Undergraduate Programs

Our programs in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences emphasize a deep understanding of regional, national and global environmental issues.

We offer six unique tracks, eight minors and a GIS certificate option to help you explore your areas of interest while gaining hands-on experience in your field.

Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences Tracks

Anthropology

Our anthropology track allows the student to study humankind in all times and places.  In particular, this track focuses on the study of human cultural diversity and the relationships between culture, the environment, and human biological evolution.  This track specifically promotes a broad temporal perspective in the study of humankind, from our earliest ancestors to our present, and encourages students to think about how contemporary societies around the globe tackle challenges in ways that rely on traditional systems of knowledge and integrate them into some of the strategies we pursue to make ourselves and future generations more resilient.

ANTHROPOLOGY

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Marcie Venter
mventer@murraystate.edu
270.809.3457

Archaeology

Our archaeology program focuses on the study of human culture through the analysis of material remains. We emphasize the diversity of human cultures. We study the relationship between humans and the natural environment. And we explore the methods archaeologists use to reconstruct the past in order to understand our cultural heritage.

Archaeology

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Anthony Ortmann
aortmann@murraystate.edu
270.809.6755

Earth Science Secondary Certification (grades 8–12)

Educators are our future. With a secondary certification in earth science, you’ll graduate prepared to lead your own classroom. Teach earth and environmental sciences, geology, physical science and more.

Earth science secondary certification

A teaching specialization in earth science is also available to accompany certification in another science content area (i.e., biology, chemistry or physics). All secondary certification course requirements of the College of Education and Human Services must be met.

Note: Even though this program exceeds Murray State’s requirements for an earth science minor, in order for a minor in earth science to appear on a transcript, the student must declare it as a minor and meet all residential and graduation requirements.

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Sung-ho Hong
shong4@murraystate.edu
270.809.6319

Environmental Science

Take courses in a variety of fields to make environmental connections. You’ll learn how the life and physical sciences help us understand the root causes of environmental issues at local, national and global levels.

Environmental science

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Robin Zhang
qzhang@murraystate.edu
270.809.6760

Geography and GIS

Where and how will 10 billion people live? How are we changing the physical environment of the Earth? How might we better observe, analyze, and visualize a changing world? Geography matters more than ever. With plenty of time in the computer lab for hands-on learning, along with faculty-sponsored research and internship opportunities, a degree in the geography and GIS track will prepare you to enter one of the “high-growth” geospatial industries identified by the U.S. Department of Labor and make a difference in Earth’s environmental future.

Geography and GIS

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Bassil El Masri
belmasri@murraystate.edu
270.809.3110

Geology

Use your knowledge and skills to understand earth surface processes. By studying geology at Murray State, you’ll learn to understand and solve environmental problems and make a difference in our planet’s future.

Geology

Interested students should contact for more information:

Prof. Emily Johnson
eknoth@murraystate.edu
270.809.2408

Minors

Anthropology

Are you interested in studying humankind in all times and places? Our anthropology minor is a great place to start. This minor focuses on the study of human cultural diversity and the relationships between culture, the environment and human biological evolution.  

Anthropology minor

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Marcie Venter
mventer@murraystate.edu
270.809.3457

Archaeology

Our archaeology minor focuses on the study of human culture through the analysis of material remains. We place an emphasis on the diversity of human cultures and use theoretical approaches to the study of culture, the relationship between humans and the natural environment and the methods archaeologists use to reconstruct the past to understand our cultural heritage.

Archaeology minor

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Anthony Ortmann
aortmann@murraystate.edu
270.809.6755

Earth Science

Study earth systems through scientific inquiry, including the building blocks and history of earth, weather and climate, hydrology and water science, earth surface processes and geospatial technologies.

Earth science minor

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Robin Zhang
qzhang@murraystate.edu
270.809.6760

Environmental Geology

There are several areas of study when it comes to earth science: astronomy, geology, hydrology, physics and so much more. By pursuing this minor, you’ll gain a broad understanding of different aspects of earth systems and become an environmental game changer.

Environmental geology minor

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Robin Zhang
qzhang@murraystate.edu
270.809.6760

Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Where and how will 10 billion people live? How are we changing the physical environment of the Earth? How might we observe, analyze and visualize a changing world? Geography matters more than ever. You’ll have plenty of time in the computer lab for hands-on learning. Plus, with faculty-sponsored research and internship opportunities, you’ll graduate prepared to enter one of the “high-growth” industries identified by the U.S. Department of Labor and to make a difference in Earth’s environmental future.

Geographic information science (GIS) minor

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Robin Zhang
qzhang@murraystate.edu
270.809.6760

Globalization and Development

Students gain knowledge and skills in understanding places and cultures, cultural diversity, and the interrelationship of natural and cultural landscapes. Global development is dynamic and evolving, in sometimes unpredictable ways and requires critical approaches that rely on social and environmental responsibility. The Minor complements many Majors and give students an interdisciplinary advantage in workplace contexts valuing knowledge of global economic trends, cultural and natural landscape diversity, resource management, and the ways they intersect in development strategies.

Globalization and Development minor

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Robin Zhang
qzhang@murraystate.edu
270.809.6760

Sustainability Studies

The Sustainability Studies minor is an interdisciplinary exploration of sustainability issues focusing on the environment and/or sustainable development. Integrating knowledge and experiences from the sciences, engineering, agriculture, business, humanities, and arts, the minor is designed to complement any major area of study by focusing on ecological health, sustainable agriculture, and economic sustainability.

Sustainability Studies minor

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Robin Zhang
qzhang@murraystate.edu
270.809.6760

Certificates

GIS Certificate (Undergraduate)

The Certificate in GIScience program is designed to provide fundamental knowledge of geographic information science (GIS) necessary for today’s diverse array of fields and disciplines. You’ll gain experience in data collection, data management methods and techniques, data visualization, data analysis and interpretation and the principles and techniques behind remote sensing. Plus, you’ll find hands-on experience using industry standard tools to develop a variety of projects and explore GIScience applications.

GIS certificate

Learn how to receive certificate upon completing requirements.

Interested students should contact for more information:

Dr. Robin Zhang
qzhang@murraystate.edu
270.809.6760

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