Why Study Earth and Environmental Geosciences?

Built around discovery, students investigate natural systems in the field, analyze geological and environmental data, and connect scientific knowledge to today's most pressing questions about resources, sustainability, and environmental change.

Learn by Investigating the Earth

Field experiences are central to the program. Students study rivers, landscapes, rock formations, and ecosystems while building practical skills in observation, mapping, sampling, and environmental data collection.

Undergraduate Research

Work directly with faculty on projects involving environmental systems, Earth processes, climate, water resources, and geologic history. Students regularly present their work at conferences and scholarly events.

Connect Science to Society

Environmental and natural resource challenges require more than scientific knowledge alone. Trinity students explore how geoscience intersects with policy, economics, sustainability, public health, and community decision-making.

Earth and Environmental Geosciences (B.A.)

The B.A. provides a broad foundation in Earth and environmental systems while offering the flexibility to pursue substantial coursework in other disciplines.

Core Areas of Study

  • Earth systems and environmental change
  • Spatial and environmental analysis
  • Scientific communication
  • Environmental decision-making

Flexible Academic Pathways

T/he B.A. allows students to integrate geoscience with interests in business, public policy, economics, biology, environmental studies, and other fields.

View B.A. requirements

Earth and Environmental Geosciences (B.S.)

The B.S. emphasizes scientific depth and technical preparation through advanced study of Earth processes, environmental systems, quantitative analysis, and field-based investigation.

Technical Skills

  • GIS and spatial technologies
  • Quantitative geological and environmental analysis
  • Field and laboratory methods
  • Scientific research design

Advanced Scientific Preparation

Students develop a deeper understanding of geological and environmental processes through rigorous scientific coursework and research experiences.

View B.S. requirements

Customize Your Degree

Earth and Environmental Geosciences naturally complements studies in biology, chemistry, economics, engineering science, political science, environmental studies, and business. Many students combine disciplines to explore geological and environmental issues from multiple perspectives.

Earth and Environmental Geosciences Minor

Add geological, environmental, and Earth systems knowledge to your primary field of study.

The minor introduces students to the scientific processes that shape landscapes, climate, resources, and ecosystems while providing valuable context for careers in sustainability, public policy, education, business, public health, and environmental management.

Meet Your Faculty

Because of Trinity's small class sizes, students work closely with faculty throughout their academic careers. Professors serve as teachers, research collaborators, field mentors, and advisors—helping students pursue internships, research opportunities, graduate study, and professional goals.

Where Can This Take You?

Our graduates have been to the ocean floor, commanded spacecraft, used military seismic networks, and installed instruments in Antarctica. Armed with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, Tigers make contributions that shift the field itself, and graduates’ liberal arts backgrounds provide a solid foundation for future leadership roles.

Graduate Schools or Programs

  • Baylor University
  • Colorado School of Mines
  • New York University
  • Northwestern University
  • Penn State University
  • Scripps Institution of Oceanography
  • Stanford University
  • University of Kansas
  • University of Texas at Austin

 

Notable Companies who have Hired Trinity Graduates

  • Energy companies like Chevron and ConocoPhillips
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • Other government agencies such as the CIA and FBI
  • Southwest Research Institute
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  • U.S. Geological Survey

Career Areas

  • Environmental Consulting
  • Natural Resource Management
  • GIS and Geospatial Analysis
  • Sustainability and Environmental Planning
  • Energy and Water Resources
  • Environmental Research

Get Your Questions Answered

Students interested in the Earth and Environmental Geosciences program are encouraged to talk with their academic adviser about fitting a major or minor into their degree plan. If you think the program might be a good fit for you, choose an introductory course that interests you. Finally, review the course catalog for detailed requirements.

Department of Earth and Environmental Geosciences

Location

Marrs McLean Hall

Phone

Fax

Emails

Chair

Ben Surpless, Ph.D.