Department Office: 3137 Ingersoll Hall
Phone: 718.951.5416
Full-Time Faculty
Professor(s): Boger, Cheng, Cherrier, Cranganu, Groffman, Powell, Seidemann
Associate Professor(s): Branco, Sethi
Lecturer(s): Garb
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences draws on chemistry, physics and biology to give students an understanding of our planet, its varied environments and its 4.5-billion-year history. Students learn to observe, record and interpret data pertinent to Earth's materials and environment, including minerals, rocks, fossils, soils, water and energy resources, and to processes that alter our natural physical environment--climate change, coastal erosion, mountain building and the migration of continents, among others. Earth and environmental scientists use this information to predict such trends as global warming; to forecast and attempt to mitigate natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; to explore for energy and mineral resources; to assess air, water and soil quality; and to aid in the remediation of contaminated environments.
The department offers a bachelor of science and a bachelor of arts in earth and environmental science as well as a minor in earth and environmental science. Our undergraduate courses and programs explore the global system and emphasize the emphasize the geology and environments of the New York City region. We integrate the city as an extension of the laboratory in our curriculum through partnerships with the City's agencies (i.e. DEP, Mayors Office, Parks), museums, and community educational organizations. Students in the earth science teacher program learn to utilize the city's resources in their middle and high school classrooms, and are introduced to all content areas defined by the New York State standards for earth science. They are thereby prepared for successful completion of the Content Specialty Examination in Earth Science, required for New York State licensure for teacher of earth science.
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences graduates master a comprehensive education that is a gateway to a wide range of geoscience and environmental science career options in industry, government agencies, the private sector, and primary, secondary and postsecondary education. Students who wish to pursue graduate studies may apply to the master's and doctoral degree programs offered by or in conjunction with this department.
Selecting a Program of Study
Students who anticipate majoring in earth and environmental science should consult with a departmental adviser during their first year in the department in order to plan their programs.
Courses
Courses listed below are not counted toward the requirement of no fewer than 18 credits in advanced courses for majors in this department.
Independent work means not less than three additional hours each week of conference, research, independent reading, and writing as assigned by the instructor. The student's grade is determined in part by the successful completion of this independent work.
Field trips or similar extra-classroom activity may be required in any course.