eegs winter carousel 2

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. 

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eegs carousel 7 - students in woods

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.

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eegs courses main photo - student surveying in the field

Rigorous Preparation

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 the future.

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eegs carousel 3 - student and professor measuring water flow

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.

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student flying drone over 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. 

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Giving Day is April 17!

If you have enjoyed reading about EEGS students and alumni, please consider making a gift to the EEGS Department in any amount for Giving Day on April 17, 2025. Donors who give to the EEGS Department Fund through the NMU Foundation support trips to academic conferences, internships, research opportunities, and scholarships. Help us help our students so that they are better prepared for the future.

nmu giving day
Students on a kayak on Harlow Lake.

Major Programs

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gis certificate card - vadawn wagnitz developing gis-based map

Certificate Program

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eegs minor programs card - students on study abroad trip to cuba

Minor Programs

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eegs courses photo - student surveying in the field

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.

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February 2025 news collage

Latest EEGS News

EEGS alumna Bless honored as 'Twenty Under 40' award finalist.

Professor Emeritus Dr. Fillmore C. F. Earney supports EEGS students.

NMU’s Eta Chi chapter of GTU recognized as 2024 Honors Chapter.

Zimney inspired by work at The Aldo Leopold Foundation.

Legg's teaching and research are intertwined.

Ives returns to EEGS to teach historical geology.

Dillman hired as Kent County Waste Reduction Educator.

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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

4

academic major programs offered

5

academic minor programs offered

1

certificate program in GIS offered

13

faculty members

5

academic minor programs offered

1

certificate program in GIS offered

13

faculty members

30

average student class size

1

certificate program in GIS offered

13

faculty members

30

average student class size

1899

first courses taught at NMU

13

faculty members

30

average student class size

1899

first courses taught at NMU

8%

projected job growth, Bureau of Labor Statistics

30

average student class size

1899

first courses taught at NMU

8%

projected job growth, Bureau of Labor Statistics

4

academic major programs offered

1899

first courses taught at NMU

8%

projected job growth, Bureau of Labor Statistics

4

academic major programs offered

5

academic minor programs offered

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