Online Programs in West Virginia
Marshall University
The Master of Science in Geography program at Marshall University emphasizes GIScience and physical geography, offering students opportunities to tackle contemporary challenges such as urban planning, environmental sustainability, and climate change. With state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, the program equips students with critical thinking, technical skills, and practical experience through courses, hands-on labs, and internships.
Students can pursue either a capstone project focused on career advancement or a thesis designed for research and doctoral preparation, preparing them for diverse careers in the public and private sectors or advanced academic study.
On Campus Programs in West Virginia:
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
https://www.geo.wvu.edu/home
Department of Geology & Geography
Program Duration and Delivery
West Virginia University (WVU) offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Geography, Sustainability Studies, and Earth and Environmental Science, designed to equip students with the skills needed to address pressing global environmental challenges.
The undergraduate degrees typically span four years, while graduate programs are available for those seeking advanced knowledge in spatial analysis, environmental science, and sustainability.
These programs are offered on-campus, ensuring students receive hands-on experience and access to state-of-the-art resources.
Curriculum and Areas of Emphasis
WVU’s undergraduate offerings include a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science.
Both programs provide a strong foundation in geoscience, environmental studies, and sustainability, with specialized areas of emphasis such as GIS Methods, Sustainable Development, and Environmental Studies.
Minors
Students can also pursue minors in fields like Geography and GIS to complement their studies.
The curriculum incorporates analytical methods, fieldwork, and internships, preparing students for careers in various sectors, including environmental consulting, public policy, urban planning, and more.
Graduate Programs
The graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees, focus on advanced research in areas like GIScience, spatial analysis, and environmental justice, offering students the opportunity to contribute to global sustainability efforts.
Accreditations, Prerequisites, and Tuition
The Geography and Sustainability programs at WVU are accredited by relevant regional and national bodies, ensuring the highest standards of education. Undergraduate students are required to meet prerequisites such as courses in basic sciences and geography, while graduate programs may have additional academic and research experience requirements.
The tuition for the undergraduate programs is competitive, with several scholarships available for both in-state and out-of-state students. Graduate students can benefit from assistantships and research funding, making these programs financially accessible.
Career Outcomes and Research Opportunities
Graduates of the Sustainability Studies and Earth and Environmental Science programs from WVU have access to a wide range of career opportunities in government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector firms, and academia. The department’s strong ties to industry, including partnerships with Halliburton and ESRI, as well as its on-campus GIS Technical Center, provide students with valuable internship and research opportunities.
Research conducted at WVU spans multiple continents, addressing critical global issues such as climate change, food justice, and sustainable development, ensuring that students leave with a practical, global perspective on environmental and sustainability challenges.
Additional Programs and Experiential Learning
In addition to the core programs, WVU offers a variety of internships, student organizations, and field experiences to enhance students’ education. These include opportunities for students to participate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), international study programs, and field camps in locations like South Dakota and Wyoming.
The department encourages active engagement with faculty and peers through its numerous student organizations, providing a collaborative environment for both academic and professional growth.
Concord University
Department Of Physical & Environmental Sciences
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Geosciences at Concord University is designed to prepare students for careers or graduate studies in Earth and Environmental Sciences. The program typically spans four years and includes a combination of core courses in geology, geospatial science, and environmental science, as well as field and laboratory work.
Students also have opportunities to specialize in areas like Public Health, Society and Environment, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geospatial Science, providing flexibility to match career interests.
Curriculum and Areas of Emphasis
The curriculum is a blend of foundational scientific courses and applied skills. Core classes include Earth Materials and Minerals, Field Geology, and Geospatial Science, with an emphasis on data analytics, GIS methods, and environmental impact assessment.
The program offers specialized areas of emphasis such as Public Health, Society and Environment, which focuses on how climate change and natural resources affect public health, and Geospatial Science, which uses mapping technologies to analyze environmental patterns.
