GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES
MINORS:
EARTH SCIENCE
This minor option is designed for students who wish to pursue a multior inter-disciplinary course of study centered around Earth. Students will work with the department chair to design a custom set of natural science courses that fit their interests.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
The forensic science minor provides an applied background for students who are interested in the scientific aspects of forensic analysis. This is an excellent option for criminal justice majors who want to broaden their analytical and scientific training.
GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES
The geological sciences minor provides inquiry-based training for any student who has an interest in how Earth works. This minor is very relevant for students pursuing careers in the sustainability, environmental, and conservation fields and for those interested in acquiring an expertise in the geological sciences.
OCEANOGRAPHY
The oceanography minor provides a background on the scientific study of Earth’s oceans and takes advantage of Salem State’s coastal location. The training provided is especially important for students who are interested in the oceans or plan to have a career that incorporates marine resources.
SUSTAINABILITY OF EARTH RESOURCES
The sustainability of earth resources minor provides an opportunity for students to engage in the science of natural resource sustainability through multi-disciplinary course work.
CAREERS
Our students pursue a variety of career opportunities including but not limited to:
• Forensic Science
• Environmental Consulting
• Sustainability
• Graduate Studies
• Education
• State and Federal Government Agencies
• Natural Resources
• GIS Specialists
• U.S. Geological Survey
• Environmental Protection Agency
Are you curious about how our planet, life, and climate have changed through time?
Do you want to work on emerging environmental and sustainability problems?
Are you intrigued by the forensic science field?
Are you passionate about the scientific study of our planet?
At SSU geological sciences, we offer BS degrees and minors providing training opportunities addressing critical current questions such as climate change, human impact on the environment, natural resources and forensic analysis.
Our faculty and students investigate fundamental processes on Earth, such as reconstructing past climates, determining the timing of volcanism and formation of mountains, chemical changes in rivers and oceans, and exploring the interdependency between humans and their environment over geological time scales. Our students receive a solid foundation of geosciences through a combination of laboratory, handson activities, and a capstone experience that includes an independent research opportunity and field-based skills.
APPLIED GEOSCIENCES SUSTAINABILITY (BS)
This degree path is appropriate for students whose career goal is to work in the environmental sustainability field. The curriculum provides a rigorous applied education appropriate for students who wish to move directly into the sustainability and environmental science fields after graduation. Concentration courses highlight timely skills and experiences sought after by employers within these fields.
GEOLOGY (BS)
The geology concentration is the most rigorous degree path in the Geological Sciences and is designed primarily for students wishing to pursue MS and PhD degrees in geosciences after graduation. The comprehensive geology curriculum, combined with rigorous support courses in allied STEM fields, ensures the required coursework for graduate programs while also preparing graduates for any career in geosciences.
EARTH SCIENCE (BS)
The earth science concentration is appropriate for students interested in education and wish to work as teachers in K-12 schools. In addition to a broad earth science education, the curriculum provides the necessary background in allied STEM fields that fully train future science teachers.
FORENSIC GEOSCIENCE (BS)
This degree path is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the forensic sciences in close partnership with the criminal justice department. The concentration provides a rigorous applied education appropriate for students who wish to move directly into the forensic sciences and analytical fields after graduation. Concentration courses highlight timely skills and experiences sought after by employers within these fields.
EARTH STUDIES (BS)
The earth studies concentration is designed for students who are interested in how Earth works but don’t necessarily wish to pursue a career as a professional scientist. The major is designed to be conducive to a double major with another field of interest and provides exciting opportunities for inter- and multi-disciplinary programs of study.
