Environmental Geosciences Program




For information contact:

Chair, Division of Natural Sciences
Concord University, Campus Box 19
Athens, WV 24712-1000

304-384-5238
email to: allenj [at] concord.edu


























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Department of Physical Sciences

Division of Natural Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geosciences is a flexible major that combines studies of geology with environmentally related course work in other fields, such as geography and geographic information systems, chemistry and physics, or ecology and life sciences. The degree prepares students for careers or graduate study in the Earth and environmental sciences. It is also an excellent option for students interested in a multidisciplinary, liberal-arts science degree.

Students in the program can conduct independent research in geology and water resources with faculty. Qualified students may also earn summer income and complete research for credit - Current research projects are funded by the National Science Foundation, the Petroleum Research Fund of the American Chemical Society, and the National Park Service.

Geology courses at Concord include hands-on field work at local rock outcrops. Small class sizes ensure individualized learning. Facilities include:

(1) Microanalysis Laboratory: Laboratory equipment for geochemical analyses for teaching and research, including an ARL SEMQ electron microprobe, micro X-ray fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy.

(2) Sample Preparation Laboratory, including facilities for cutting rock slabs and preparing polished thin sections.

(3) Petrography Laboratory, including petrographic and metallurgical microscopes.

(4) Environmental Geophysics Laboratory: Field equipment for teaching and research, including ground penetrating radar, a proton precession magnetometer, and an electrical resistivity array.

(5) The R.T. Hill Spacial Analysis Laboratory includes facilities for computer cartography and GIS and is available in the Geography Department.

Athens is located at the boundary between the Appalachian Plateau and Valley and Ridge provinces in southern West Virginia. Students have an opportunity to experience numerous field trips and field-based research projects that uniquely enhance classroom learning. The program also offers a 5-week summer geology field camp in the Rocky Mountains. Most of our graduates have gone on to competitive master's and doctoral graduate programs and employment opportunities are abundant. If you have interests in the outdoors, the environment, and the Earth, then Concord's Environmental Geoscience Program may be for you!

This page updated 10/27, 2011