The Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department offers a variety of programs in earth science, geomatics, environmental science and environmental studies and sustainability, along with a certificate program in geographic information systems (GIS). The department is committed to excellence in teaching and preparing students for professional careers in education, governmental service, the private sector and graduate study.

Since geographical science is an integrative discipline, students, whether interested in its human or physical aspects, must have a basic understanding of the scope of the discipline and its methodologies. This is reflected in the department’s core curriculum. It consists of courses in human and physical geography, methods courses and a capstone course that integrates the human and physical aspects of the discipline by focusing on the interactions between humankind and the natural environment.

Earth, environmental and geographical sciences  majors have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through internships with local governmental agencies and the private sector.

• Environmental Science Organization
• Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society
• Student Michigan Education Association
• Superior Geography Club
• Students for Sustainable Living
• Rock and Mineral Club

• GIS and Remote Sensing Lab
• Lake Superior Research Boat
• Longyear Forest
• Native Plants Study Area  

As a requirement for graduation, all non-teaching earth, environmental and geographical sciences department majors must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25 for all courses constituting the major curriculum. Exceptions must be requested via petition to the department's appeal committee. Students majoring in secondary education earth science, secondary education geography, or minoring in geography education or earth science education must maintain a grade point average of 2.70 or greater with no grade below a “C” in the professional education sequence, the major and/or minors and required cognates combined.

Students majoring in programs in the department must also:

1. Successfully complete EN 211 before taking 300-level courses or above in the major;
2. Satisfy the prerequisites for each major course enrolled in as described in this bulletin. 

Note: Petition for exception to any of the program policies must be made in writing and submitted to the department. The petition must include reasons why an exception should be made and provide documentation of those reasons, if applicable.