 4200: Geomorphology
  • GEL 4400: HAZWOPER Training
  • GEL 5000: Geologic Site Assessment
  • GEL 5120: Environmental Geochemistry
• Minerals

  Electives

  • GEL 5120: Environmental Geochemistry
  • GEL 5600: Special Topics in Geology (Applied Geologic Mapping)
  • GEL 6500: Economic Geology
• Planetary sciences

  Electives

  • GEL 4200: Geomorphology
  • GEL 5600: Special Topics in Geology (Applied Geologic Mapping)
  • GEL 5120: Environmental Geochemistry

  Note: Students interested in this career path may want to consider options in astronomy as well.

• Education

  Elective

  • GEL 5030: Earth Science for Educators (required for College of Education students)

  Note: Students interested in this career path may want to consider a dual-degree option in the College of Education.

Departmental honors

The honors program in geology is open to students of superior academic ability who are majoring in geology. Learn more about:

• Geology honors requirements for Bachelor of Arts
• Geology honors requirements for Bachelor of Science

See honors forms for more information.