Department of Environmental and Geosciences

Chair: Joseph Hill, Ph.D.

Contact Information: (936) 294-1451

Website: Department of Environmental and Geosciences

Mission

The primary mission of the Department of Environmental and Geosciences is to provide students of the complementary programs a comprehensive understanding of the range and depth of these scientific disciplines which encompass, respectively, environmental science and sustainability, the human and physical domains of geography, and the physical and historical domains of geology. This understanding is intended to enable our students to achieve their full potential as skilled professionals and well-qualified technical employees in a diverse range of companies and governmental organizations, and to become effective teachers and community leaders. Our programs enable students to become informed users of a range of technologies and prudent stewards of our natural resources. This understanding of the world will promote successful careers, active life-long learning, and an ability and desire to contribute positively to society.

Highlights

Located on the third floor of the Lee Drain Building, the department maintains both a Geographic Information System (GIS) lab and a combination GIS and remote sensing lab. These labs contain state-of-the-art computers, software, and scanners. We also have a van for field trips, a pick-up truck and trailer used for field research, a coring device capable of taking up to 6m core samples, high-quality GPS receivers, a large-scale flume to demonstrate sedimentation processes, and a Ground Penetrating Radar System. In order to enhance learning, all of our rooms are outfitted with video-projection systems, and our lecture rooms have sound systems and dedicated computers with Internet access that are used by the instructors for teaching purposes. Many of our students obtain internships and work with faculty members on research projects.

Academic Programs

The Department of Environmental and Geosciences currently offers only undergraduate degree programs.  See the current undergraduate catalog for more details.

Student Organizations and Activities

• Geographers of Sam Houston (GOSH) - GOSH is intended to enhance appreciation for geography through club-sponsored field trips, guest lectures, and other activities, and to promote camaraderie among geography students.
• Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) - GTU is the National Geography Honor Society and was established to promote geographic awareness and the pursuit of geographic knowledge. To be eligible for membership in this honor society, students must have at least 12 hours of geography coursework, a minimum GPA of 3.25 in their geography coursework, and an overall GPA of at least 3.0.

Internships

Educational and research opportunities using GIS are available through a variety of internship opportunities that will increase students’ skills and employment opportunities.

Scholarships

• COSET GRADUATE RECRUITMENT SCHOLARSHIP:  The College of Science and Engineering Technology (COSET) Graduate Recruitment Scholarship is a $1000 competitive scholarship awarded to outstanding students entering their first semester of a COSET master's program at SHSU and who have not been awarded a graduate assistantship.  More information can be found on the College of Science and Engineering Technology website.
• AMATO BROTHERS SCHOLARSHIP: $3,000 per year; Recipient must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, majoring in any discipline, demonstrate financial need, and exhibit commitment to continue and complete their education.  The recipient must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher in major and overall.

• COSET GRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP: The College of Science and Engineering Technology (COSET) Graduate Achievement Scholarship is a $1000 competitive scholarship awarded to students demonstrating outstanding academic progress in a COSET master’s program.  More information can be found on the College of Science and Engineering Technology website.

• THE GRADUATE STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP: The Graduate Studies Scholarship is intended for high-quality students in SHSU graduate programs.  Nominations will be accepted for both new and current students.  Application Open: Scholarship Application Form

• JAMES ELLISON KIRKLEY AWARD: Two awards (amounts vary) to majors in history, political science, geography, or sociology. Recipients are selected on basis of high academic achievement.

• For more scholarship opportunities, please visit Paying For School. 

Geology