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Earth Science (B.A.) Program at Fredonia

What we offer

Bachelor of Arts

Who to contact

Thomas.Hegna@fredonia.edu

716-673-3303

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Decoding Earth's DNA

Embark on an exciting journey to understand and protect our planet with Fredonia鈥檚 Earth Sciences BA program. This hands-on program explores Earth鈥檚 dynamic systems and human impact on the environment, preparing you for a meaningful career in sustainability, research, and environmental stewardship. With opportunities to work closely with faculty in both lab and field settings, you鈥檒l gain skills to address today鈥檚 pressing environmental challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.

What You鈥檒l Gain

  • Comprehensive Knowledge: Develop a strong foundation in Earth鈥檚 systems, geological principles, and environmental sciences.
  • Practical Field Experience: Participate in field research across diverse settings, including Lake Erie and Fredonia鈥檚 200-acre College Lodge.
  • Analytical Skills: Learn to critically evaluate scientific literature, collect and interpret environmental data, and communicate findings.
  • Global and Local Perspectives: Understand the interconnectedness of natural processes and human impacts, with applications from local ecosystems to global contexts.
  • Personalized Advisement: Benefit from one-on-one mentorship and customized academic planning to support your unique goals.

Career Opportunities for Earth Science (B.A.)

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Geochemist
  • GIS Specialist
  • Natural Science Manager
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Field Geologist
  • Geological Consultant
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Oceanographer
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What does a 4-year degree look like?

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What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

View Full Curriculum

GEO 210 Earth History

Since its formation 4.5 billion years ago, our dynamic planet has undergone enormous changes. It has survived a multitude of volcanic eruptions, ice ages and mass extinctions. Learn about the physical history of the earth and the evolution of life on our dynamic planet from its early formation through the present.

GEO 165 Planet Earth

Explore the large and small scale processes that shape and reshape our dynamic planet Earth. This course introduces students to the many features and phenomena that help us understand Earth鈥檚 geologic history and its future. From the integral role that minerals and rocks play, to the wide range of internal and external processes operating on Earth, students gain a heightened awareness of natural resources, climate change and geologic hazards as society makes its way through the 21st century.

It's Different Here

Student-Centered

All class sizes are intentionally kept small, for better one-on-one interactions and instruction.

With excellent wages (median: $78K+) and above-average growth in the field, Environmental Science graduates are well-positioned for rewarding careers.

With excellent job growth expected between 2023 and 2033, graduates are well-prepared for the future economy.

Fredonia students enjoy the opportunity to attend a 3-hour field camp to get up close to the subject and dig into the process.

Field Camp

A 3-credit summer program with the opportunity to travel, work with students and faculty from other universities, and investigate geologic landscapes across the country.

Geology Field Camp

  • Shape graphic of Williams Center

Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.

  • Median Salary: $78,980 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 7% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

  • Median Salary: $68,300 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 5% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants.

  • Median Salary: $90,880 per year
  • Job Outlook 2023-2033: 3% growth
  • Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
Latest Articles

Earth Science News

Dr. Thomas Hegna, at the Geology and Environmental Sciences display at the Buffalo Museum of Science鈥檚 Science After Hours: Stones & Bones event.
Dr. Thomas Hegna, at the Geology and Environmental Sciences display at the Buffalo Museum of Science鈥檚 Science After Hours: Stones & Bones event.
Geology and Environmental Sciences

Geology, Environmental Sciences students, faculty exhibit at major regional events

Geology and Environmental Sciences students and faculty connected with several thousand people at...

Dr. Thomas Hegna, at the Geology and Environmental Sciences display at the Buffalo Museum of Science鈥檚 Science After Hours: Stones & Bones event.
Dr. Thomas Hegna, at the Geology and Environmental Sciences display at the Buffalo Museum of Science鈥檚 Science After Hours: Stones & Bones event.
Geology and Environmental Sciences

Geology, Environmental Sciences students, faculty exhibit at major regional events

Geology and Environmental Sciences students and faculty connected with several thousand people at...

Mia Enders, a junior Geology major from Bath, NY, with Dr. Thomas Hegna, operates equipment that pulverizes and grinds rocks for analysis.
Mia Enders, a junior Geology major from Bath, NY, with Dr. Thomas Hegna, operates equipment that pulverizes and grinds rocks for analysis.
Geology and Environmental Sciences

Students, faculty to present research projects at GSA regional meeting

SUNY Fredonia science students will present research at the spring regional Geological Society of...

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