Geosciences
Learn the roles minerals, rocks, soil, and water play in sustaining life on Earth.
Geosciences, Physical Geography Concentration, B.S.
Physical geographers' ability to analyze and integrate aspects of the Earth's physical and human environments makes them attractive for a variety of jobs. The training in computer-based cartography, remote sensing, and the use of geographic information systems that geospatial analysis graduates receive is especially valuable as this tech is a major growth area in all areas of professional geosciences.
The Geosciences department prepares students to excel in earth- and environment-related careers in public service, the private sector, and education. Job demand is high with the prevalence of long-term issues such as climate change, dwindling natural resources, transitioning to renewable energy supplies, and hazard mitigation.
MTSU has one of the Southeast's largest undergraduate programs, but a student-faculty ratio of 15 to 1 allows personal attention. The department offers a major in Geoscience with concentrations in Geology and Physical Geography, a major in Environmental Science, and a master's program in geoscience.
Students in the Physical Geography concentration may choose from two distinct tracks:
- Geospatial Analysis, which has a focus on the geographic technologies
- Physical Geography, which has a broader look at our Earth and the connections between humans and the environment
The Bachelor of Science in Geosciences is offered through the College of Basic and Applied Sciences at MTSU.
News Briefs
GIS lab, faculty offer undergrads research opportunities
Dr. Jeremy Aber is among MTSU faculty working with Geosciences majors to utilize the university's geographic information system (GIS) lab. Aber has a blimp and kites to take aerial photography in addition to the UAS capacity of the university in the Aerospace program. Other research includes using geotagged Tweets to map social media in Tennessee and air and water quality testing in the Murfreesboro area to investigate the potential impacts of the nearby landfill. His geosciences research taps into the variety of available technology — from lab resources to cell phones, GPS, Twitter, and even videogames. MTSU's GIS lab is comparable to major research institutions with equipment, technology and software for all kinds of projects, Aber says. Named in honor of retired department chair Ralph Fullerton, the lab has projects ranging from historical to remote sensing to satellite imaging. Since moving to the newly-renovated Davis Science Building, the Geosciences department's geospatial technology capacity has gained more space and capacity to support students.
Geosciences majors learn through field experiences
Field trips are an essential part of the learning process in the Department of Geosciences. Faculty regularly lead students on weekend field trips throughout the southeastern United States. During these trips, students study the geologic history of their field areas and learn important field skills such as geoscience data collection and interpretation, synthesizing geological histories, report writing, and geologic mapping. In addition to weekend field trips, the department offers extended summer field courses in Colorado, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest. Field trips are a favorite part of the Geoscience undergraduate experience, allowing opportunities for students to build life-long friendships in scenic and spectacular settings. During most field trips, "home" is a campground from which students embark on daily excursions on which they apply classroom-learned concepts to the "real world." Many students turn their field-trip experiences into faculty-directed research projects, leading to student-authored research publications and conference presentations.
News Briefs
GIS lab, faculty offer undergrads research opportunities
Dr. Jeremy Aber is among MTSU faculty working with Geosciences majors to utilize the university's geographic information system (GIS) lab. Aber has a blimp and kites to take aerial photography in addition to the UAS capacity of the university in the Aerospace program. Other research includes using geotagged Tweets to map social media in Tennessee and air and water quality testing in the Murfreesboro area to investigate the potential impacts of the nearby landfill. His geosciences research taps into the variety of available technology — from lab resources to cell phones, GPS, Twitter, and even videogames. MTSU's GIS lab is comparable to major research institutions with equipment, technology and software for all kinds of projects, Aber says. Named in honor of retired department chair Ralph Fullerton, the lab has projects ranging from historical to remote sensing to satellite imaging. Since moving to the newly-renovated Davis Science Building, the Geosciences department's geospatial technology capacity has gained more space and capacity to support students.
Geosciences majors learn through field experiences
Field trips are an essential part of the learning process in the Department of Geosciences. Faculty regularly lead students on weekend field trips throughout the southeastern United States. During these trips, students study the geologic history of their field areas and learn important field skills such as geoscience data collection and interpretation, synthesizing geological histories, report writing, and geologic mapping. In addition to weekend field trips, the department offers extended summer field courses in Colorado, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Pacific Northwest. Field trips are a favorite part of the Geoscience undergraduate experience, allowing opportunities for students to build life-long friendships in scenic and spectacular settings. During most field trips, "home" is a campground from which students embark on daily excursions on which they apply classroom-learned concepts to the "real world." Many students turn their field-trip experiences into faculty-directed research projects, leading to student-authored research publications and conference presentations.
Geosciences, Physical Geography Concentration, B.S.
The global demand for geoscientists in areas such as environmental consulting, renewable energy, mining, and the rapidly expanding field of geographic information systems (GIS) far exceeds the current supply.
Graduates also go on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees at some of the nation’s most prestigious research universities or work in geoscience-related professions such as park service, science journalism, and science education.
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- ARCADIS
- Arnold Air Force Base
- ATC Associates
- Bauer Foundation Corp.
- Chesapeake Energy
- Doe Run Mining
- Middle schools and high schools
- Murfreesboro Planning Department
- National Park Service
- Notre Dame University
- Nyrstar Mining
- Rutherford County Planning Commission
- Signal Hill Petroleum
- Smyrna Planning Department
- Southwestern Energy
- St. John Engineering
- Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
- Tennessee Department of Transportation
- Tennessee State Parks
- Texas Christian University
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- University of Memphis
- University of Oklahoma
- Vanderbilt University
- Wiser Co.
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
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