Contact Information
Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences at NMU
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.
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. The department’s core curriculum consists of courses in human and physical geography, methods courses and a capstone course that integrates the human and physical aspects of the environment.
Earth, environmental and geographical sciences majors have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through internships with local governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and the private sector.
Environmental Science at NMU
This major provides students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of how the physical, biological and social sciences interact with each other. The major is designed to prepare students for graduate study or a variety of professions dealing with both natural and human-made environments. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the environmental field, it is important for students to be proficient in a range of technical skills such as ecological assessment, chemical analysis and geographic information systems. Students should also be familiar with a broad array of environmental policies and regulations, and develop effective communication skills.
Student Organizations
- EEGS Garden Club
- Environmental Science Organization
- Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society
- Student Michigan Education Association
- Students 4 Sustanability
- Rock and Mineral Club
Department Facility
- GIS and Remote Sensing Lab
- Lake Superior Research Boat
- Longyear Forest
- Native Plants Study Area
Department/Program Policies
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:
- Successfully complete EN 211 before taking 300-level courses or above in the major;
- 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.
Programs
Bulletin Year: 2014 - 2015 Undergraduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.