A University in Motion. Apply now!
Degrees and Certificates
Environmental Geographic Information Systems
College of Sciences
Be an Environmental Science Wayfinder
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Geographic Information Systems
You can use your unique view of the world to help address environmental issues, large and small, using the cutting-edge knowledge and skills you’ll gain in our Environmental Geographic Information Systems (GIS) undergraduate program.
Most environmental scientists are problem solvers. They make an impact on their local community and the world by cleaning up contaminated areas, making policy recommendations, or working with industry to reduce pollution and waste. GIS professionals are a vital part of that team effort, whether for local government, private business, at the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Park Service, the United States Geological Survey or other agencies.
GIS is a very important computer-based skill for many environmental scientists. GIS allows better viewing and understanding of physical features and the relationships that influence a given critical environmental condition. For instance, factors, such as steepness of slopes, aspects, and vegetation, can be viewed and overlaid to determine various environmental parameters and impact analysis. Those skilled in using GIS offer businesses, organizations and government the ability to spot and address relationships between geographical entities and attributes that would be otherwise invisible.
This concentration in Environmental Geographic Information Systems introduces you to cartography, introductory and advanced GIS, advanced GIS database design and other related subjects. It is designed so that you graduate with an extensive skill set in GIS that you can use in the job market or as an entry point into graduate school, including AUM’s master’s degree in GIS.
In addition to the bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geographic Information Systems, you can choose from one of these concentrations: Environmental Biology, Environmental Geographic Information Systems or Environmental Health and Toxicology.
With your Environmental GIS degree, your helping career is limited only by your imagination. You might seek employment opportunities as a GIS app developer, conservationist, cartographer, climate scientist, or city/urban planner.
Get Your Degree
The Know How
What you will know with a Environmental GIS degree from AUM
We Prepare You To Be The Leader
Know how to get things done for the public good by teaming with other professionals, policy administrators, and the local community.
We Give You A Positive Framework For Serving
Know how to put your skills and knowledge to work for the good of humanity, helping to keep the environment clean.
We Set The Bar For Ethics
Know why the ethical questions surrounding the use (and abuse) of land, air and water are crucial to making environmental improvements, both large and small.
We Help You Launch A Sustainable Career
Know why environmental sustainability is a career for now and the future.
Points of Pride
Soaring Warhawks
Customize Your Degree
We Have the Answers
Rewarding Occupations and Job Growth
Check out our Career Discovery Board on this page to begin exploring your options. Contact us for a personal conversation or send us an email, so we can get the answers you need.
In general, environmental scientists use their knowledge and specific training of earth’s systems (in either chemistry, biology, GIS or health/toxicology) to protect the environment and human health.
It depends on your job title and function, but many environmental scientists work outdoors much of the time, studying environmental issues concerning the earth, air, and/or water of a specific ecosystem.
No, but a lot of graduates do seek more advanced degrees, which expands their career options. Others go directly into the job market in manufacturing, nonprofit, business and government sectors.
Degree Options
Is a Degree in Environmental GIS right for me?
With this bachelor’s degree as your educational foundation, you have many career possibilities.
| Career/Job Title | Entry-level Education Requirements | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartographer/Photogrammetrist | Bachelor's degree | 5% (Slower than average) | $68,380 |
| Conservation Scientist and Forester | Bachelor's degree (Master’s preferred) | 7% (As fast as average) | $64,010 |
| Geographer | Bachelor's degree | 1% (Little or no change) | $85,430 |
| Environmental Scientist/Specialist | Bachelor's degree | 8% (As fast as average) | $73,230 |
Note: Salaries vary depending on several factors including your level of experience, education, training, demographics, and industry. Here is a sampling of the future job growth and salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Learn More
In-Class
Quick Facts
College of Sciences
At AUM’s College of Sciences, you will have hands-on learning experiences, working side by side with scholars and researchers using state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment.
Our academic departments include Biology and Environmental Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Psychology. To help you pay for college, you might qualify for one of our scholarships.
Official Name of this Environmental Science Degree Concentration
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental GIS
Modality
This degree requires students to meet on campus. Students in these courses enroll in a program to connect in a campus setting and to collaborate using a variety of technological and educational tools. Professors play an inspirational role in building relationships among teams and individuals in this setting. The criteria for many programs can only be met with In-Class coursework. Be sure to check with your advisor to understand the best route to take.
Environmental GIS
Required Courses
You will need to complete courses in the university core, biology, related science areas, and electives. Contact the Biology and Environmental Sciences Department for a current listing of courses required to complete the Biology Health Sciences concentration.
The course listings below are only a few of the classes this concentration requires. For a full review of this program in detail, please see our official online catalog AND consult with an academic advisor.
| Course # | Course Name | Course Description |
|---|---|---|
| ENSC 1000 | Introduction to Environmental Science | Kick off your knowledge of environmental science, the scientific method, ecology, energy, environmental policy and an examination of current environmental issues. |
| BIOL 2200 | Biostatistics | Learn statistical techniques used in research. Includes estimation and hypothesis testing, ANOVA, linear and nonlinear regression and nonparametric statistics. |
| JUST 3760 | The Environment and the Law | Learn U.S. environmental laws and enforcement processes. Review the National Environmental Protection Act, the Clean Water Act, and more. |
| ENSC 2952 | Seminar in Environmental Science | Students meet weekly to discuss assigned readings, which will vary from term to term. |
