Earth and Environmental Sciences Programs

With global need for scientists who understand the geologic and environmental ramifications, now is a great time for you to prepare for a career in earth and environmental sciences. You can pursue course offerings and research opportunities in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Experiential learning is available to you through our working relationships with county boards of health, park districts, EPA offices, and local businesses. You will learn in research facilities with faculty members who are trained and experienced in field data acquisition, modern analytical techniques, sophisticated data processing, and computer modeling. Our graduate programs include Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences (thesis and non-thesis) and an interdisciplinary Environmental Sciences, Ph.D. 

Areas of Research

  • Applied geophysics 
  • Biogeochemistry 
  • Complexity in earth processes 
  • Geologic-time understanding 
  • Geophysical data 
  • Geospatial analysis and remote sensing 
  • Groundwater flow processes 
  • Hydrogeology 
  • Nitrogen cycling 
  • Paleobiology 
  • Paleoecology 
  • Palynology 
  • Reservoir modeling 
  • Science education standards 
  • Sedimentary environments 
  • Seismic data 
  • Seismic geophysics 
  • Stratigraphy 
  • Surface water hydrology 
  • Sustainability 
  • Wetlands biogeochemistry 

Degrees and Programs

Success Stories

She has degrees in environmental sciences and sociology from Wright State but works as an editor for an automotive magazine.
Ryan Shell, an earth and environmental sciences Ph.D. student, studies the biodiversity, biogeography and paleoecology of marine vertebrates during the early Permian Period.

Department News

Alumnus Bill Shepard returns to Wright State as vice president for advancement

Bill Shepard came to Wright State as a first-generation college student and then spent three decades in various leadership roles at the university.

Protecting and valuing the Wright State woods is focus of Runkle Woods Symposium

The fifth annual Runkle Woods Symposium on Nov. 18 will showcase research and artistic creations inspired by the Wright State campus woods.

2022 Alumni Achievement Awards celebrates Wright State’s finest

The Wright State Alumni Association honored Richard Kaiser ’08, ’10; Brian Jarvis ’82, ’97, ’04; Woody Willis ’83; Zachary Kiehl ’14, ’15; and Jonah Sandler.

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