Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies
The Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies program prepares students for thinking critically about the complexities of human-environmental interactions through technical course work encompassing scientific writing, quantitative skills and data analysis, applied field- and lab-based experiences (including internships, study abroad, community service, collaborative assignments and research, and capstone projects), and effective use of geospatial technologies (GIS and cartography, GPS, radar, satellite, drone, photogrammetry, environmental quality monitors, and surveying).
Find Your Program
This program is structured around foundational courses, technical course work, and applied real-world experiences. It prepares students for thinking critically about the complexities of human-environmental interactions through technical course work encompassing scientific writing, quantitative skills and data analysis, applied field- and lab-based experiences, and effective use of geospatial technologies (e.g., GIS and cartography, GPS, radar, satellite, drone, photogrammetry, environmental quality monitors, and surveying). View in Undergraduate Catalog.
This program provides advanced professional training for careers as hydrologists, environmental resource managers, city and regional planners, engineering geologists, geophysical and geochemical geologists, meteorologists and climatologists, earth science teachers, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists, consultants in business and industry, and professional educators. The program also provides a scientific foundation for graduate students who plan to continue advanced studies leading to the Ph.D. View in Graduate Catalog.
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In-State Tuition Full-time, first-time freshmen who are residents of any state that borders Kentucky can attend WKU for the in-state tuition rate. This scholarship will lower the tuition cost by nearly 60% for most students, and students can still stack on other institutional scholarships to further reduce cost. Eligible states include Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. |
Our students are presented with applied research and opportunities that empower them to make connections in their community and beyond.
Quick Facts
- The Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies program at WKU is the largest such program in Kentucky or Tennessee.
- The degree does not require a minor or second major.
- 53 semester hours within the program (plus supporting coursework) are required.
- WKU offers a strong Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program that can work in tandem with the ESGS degree.
- There are many opportunities for students to become involved in faculty-sponsored research, including co-authorship of peer-reviewed research articles and presentation of research results at professional meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- The ESGS degree is holistic in that it offers classes for both the physical and human aspects of place and space.
- The Department of Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences offers multiple faculty-led study abroad options that can earn students up to six credit hours in the ESGS major.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SUSTAINABILITY,
AND GEOGRAPHIC STUDIES
DR. LESLIE NORTH
Department Chair
Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
CHNGES Associate Director of Education & Outreach
WKU Director of Sustainability
leslie.north@wku.edu
270-745-5982
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