Earth, Atmosphere and Environment

The Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment offers a B.S. degree with emphases in climate science, earth and planetary science, earth and space science education, environment and society, geospatial systems, and water and soil science. A separate B.S. in Meteorology is also offered. The emphases are designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in earth science, environmental science, geology, geography, geospatial analyses, and atmospheric science by choosing electives for multiple and wide ranging areas of study. The program also prepares students for graduate study in geology, geography, geospatial science, environmental science, and environmental studies. The program is flexible to accommodate the needs of students with a variety of interests. For this reason, the student must consult with a departmental advisor at the earliest possible opportunity to plan a program of courses that will fulfill their objectives.

The major in meteorology provides training for students interested in general meteorology, weather forecasting, and environmental meteorology, and the education necessary for graduate work in the atmospheric sciences. The program offers the student the opportunity to participate in the NIU Weather Service.

The department’s 100-level courses can be used by non-majors toward fulfilling the science area requirement of the university’s general education program. Minors are offered in geology and geography which should be of interest to majors in environmental studies, biology, physics, and chemistry. A certificate of undergraduate study in geographic information science (GIS) is also available. A departmental honors program is available for outstanding students, and participates in the interdisciplinary minors in black studies, environmental management systems, environmental studies, global studies, Latino/Latin American studies, and Southeast Asian studies.