Geography — Environmental Studies and Sustainability

The Bachelor of Science in Geography with a focus on Environmental Studies and Sustainability at Slippery Rock University offers students a comprehensive education in understanding the Earth's physical and human systems, emphasizing sustainable solutions to contemporary environmental challenges. This program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in geographic principles, environmental science, ecology, and sustainability practices, preparing them for careers in environmental management, urban planning, conservation, and related fields. Throughout the program, students will engage in rigorous coursework covering topics such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, environmental policy, climate change, natural resource management, and community development. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging experiential learning through labs, fieldwork, internships, and research projects. Students have opportunities to develop critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to assess environmental issues, propose sustainable solutions, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. The program also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, integrating social sciences, natural sciences, and policy studies to address complex environmental challenges holistically. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with local and regional organizations, students gain real-world experience and professional connections that enhance their career readiness. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce in roles related to environmental consulting, land use planning, conservation agencies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations committed to sustainability goals. The program’s core mission is to foster environmentally responsible citizens who are informed and engaged in promoting sustainable development and ecological health for current and future generations.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline Rolling basis Tuition fee Not specified Start date August 2015 Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Requirements for the Major - Credits: 56-58

The Environmental Studies major has a 40-hour service learning requirement.

Basic Core - Credits: 18

• GES 150 - The Natural Environment Credits: 3
• GES 205 - Cultural Geography Credits: 3
• GES 315 - Cartography I Credits: 3
• GES 331 - Economic Geography Credits: 3
• GES 362 - Principles of Sustainability Credits: 3
• GES 489 - Field Studies Credits: 3

Techniques Core - Credits: 7

• GES 115 - Map Reading and Interpretation Credits: 1
• GES 220 - General Methods of Fieldwork Credits: 3
• GES 325 - Introduction to Geographic Information Science Credits: 3

Environmental Studies Core - Credits: 15

• GES 135 - Introduction to Environmental Problems Credits: 3
• GES 235 - Conservation Credits: 3
• GES 324 - Environmental Law and Policy Credits: 3
• GES 444 - World Environmental Thought Credits: 3
• PHIL 324 - Environmental Ethics Credits: 3

Natural Science - Credits: 10-12

At least 5 Geography electives must be at the 300 level or higher.

Choose 10-12 credits from the following:

• EGEO 121 - Meteorology/Lab Credits: 4
• EGEO 131 - Oceanography Credits: 3
• EGEO 201 - Earth Materials and Processes/Lab Credits: 3
• EGEO 340 - Air Pollution Meteorology/Lab Credits: 3
• EGEO 341 - Geomorphology/Lab Credits: 3
• EGEO 360 - Introduction to Hydrology/Lab Credits: 3
• EGEO 469 - Field Investigations in the Geosciences Credits: 1-3
• GES 355 - Earth's Changing Climate Credits: 3
• GES 356 - Earth's Changing Climate Laboratory Credits: 1
• GES 410 - Remote Sensing Credits: 3
• GES 426 - Environmental Modeling Credits: 3

Social Science Courses - Credits: 6

Choose 6 credits from the following:

• ECON 315 - Economics of Sustainable Development Credits: 3
• ENGL 410 - Literature of the Environment Credits: 3
• GES 215 - Planning for Sustainable Communities Credits: 3
• GES 344 - Environmental Justice Credits: 3
• GES 345 - Population Analysis Credits: 3
• GES 361 - Gender & the Environment Credits: 3
• GES 375 - Geography of Intolerance Credits: 3
• GES 469 - Field Investigations in the Geosciences Credits: 1-3

Service Learning

40 Hours of Service Learning are required for program completion.

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen). We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable
• SAT or ACT Scores
• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.
Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.

Funding

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information on various financial aid programs and scholarship materials. You can submit your questions regarding financial assistance directly to the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@sru.edu. Students are encouraged to apply for admission early.

The Bachelor of Science program in Geography — Environmental Studies and Sustainability at Slippery Rock University offers students a comprehensive education focused on understanding the complex interactions between human activities and the natural environment. This interdisciplinary program combines principles of physical geography, environmental science, and sustainability studies to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing environmental challenges. Students in this program engage with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application through fieldwork, research projects, and internships. The program prepares students for diverse career paths in environmental consulting, conservation, urban planning, policy development, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to sustainability initiatives. Coursework covers topics such as environmental systems, geographic information systems (GIS), climate change, resource management, and sustainable development. The program also fosters awareness of social, economic, and cultural factors influencing environmental issues, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions that promote environmental stewardship and resilience. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to contribute to sustainable development efforts locally and globally, making a positive impact on communities and ecosystems. With access to modern laboratories, GIS technology, and fieldwork opportunities, students gain practical skills that are highly valued in the job market. The university emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that students graduate with a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Overall, the Geography — Environmental Studies and Sustainability program at Slippery Rock University aims to prepare responsible and informed professionals capable of leading efforts toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.