Dig into how Earth works and where it can take you!
Earth and environmental sciences explore the materials that make up our planet and the natural processes that shape it.
Through hands-on experiences in every course, fully funded field trips, applied projects with faculty members, and attendance at professional conferences, you will build practical skills for a rewarding career. Our dedicated faculty mentors will prepare you for careers in research, consulting, education, and public service while equipping you to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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Degrees Offered
Earth Sciences, B.S.: Students learn the fundamental concepts and principles of Earth Sciences—including critical thinking skills in Earth Sciences disciplines; how to collect, analyze, and interpret field and laboratory data; and expertise in scientific writing—and earn qualifications for using Earth Sciences-used computer hardware and software. Our program provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing careers as scientists or earth science educators.
Geology, B.S. The Geology program offers students a variety of opportunities to investigate the materials that constitute and the processes that shape Earth. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter geology fields and/or pursue advanced study in the geosciences. The Geology program includes all coursework necessary for graduate eligibility for obtaining a New York State license as a Professional Geologist.
Who Hires Our Students?
2
Undergraduate Minors
48
Seat on-campus planetarium
7%
Expected job growth rate through 2033
$80,060
Median salary for Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Meaningful Field Experiences
Focus on Access to Co-curricular Opportunities
Field experiences immerse you in the energy of a chosen subject, giving you dynamic, hands-on practice, while you strengthen your resume, forge valuable professional connections for future job opportunities, and gain the confidence to step boldly into your new career.
Students have conducted fieldwork in such diverse locales as Hawaii, the American West (Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks), the Adirondacks, and parts of the New England states. Regular student trips have included travel to the coast of Maine, the Catskills, and eastern New Hampshire, as well as regionally in Western New York.
Careers in geosciences are broad and highly varied. Climate change, volcanism, water management, and environmental sustainability are all wide-ranging fields with many small branches—and they are only a few of earth science’s many subdivisions. Most earth science graduates find jobs in fields including:
- Alternative Energy
- Advocacy/Lobbying
- Alternative Energy Research
- Environmental Science Consultant
- Environmental Site Assessment
- Geological Mapping
- Landfill Development/Maintenance
- Marine Engineering
- Mining & Exploration
- Mining Risk/Hazard Prevention
- Oceanography
- Paleontology
- Petroleum Discovery/Drilling
- Seismology
- University/High School Education
- Volcanology
- Water Supply Contamination
Field Education
Students have conducted fieldwork in such diverse locales as Hawaii, the American West (Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks), the Adirondacks, and Maine.
Professional Conferences
Students can attend and present research findings at national and regional professional geosciences conferences with faculty members. Travel is supported by the department and Buffalo State.
The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium
The stunning, state-of-the-art Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium provides students and visitors with viewings of stars, constellations, nebulae, galaxies, planets, and much more.
Astronomy and Geology Club
Open to all students with an interest in the science of the earth and in stars and planets, telescopes and planetariums. The club holds weekly meetings during the semester, and partners with the department to support travel to professional conferences. The club hosts such events as fossil hunts, hosting fossil and mineral shows on campus and at the Hamburg Fairgrounds.
Student majors are given many opportunities to pursue independent research under faculty supervision or an internship experience. Students may find additional information about undergraduate research possibilities from faculty members, and by visiting the Undergraduate Research Office.
Research opportunities are available to students in the study of rocks, fossils, environmental issues, and geological processes. Faculty research provides additional opportunities for students to perform laboratory work and hands-on outdoor data collection.
Field-based Courses
Buffalo State's Geosciences Department offers several field-based courses and has strong relationships with local companies and government agencies, which help to provide opportunities for hands-on experiences and work-related internships before graduation. The internship program is designed to provide students seeking careers in the geosciences with professional work experience. Internship opportunities are advertised within the department but may also be initiated by the student. A written agreement between the student, field supervisor and a faculty supervisor will be formulated. Internships sites have included:
- Buffalo Museum of Science
- The Fresh Air Fund
- Journey's End Refugee Services
- Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehab Center
- Steel Plant Museum
Professional Services Companies
Consulting
- GZA Geo Environmental
- WSP Services
- Buffalo Environmental and Construction Group
- Paradigm Environmental Services, Inc.
- Marino Engineering Associates
- Derrick
- Universal Engineering Sciences
- Fisher Associates
- Mollenberg Betz
- Stantec Environmental
- Geo-Technology Associates
- LaBella GIS Consulting
- Inventum Engineering, P.C.
- Environmental Advantage, Inc.
Energy
- National Fuel Gas
- Baker Hughes Energy
Testing Laboratories
- EMSL (water testing laboratories)
- TestAmerica Analytical Testing Corp.
- Atlantic Testing Laboratories
- Eurofins Environmental Testing
Technical Equipment Development
- Integer Greatbatch
Government
- Town of Tonawanda
- City of Buffalo
- City of Salamanca
- Erie County
- New York Department of State
- New York State Department of Parks and Trails
- United States Geological Survey
- United States Geodetic Survey
- Bonneville Power Administration
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Public Science
- Buffalo Science Museum
- Planetariums