The program also integrates a comprehensive research component, with opportunities for fieldwork and independent study in diverse environmental settings.
Accreditation, Tuition, and Prerequisites
Concord University’s Environmental Geosciences program is accredited by regional and relevant scientific bodies, ensuring high academic standards. The program requires completion of 120 semester hours, including general education requirements and specialized coursework.
Tuition rates are competitive, and various scholarships are available, such as the SEAM Program, which covers full tuition and living expenses for high-achieving students. Students are also encouraged to pursue internships and research opportunities to gain real-world experience. Prerequisites for entry into the program include basic science courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Career Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates of the Environmental Geosciences program from Concord University are well-prepared for careers in environmental consulting, land reclamation, and natural resource management.
They can work for government agencies, private consulting firms, and non-profit organizations focused on sustainability.
The program’s emphasis on hands-on fieldwork, including trips to geological sites in the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains, provides students with the practical experience needed to excel in their careers.
Furthermore, the program offers a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue advanced studies in graduate schools or professional schools like law, environmental policy, or public health.
Other Programs and Online Availability
Concord University also offers minors in Geospatial Information Science, Geology, and Physics, which complement the Environmental Geosciences major. While the program is traditionally delivered on-campus, students can take advantage of virtual field experiences or course substitutions if they are unable to participate in certain fieldwork.
The program’s comprehensive curriculum and diverse opportunities ensure that students are well-equipped to contribute to solving global environmental challenges.
Marshall University
Huntington, WV
https://www.marshall.edu/geography/
Geography Department
The Geography Department at Marshall University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Geography, with the option to complete many programs entirely online.
The undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geography, which typically take four years to complete.
Students can also pursue specialized tracks such as Meteorology, GIScience, and Urban Planning. The Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees are also available, and can be completed in 1.5 to 2 years, with the option for accelerated completion.
Accreditation and Prerequisites
Marshall University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring high academic standards across all its programs. To be admitted to the undergraduate Geography program, students must meet general university requirements, with specific prerequisites in math and science.
The B.A. and B.S. programs require different course emphases, with the B.A. focusing on human geography and the B.S. emphasizing physical geography and GIScience.
For graduate programs, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in geography or a related field, along with a strong academic record and letters of recommendation.
Curriculum and Areas of Emphasis
The curriculum for the Geography program is designed to provide both a broad understanding of geographic principles and the technical skills needed for specialized careers. Core courses include physical geography, human geography, GIS, and cartography.
Students can choose from various concentrations such as GIScience, meteorology, weather broadcasting, and urban planning.
The GIScience track is particularly robust, offering courses in remote sensing, spatial analysis, and GIS programming. Graduate students can further specialize in human geography, regional planning, GIScience, and environmental analysis.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition rates for the Geography program at Marshall University are competitive, and various scholarships and financial aid options are available to help offset costs.
The university offers specific scholarships for students in the geography department, as well as merit-based awards for high-achieving students. The SEAM Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides full tuition and room/board for qualifying students in the Environmental Geosciences and Chemistry tracks.
Career Outcomes and Opportunities
Graduates of the Geography program at Marshall University are well-prepared for careers in GIS, urban planning, meteorology, environmental science, and more.
Alumni work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, environmental consulting firms, and private companies. Some of the top employers include the National Weather Service, local government agencies, and GIS consulting firms.
The department’s strong connections to industry, along with internship and research opportunities, provide students with valuable career experience. Furthermore, the growing demand for GIS professionals and meteorologists ensures that graduates have excellent job prospects in the coming years.
Other Programs and Online Availability
In addition to the B.A. and B.S. in Geography, Marshall University also offers minors and certificates in Meteorology, GIScience, and Human Geography, which can complement other degrees.
The entire undergraduate and graduate geography curriculum is available online, allowing for flexible learning options. This makes the program accessible to students who may not be able to attend campus in person.
The combination of on-campus and online learning options ensures that students can tailor their educational experience to fit their individual needs and career goals.