Department of Geosciences

Return to: College of Science and Mathematics

Calloway 148 • 678-839-6479
http://www.westga.edu/~geosci/

with Programs in Geology, Earth Science and Geography

Professors:

D. Bush, R. Kath, J. Seong

Associate Professors:

B. Deline, G. DeWeese, H. Gerhardt, J. Mayer (Chair), S. Rose, K. Tefend, A. Walter

Assistant Professors:

C. Berg, M. Buzon, J. Hong

The Department of Geosciences offers programs of study focusing on planet earth, our natural and built environments, and how societies interact with and alter the biophysical world. We are a welcoming, student-centered department with challenging programs of study that span a wide range of subject matter and techniques. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning and take students out of the classroom into the field whenever possible.

Geology is the study of the earth, including the origin and history of the planet and its life forms. On a practical level geologists explore for natural resources, help society understand and mitigate natural hazards and guide environmental stewardship.

Geography is the study of the interactions between people and places, local and global processes, and social and biophysical systems. It is an integrative discipline in which scholars endeavor to understand the role of humans in producing the social and biophysical worlds in which they live. Geographic knowledge can be applied to explain cultural and political conflicts, environmental policies and practices, human landscapes, and economic well-being. Modern geographical analysis typically involves cartographic and geospatial techniques (GIS) and both qualitative and quantitative methods.

A range of degree plans are offered in the Department of Geosciences. The B.S. Degree in Geology is designed for students planning professional careers as geologists either with or without a graduate degree. The B.S. Degree with an Engineering Option is designed for students who want to combine their geologic training with a degree in Engineering. The B.S. Degree in Earth Science prepares and certifies students for teaching careers. Four degree options are available under the B.S. Degree in Geography: Human Geography emphasizes on urban, political, economic, cultural, and social processes; Physical Geography concentrates on biological and geomorphological systems and atmospheric (weather and climate) processes; Environmental Sustainability focuses on the interactions between society and natural systems; and GIS concerns geospatial technologies and spatial analysis.

Geoscience graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment in the private sector; for employment in government service at the local, state or federal level; for teaching careers; or for continued study in graduate school.

Global Studies

Calloway 101 • 678-839-4070
http://www.westga.edu/~global01/

Coordinator:

Andy Walter

Mission Statement

The educational mission of the Global Studies program is to promote an understanding of global awareness. The focus is to enable students to examine and explain global issues in an analytical framework which emphasizes the role of individuals in local communities and their relationship to the global society. Students will develop an understanding of and appreciation for their roles and responsibilities as citizens of the global community. The program offers one degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). This degree is appropriate for students who wish to join the global marketplace with careers in government, political organizations, journalism, private businesses, advocacy groups or non-governmental organizations. Likewise, it is appropriate for students planning on attending graduate or law school.

Learning Outcomes:

Students will demonstrate that they have developed

• An understanding of the interconnectedness of local and global events
• An understanding of the individual’s role in local and global events
• An understanding of the basic theories and concepts of the sub-fields of global studies
• An understanding of the relationship between the basic theories and concepts of the sub-fields of global studies
• The ability to apply social science and scientific methods to practical problems within the discipline
• The ability to communicate their knowledge orally and in writing

Environmental Studies

Pafford 217 • 678-839-6505
http://www.westga.edu/envstud/

Degree Advisors:

H. Gerhardt (Geosciences)

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Environmental Studies degree should be able to:

• Identify major regional and global environmental problems
• Apply interdisciplinary approaches in analysis of environmental problems
• Think critically about environmental problems
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including use of technology
• Identify opportunities in the job market and graduate education

Environmental Studies majors will focus on the various ways in which environmental issues have become a multifaceted and contested social problem in contemporary society.

Graduates will be prepared to assume positions in public relations, research in private industry and government, leadership in citizen-based community organizations, and research, leadership, and advocacy in non-profit and non-governmental organizations. Graduates will also be prepared to enter graduate or law school.

Programs

• Global Studies, B.A.

• Geography, B.S.
• Geology, Earth Science Secondary Education Concentration, B.S.
• Geology, Environmental Geology Concentration, B.S.
• Geology, Geologic Engineering Option, B.S.
• Geology, Professional Geology Concentration, B.S.

• Global Studies Certificate

• Environmental Studies Minor
• Geographic Information Systems Minors
• Geography Minor
• Geology Minor

Return to: College of Science and Mathematics