Dr. Ryan Thigpen
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences
ryan.thigpen@uky.eduEarth & Environmental Sciences encompass a variety of types of studies of the Earth, including composition, structure, prehistoric life, internal and surficial processes, and geological history. These studies have applications in the discovery and use of mineral resources, fuels, and water; in protection of the environment; and in planning for natural limitations (climate change, earthquakes, landslides, resources, etc.) on societal development.
The median pay for geoscientists in the US in 2012 was $90,890. Jobs in geoscience are expected to grow at the rate of 16% through 2022. (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics) Jobs in the geosciences accepted by students with bachelor’s degrees include those in Oil & Gas (36%), Environmental Services (21%), Mining (11%), Government (11%), and K-12 Education (4%).(Source: Status of Recent Geoscience Graduates, 2013. American Geosciences Institute)
Career opportunities in Earth & Environmental Sciences
Earth & Environmental Science majors begin by taking EES 220: Principles of Physical Geology. This course offers an introduction to every aspect of the discipline. Students engage in hands-on laboratory activities such as modeling the flow of contaminants in groundwater, identifying rocks and minerals, and using geologic maps to understand the geologic evolution of Earth’s surface.
If a student took EES 220 in the Fall semester of their first year in the major, the Spring semester might be a good time to take a 300-level elective, such as EES 310: Exploring the Solar System or EES 345: Paleoclimatology: The Science.
The second year of study begins with EES 230: Fundamentals of Geology 1 during the Fall semester, followed by EES 235: Fundamentals of Geology 2 in the Spring. Both of these classes introduce students to skills necessary to being a geologist, such as mapping, describing rocks, field work, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students also take other 300 level required courses and electives.
After the 230/235 sequence and 300 level required courses are completed, students move on to 400 and 500 level classes that give students more detailed backgrounds in various sub-disciplines in geology, such as structural geology, sedimentary geology, and igneous and metamorphic geology.
Earth & Environmental Sciences B.S. students usually finish their studies in geology with a 6-week field camp (EES 323). They undertake several field, laboratory and computational exercises that allow integration of all of the skills and knowledge gained during previous studies. Many of our B.A. students opt to take this course as an elective as well.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree must complete a minimum of 60 hours in biological, physical, mathematical and/or computer sciences. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Total Hours - 19
Core Requirements
Other Course Work Required for the Major
Total Hours - 41
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$92,580
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
26,300
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
1,300
new jobs (average)
Geoscientists usually split their time between work in an office setting, in laboratories, and outdoors. Most geoscientists work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Schedules vary to include irregular hours when doing fieldwork.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreUnderstanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
Dr. Ryan Thigpen
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences
ryan.thigpen@uky.eduCollege of Arts & Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower
