Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences

Address:  3001 Weston Hall
Phone:  906-227-2500
Fax:  906-227-1621
Web Address:  https://nmu.edu/eegs/
Department Email:  eegs@nmu.edu

Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences at NMU

The Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department offers a variety of programs in earth science, GIS and technology, environmental science and environmental studies and sustainability, along with a certificate program in geographic information systems (GIS). The department is committed to excellence in teaching and preparing students for professional careers in non-profit organizations, governmental service, the private sector and graduate study.

Geographical science is an integrative discipline. Students, whether interested in its human or physical aspects, must have a basic understanding of the scope of the discipline and its methodologies. The department’s core curriculum consists of courses in human and physical geography, methods courses and a capstone course that integrates academic interests, skills and experiences.

Earth, environmental and geographical sciences majors have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through internships with local governmental agencies, non-profit organizations and the private sector.

Student Organizations

• Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society

• Hoop House

• Rock and Mineral Club

Department Facilities

• GIS and Remote Sensing Lab
• NMU Hoop House
• Outdoor Learning Area

Department Program Policies

As a requirement for graduation, all Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Department majors must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25 for all courses constituting the major curriculum.

Students majoring in programs in the department must also:

1. Successfully complete EN 211  or the honors equivalent before taking 300-level courses or above in the major;
2. Satisfy the prerequisites for each major course enrolled in as described in this bulletin.

Note: Petition for exception to any of the program policies must be made in writing and submitted to the department head. The petition must include reasons why an exception should be made and provide documentation of those reasons, if applicable.

Programs

• Earth Science Major
• Environmental Science Major
• Environmental Studies and Sustainability Major
• Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) Major

• Earth Science Minor
• Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences Cluster Minor
• Environmental Studies Minor
• Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST) Minor
• Sustainability Minor

• Geographic Information Systems Certificate

Courses

• GC 100 - Physical Geography [SCII]
• GC 101 - Introduction to Environmental Science [INTT]
• GC 105 - World Regional Geography
• GC 164 - Human Geography [SOCR] [WC]
• GC 200 - North America
• GC 202 - Soils
• GC 205 - Introduction to Geographic Research
• GC 210 - Earth Hazards [SCII]
• GC 220 - Economic Geography
• GC 225 - Introduction to Maps
• GC 235 - Quantitative Methods
• GC 255 - Physical Geology [SCII] [LAB]
• GC 269 - Introduction to Sustainability
• GC 285 - Earth’s Climate: Past, Present, and Future
• GC 295 - Special Topics in Geography
• GC 300 - Regional Studies: World Cultures [SOCR] [WC]
• GC 303 - Practicing Geography
• GC 310 - Urban Geography
• GC 316 - Geography of Tourism
• GC 317 - Geography of Food Systems
• GC 320 - Environmental Policy and Regulation
• GC 330 - Planning Theory and Practice
• GC 335 - Geographic Information Systems
• GC 337 - Cartographic Design
• GC 340 - Land Use Controls
• GC 342 - Energy and the Environment
• GC 350 - Methods and Materials in Teaching Social Studies Education
• GC 360 - Population Geography [PERS]
• GC 362 - Wetlands
• GC 365 - Historical Geology
• GC 370 - Geomorphology
• GC 376 - Field Geology
• GC 385 - Weather and Climate
• GC 390 - Oceanography
• GC 401 - Biogeography
• GC 412 - Database Development
• GC 424 - Environmental Justice
• GC 425 - Remote Sensing
• GC 428 - Spatial Analysis
• GC 431 - Landscape Dynamics and Analysis
• GC 444 - Gender and Environment
• GC 465 - Hydrology
• GC 470 - Environmental Ethics
• GC 475 - Environmental Impact Assessment
• GC 482 - Earth Systems Interactions
• GC 485 - Planning Practicum
• GC 488 - Earth and Environmental Science Capstone Research
• GC 489 - Human-Environment Capstone
• GC 490 - Seminar
• GC 491 - Internship
• GC 495 - Special Topics in Geography
• GC 498 - Directed Studies in Geography