Earth and Environmental Geosciences

Earth and Environmental Geosciences

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Bachelor of Science in Geosciences

Concentrations Offered

Professional Geology, Environmental Geosciences, Geography, Geographic Information Systems

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Strong career demand and competitive salaries

02

Hands-on learning through field, laboratory and applied work

03

Pathway to professional licensure and advanced credentials (State Board of Geologists)

04

Mapping, spatial analysis, and geospatial technologies for solving environmental and geographic challenges

05

Working with modern technology including drones, remote sensing and AI.

Core
Skills

  • Geospatial technology, remote sensing and GIS tools
  • Programming and automation for spatial data workflow
  • Critical thinking and research to solve real-world problems

Sample
Jobs

  • Geospatial Analyst
  • Geographer/Demographer
  • Consultant
  • Environmental Quality Analyst

Successful Career Outcomes

Most of our students step straight into well-paid careers or continue on to post-graduate education immediately after graduating.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Local, state and federal governments: County offices, USGS, FEMA, MDOT and Department of Defense
  • Environmental and geotechnical consulting
  • Mapping industries: Google Maps and Apple Maps
  • Humanitarian agencies
  • Mining

Brag
Points

  • The program uniquely integrates geology, geography, geospatial systems, and environmental science, giving you a broad yet practical skill set that aligns with today’s data-driven workforce and emerging environmental challenges.
  • Environmental Geosciences at Mississippi State offers unmatched flexibility, combining earth science, spatial analysis, and environmental studies into a degree shaped by you.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Hands-on field training through an immersive 6-week Geology Field Camp

Study abroad Bahamas 

Opportunities for field-and laboratory-based basic and applied research with our renowned faculty

Internship with NASA DEVELOP, GIS companies, engineering and environmental companies 

Spotlight

Home of the Dunn-Seiler Museum

Earth and Environmental Geosciences

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Geosciences

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

General education courses, an Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences and foundational mapping skills

2nd Year

Completion of remaining general education requirements alongside core courses in the major

3rd Year

Upper-division coursework emphasizing depth in the chosen concentration. As a professional geology student, you will complete core courses such as mineralogy, petrology and paleoecology. As an environmental geosciences or geography student, you will focus on environmental systems and human–environment interactions. As a geospatial sciences student, you will begin specialized coursework, including introductory geographic information systems, known as GIS, and remote sensing.

4th Year

Advanced upper-division coursework emphasizing synthesis and professional preparation within the chosen concentration. As a professional geology student, you will complete advanced courses such as sedimentology, geophysics and structural geology. As an environmental geosciences or geography student, you will focus on advanced human–environment systems coursework. As a geospatial sciences student, you will complete advanced coursework in mapping, programming and geospatial analysis.

4th Summer

As a geology student, you will take a 6-week summer field camp.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Build foundational knowledge across the disciplines through core coursework and introductory lab-based learning.

2nd Year

Hands-on learning expands through general laboratory work, technical skill development and applied classroom exercises.

3rd Year

Hands-on learning through field trips, laboratory experiences and applied use of geospatial software. You will gain practical skills aligned with your chosen concentration.

4th Year

Advanced hands-on learning through field trips and applied projects. As a professional geology student, you will obtain experience in applied tools, such as ground-penetrating radar, and receive training in core geology skills, such as fossil collection and identification. As a geography or geospatial sciences student, you will focus on human and political ecology, programming, advanced analysis and drone-based applications.

4th Summer

As a professional geology student, you will attend a field camp 

Connect with Community

1st Year

Engage with campus organizations, student groups, or local community initiatives to build connections and a sense of belonging.

2nd Year

Deepen involvement with campus and community partners through service, leadership roles or discipline-related organizations.

3rd Year

Participate in community-engaged learning courses and activities

4th Year

Engage in hands-on community fossil park development and detailed mapping of local erosional features.

Explore the World

1st Year

Explore global perspectives through coursework, campus programs or events that introduce global awareness.

2nd Year

Engage with global issues or experiences through study away opportunities or global-focused programs.

2nd Summer

Study Abroad opportunities, e.g. the department offers a Study Abroad to the Bahamas.

3rd Year

Participate in immersive global or cross-cultural experiences that connect academic study to real-world contexts.

3rd Summer

Study Abroad opportunities, e.g. the department offers a Study Abroad to the Bahamas.

4th Year

Reflect on global and cultural experiences and apply those perspectives to academic, professional and personal goals.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Explore career interests and learn about potential pathways through advising, career resources and introductory workshops.

2nd Year

Develop professional skills through résumé building, networking, and exploring internships or experiential learning opportunities.

3rd Year

Gain hands-on professional experience and begin refining post-graduation goals through internships, research or applied learning.

4th Year

Prepare for life after graduation through job searches, graduate school applications, interviews and professional networking.

Alumni
Success

"My undergraduate degree in geology gave me a research foundation that proved to be pivotal in my graduate studies" - T. Patterson

"My undergraduate degree in geology gave me the skills and network that I needed to pursue graduate studies" - A. Stiles

Student
Testimonial

The geology program at Mississippi State offers students the opportunity to learn in an environment with exemplary professors who ensure students' success. This program is preparing me for my future by developing critical skills through engaging in fieldwork, conducting research, and providing a strong foundation in geology. - G. Lane

 

My time here at MSU has been one of the highlights of my life. I have always felt welcome in the department and around campus. The professors in my department have always been available to ask questions about the class material or to give advice about other things. If I had another choice for undergrad, I would choose MSU all over again.

-Anonymous student

Learn More

BS in Geoscience with a concentration in Professional Geology degree requirementsBS in Geoscience with a concentration in Geography degree requirementsBS in Geoscience with a concentration in Environmental Geoscience degree requirementsBS in Geoscience with a concentration in Geographic Information Systems degree requirementsApply to MSU