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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Interested students should contact for more information:
Prof. Christine Witkowski
cwitkowski1@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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn how to receive certificate upon completing requirements.
Interested students should contact for more information:
Dr. Robin Zhang
qzhang@murraystate.edu
270.809.6760