Utah Tech University

Earth and Environmental Sciences

The department hosts the Earth, Geological, and Environmental Sciences Bachelor’s and Associate’s programs, with emphases available in Geosciences and Environmental Sciences. Certificates are also offered in Sustainability and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geospatial Technology.

Welcome

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department provides amazing opportunities in environmental science, energy, geology, and geography. We aim to give students the practical tools to meet today’s environmental challenges that include climate change, resource scarcity, waste management, energy use, and loss of biodiversity.

We provide opportunities such as:

  • Learning about climate, landforms, soils, water, plants, and animals
  • Applying sound geological and ecological principles to environmental challenges
  • Surveying the earth, atmosphere, and related phenomena
  • Conducting field research in the unique landscapes of southwest Utah
  • Studying and comparing different places, countries, and regions of the world

Coursework and research in the department are focused on a practical and scientific understanding of the natural world around us. Students learn how to apply the scientific method to some of the most severe problems facing our planet.

Faculty & Staff

Get contact information for our faculty and staff in the Earth and Environmental Science Department at Utah Tech University.

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DEGREES OFFERED

Learn more about the degrees offered in the Earth and Environmental Science Department at Utah Tech University.

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Courses

View more details about the courses provided by the Earth and Environmental Science Department at Utah Tech University.

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Research and Internship Opportunities

Research is one of the most impactful methods for students to learn theory and practices of the earth and environmental sciences, and to apply knowledge to solving complex problems. Our faculty engage all students in the Earth and Environmental Sciences programs in research projects, or connect students with local groups and organizations for internship and research experiences. Students have opportunities to share their research with the professional and academic worlds through conferences such as the annual UT Research Symposium and occasionally at national and international.

Opportunities

Active and Applied Learning

In addition to lectures, the programs within our department provide over 300 hours of laboratory experience, with opportunities for hands-on use of modern and advanced instrumentation used across the industry. The department also offers a number of field courses that spend several days in the field, including the regional National Parks and internationally in study abroad courses.

It Rocks!

Southwest Geoscience Center

The SGC at Utah Tech University exists to bring about learning, exploration, and protection of the unique geological and environmental features of the Southwestern United States.

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UT Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability

We aim to be a central resource for Climate Resilience and Sustainability in Southern Utah.

The Climate Resilience and Sustainability resource network is critically necessary to bring people together to create solutions and support in the most significant challenge that we face. Solutions depend on opportunities for the community to connect, but there is no centralized resource that addresses climate change specific to our region.

With Utah Tech’s mission as a polytechnic university and a community partner and aligned with the HumanTech interface, this center will engage the scientific, sociological, and economic areas to help understand the regional impacts of climate change while implementing more significant actions.

WHY SUSTAINABILITY?

Science Hours

Drop-In Tutoring with STEM faculty and staff will be available Wednesdays from 11a-2p in the Science, Engineering, and Technology building room 403. Stop by to study, get help, and connect with your peers.

STEM at Utah Tech

Our Mission

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department will equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to critically and empirically assess the multifaceted Earth-science and environmental challenges facing societies globally and collaborate to resolve them. Our courses present, clearly and understandably, the principles that enable informed decision-making, underpin exceptional Earth- and environmental-science careers, and form a solid foundation for future, life-long learning.

Our Vision

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department aims to be a national leader in environmental and Earth-science education. The department will build, maintain, and continually revise an optimal educational environment in which students learn and apply knowledge and conduct original, meaningful research, enabling them to achieve their professional goals and respond to societal needs.

Contact

Set up an appointment with our advisor Kim Bowler.

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Zhenyu Jin

Department Chair, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Email: Zhenyu.Jin@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4329

Office: SET 431

Kim Bowler

Advisor, College of Science, Engineering & Technology

Email: kim.bowler@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4698

Office: SET 324

Schedule Appointment

Cassandra Crenshaw

Administrative Assistant

Email: Cassandra.Crenshaw@utahtech.edu

Phone: (435) 652-7851

Office: SET 421