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Apr 24, 2026
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Earth, Atmosphere and Environment (B.S.)
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The major in earth, atmosphere, and environment offers the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of specific aspects of earth science, geology, geography, and atmospheric sciences by choosing electives for multiple and wide-ranging areas of study. The department also offers a certificate in geographic information science (GIS). With the proper selection of electives, the student can meet federal civil service qualification standards as a soil scientist, hydrogeologist, or hydrologist. Students planning to pursue the earth and space science education emphasis can teach in grades 9-12, but completion of the emphasis does not fulfill all the requirements for initial educator licensure. The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml. Senior Thesis RequirementsSeniors having a cumulative GPA of 2.75 and having completed at least 26 semester hours in earth, atmosphere and environment are eligible to undertake a senior thesis. The thesis shall be a written report prepared with an approved advisor, in accordance with accepted guidelines for published scientific literature and reflecting a research effort commensurate with the hours of credit to be earned. Check departmental information for any additional requirements.
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Emphasis 1. Climate Science
Requirements in Department (43-44)
- EAE 104 - Introduction to Ocean Science Credits: 3
- OR EAE 101 - Introduction to Environmental Geography Credits: 3
- AND EAE 102 - Introduction to Environmental Geography Laboratory Credits: 1
- EAE 105 - Weather, Climate, and You Credits: 3
- EAE 106 - Weather and Climate Laboratory Credits: 1
- EAE 200 - Geoscience Career Preparation Credits: 2
- EAE 256 - Maps and Mapping Credits: 3
- EAE 359 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Credits: 3
- EAE 368 - Climate Change: Science, Impacts, and Mitigation Credits: 3
- OR EAE 443 - Global Climate Change through Time Credits: 3
- EAE 370 - Regional Climatology Credits: 3
- EAE 493 - Computer Programming for the Geosciences Credits: 3
- MET 300 - Meteorology Credits: 4
- MET 360 - Radar Meteorology Credits: 3
- OR EAE 360 - Earth from Space: Introduction to Remote Sensing Credits: 3
Upper-division EAE or MET course work (12), of which a maximum of 3 semester hours can be in EAE 390, EAE 400, EAE 489, EAE 494, EAE 498, EAE 499, or MET 491, except by approval of the director of undergraduate studies.
Requirements outside Department (11-12)
Additional courses may be substituted with written approval of the departmental undergraduate advisor. Please note corequisite information in course descriptions. Total Hours for Emphasis 1, Climate Science: 54-56
Emphasis 2. Earth and Planetary Science
Requirements in Department (40-41)
Requirements outside Department (12)
Total Hours for Emphasis 2, Earth and Planetary Science: 52-53
Emphasis 3. Earth, Atmosphere and Environment Education
Requirements listed in these sections are minimum requirements. Meeting these requirements will not guarantee students admission to the earth and space science educator licensure program or courses. Completion of this emphasis does not fulfill all requirements for initial educator licensure. Requirements in Department (41-42)
Additional Requirements for Earth Science Education (6)
Upper-division course work in EAE or, with approval of the licensure coordinator, from other areas of earth science, usually physical geography, meteorology, or astronomy (6) Requirements outside Department (20)
Please note corequisite information in course descriptions. Total Hours for Emphasis 3, Earth, Atmosphere and Environment Education: 61-62
Emphasis 4. Environment and Society
Requirements in Department (48)
Two courses from the following (6)
Upper-Division (21)
Upper-division EAE course work (21) of which a minimum of 18 semester hours shall be in courses other than EAE 390, EAE 400, EAE 489, EAE 494, EAE 498, or EAE 499, except by approval of the director of undergraduate studies. (21) Requirements Outside Department (15-19)
Total Hours for Emphasis 4, Environment and Society: 63-67
Emphasis 5. Geospatial Systems
Requirements in Department (48)
One course from the following (3)
Upper-Division (12)
Upper-division EAE course work (12) of which a minimum 9 semester hours shall be in courses other than EAE 390, EAE 400, EAE 489, EAE 494, EAE 498, and EAE 499, except by approval of the director of undergraduate studies. (12) Requirements Outside Department (12)
Total Hours for Emphasis 5, Geospatial Systems: 60
Emphasis 6. Water and Soil Science
Requirements in Department (42-43)
Upper-Division (15)
Upper-division EAE course work (15) of which a minimum of 12 semester hours shall be in courses other than EAE 489, EAE 494, EAE 496, EAE 498, or EAE 499, except by approval of the director of undergraduate studies. (15) Requirements Outside Department (12)
Total Hours for Emphasis 6, Water and Soil Science: 54-55
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