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Bachelor of Science in Earth Science: Climate, Water, and the Environment Subprogram

Alum Dr. Ji-Eun Kim and Professor Liz Griffith test water samples during a field trip for the Introduction to Geochemistry course.

Bachelor of Science in Earth Science: Climate, Water, and the Environment Subprogram

The Climate, Water, and the Environment Bachelor of Science (BS) Subprogram covers a wide range of topics that address both natural processes and humankind's impact on our planet, including global climate change, polar science, water quality and availability, and the impact of urbanization on the environment. Graduates from this program will be prepared for multidisciplinary careers in climate science, earth and environmental sciences, and sustainability.

Program Requirements

The Climate, Water, and the Environment Subprogram requires 23-26 credit hours of courses in addition to the 9-10 credit hours of core courses required for all BS students in the School of Earth Sciences. Like all Earth Science BS Subprograms, Climate, Water, and the Environment requires the completion of an approved certificate, minor, or any second major. The Climate, Water, and the Environment Subprogram has a 50% overlap with the School of Earth Sciences' Hydrogeology and Marine Science Certificates, meaning that it is possible to earn one of these certificates with as little as two additional courses.

Preparation for the Major (28-29 units)

Required for everyone in the Climate, Water, and the Environment Subprogram (3 units):

  • EARTHSC 4450: Water, Ice, and Energy in the Earth System (3 units)

One course on Earth Materials (3-4 units):

  • EARTHSC 2212: Intro to Earth Materials (4 units, lab component)
  • EARTHSC 4421: Earth Materials (3 units, lab component)
  • EARTHSC 4502: Stratigraphy and Sedimentology (4 units, lab component)

Two climate classes (5-6 units including at least one EARTHSC course):

  • EARTHSC 5206: Advanced Oceanography (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5650: Glaciology (3 units)
  • GEOG 3900: Global Climate Change: Causes and Consequences (3 units)
  • GEOG 3901: Global Climate and Environmental Change (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 4911: Earth’s Climate: Past and Future (3 units)
  • GEOG 5900: Climatology (3 units)
  • EARTHSC/ENR 5268: Soils and Climate Change (2 units)

Two water classes (6-7 units including at least one EARTHSC course):

  • EARTHSC 5651: Hydrogeology (4 units, lab component)
  • EARTHSC 5655: Land Surface Hydrology (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5718: Aquatic Geochemistry (3 units, Not currently offered)
  • ENR 4285: Watershed Hydrology (3 units, lab component)
  • EEOB 5420: Aquatic Ecosystems – Ecology of Inland Waters (4 units)
  • ENR 3280: Water Quality Management (2 units)
  • ENR 4260: Soil Resource Management (3 units)

Two environment classes (6 units including at least one EARTHSC course):

  • EARTHSC 5621: Introduction to Geochemistry (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5203: Geo-Environment and Human Health (3 units)
  • EARTHSC 5242: Exploring the Natural History of The Bahamas (4 units)
  • EARTHSC 5656: Ecohydrology in a Changing Climate (3 units, Not currently offered)
  • ENVENG 3200: Fundamentals of Environmental Engineering (3 units)
  • ENVENG 2100: Environmental Engineering Analytical Methods (3 units)
  • ENR 3000: Soil Science (3 units)

Required for all Earth Sciences BS (7-10 units)

  • EARTHSC 2000: Preparation for Thesis and Careers in Earth Sciences (1 unit)
  • EARTHSC 2245: Introductory Data Analysis for Earth and Environmental Sciences (4 units)
  • EARTHSC 4999.01: Undergraduate Research for Thesis in Earth Sciences (1 unit, graded)
  • EARTHSC 4999.02 (H): Undergraduate Research for Thesis in Earth Sciences (0-3 units, satisfactory/unsatisfactory)

Honors program students

  • Enroll in 1 unit in 4999.01H in the semester you plan to graduate.

Non-honors program students 

  • You need to enroll in 1 unit of 4999.01* in the semester you plan to graduate.
  • You need to enroll in at least 3 unit of 4999.02H anytime during your degree, which includes the semester you plan to graduate.

Applying for research distinction

If you choose to apply for research distinction (optional), you also need to enroll in at least 3 units of 4999.02 anytime during your degree, which includes the semester you plan to graduate.

 

Advising information

Director of Undergraduate Studies (Earth Sciences): Professor Ann Cook, cook.1129@osu.edu

Undergraduate Academic Advisor (Earth Sciences): Dr. Karen Royce, royce.6@osu.edu, 614-292-6961

The state of Ohio does not license Geologists; however, if you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information at the Office of Distance Education and eLearning- State Authorizations for Students.