sunrise at mt marquette

Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences

Our department's name reflects our foundation in geography as the study of the Earth as the home of humans. Teaching and research in our department emphasize physical and biological aspects of the environment and how people interact with the natural world. 

wetlands lab, feb 2024

Explore Programs

The Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (EEGS) programs include Earth Science, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Environmental Science, and GIS & Technology, as well as a certificate in GIS. We also offer minors that coordinate well with majors in other departments.

Dr. Van Grinsven and student taking water measurements near Harlow Lake.

Dedicated Faculty

The faculty and staff of our department are dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals at NMU while planning for the future. We believe in providing a broad, rigorous academic background that includes field experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.

Student flying drone over local farm.

Student Opportunities

We engage students with various research initiatives and community events. Each semester, students in our programs gain professional experience in environmental fields. We assist students in arranging internship opportunities at federal or state agencies, private companies, environmental consulting firms, and non-profit organizations. 

Students on a kayak on Harlow Lake.

Major Programs

gis certificate card

Certificate Program

eegs minor programs card

Minor Programs

eegs courses fall 2023

Courses

EEGS offers a variety of courses spanning the geosciences, environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, and Geographic Information Systems and remote sensing. The department is committed to excellence in teaching and preparing students for professional careers in education, governmental service, the private sector, and graduate study through hands-on and service-learning experiences.

Download our informational flyers for all courses.

may 2024 mosiac

Latest EEGS News

Kelly receives Outstanding Graduating Senior Award.

Bailey graduates with 4.0 GPA.

Laws graduates with 4.0 GPA.

Rothhorn graduates with 4.0 GPA.

Lopez Aponte excels in the pool while also pursuing a degree in Environmental Science.

Two EEGS Seniors Recognized with 2024 Board of Trustees Student Achievement Awards.

Stock continues service to the discipline and contributing scholarship on renewable energy.

Naito receives Excellence in Teaching Award.

dr. van grinsven and students

We prepare students for their future careers by cultivating critical thinking and science-based inquiry skills. Students develop foundations in earth, environmental, and geographical sciences to analyze local and global issues challenging the human‒environment relationship. EEGS faculty members engage in active research, professional development, and service to enhance quality teaching and provide an interdisciplinary curriculum.

8%

projected job growth, Bureau of Labor Statistics

4

academic major programs offered

5

academic minor programs offered

1

certificate program in GIS offered

9

faculty members

30

average student class size

1899

first courses taught at NMU

Contact Information

To contact the Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department, e-mail eegs@nmu.edu or call 906-227-2500. The fax number is 906-227-1621.

University Business Hours

University business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fall and winter semesters (late August through early May) and 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the summer (early May through late August). Northern Michigan University is located in the Eastern time zone.

Campus Location

The Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department is located at 3001 Weston Hall. Weston Hall is located in the Seaborg Science Complex on NMU’s academic mall. It is connected to The Science Building and sits across from Harden Hall. Parking areas for the complex can be reached off of Elizabeth Harden Drive.

Mailing Address

Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department
Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Avenue
Marquette, MI 49855