Undergraduate Handbook

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

DAYTON, OHIO

2013-2014

This handbook is designed to help you successfully navigate your way through your EES degree program and to become familiar with the procedures and policies of Wright State University, the College of Science and Mathematics, and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Links to website information and forms needed for the EES degree programs are embedded in this booklet’s text.

Please note that the information presented in this booklet is believed to be accurate but is subject to revision. Therefore, you’re encouraged to regularly consult your advisor as you choose your classes and address other academic matters. The EES Department also recommends that you review the Wright State University Undergraduate Catalog to ensure that you’re aware of all applicable university regulations, requirements, and policies. The WSU Undergraduate Catalog is the official statement of WSU policy and supersedes the information included in this handbook.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 4

• Overview of EES Degree Programs 4 • Careers in the Earth and Environmental Sciences 6

General Academic Information 9

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences 12

• Policies 12 • FAQs about Programs and Courses 12

Advising 19

• DARS 19 • Planning Your Course Schedule 19 • Registration 19

Scholarships 21

Making Connections 23

• WSU Student Organizations 23 • EES Student Organization 23 • Alumni 23 • Professional Organizations 23 • Sharing Your Time and Knowledge 25

Graduation 26

Graduate School 28

Career Employment 30

Appendix 1: EES Undergraduate Curricula 32

Appendix 2: Completing an Environmental Health Sciences Internship 35

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Introduction

Wright State University’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) was established on July 1, 2006 as a result of the merger of the former Department of Geological Sciences with the Institute for Environmental Quality. This reorganization reflects a similar trend in other academic institutions and has provided for more practical cross-disciplinary training, research collaborations, and a better opportunity for students to obtain greater breadth in their curricula.

The EES Department is mainly housed in a contiguous space on the second floors of Brehm Laboratory and Oelman Hall. Multi-million dollar renovations of these buildings were completed during 2007 and 2009 respectively. These renovations included the installation of modern classrooms and laboratories for instruction in EES, customization of research facilities for EES faculty and their students, and improving the meeting and student lounge areas. The department also maintains a Field Equipment Building that houses departmental vehicles, field equipment, sediment/rock cores, and teaching and research samples. This building was also recently renovated to accommodate research and study.

Overview of EES Degree Programs

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers several undergraduate degree concentrations that are excellent preparation for graduate school or career employment in a variety of areas.

The Earth Sciences Concentrations focus on coursework in geology and the broader earth sciences, which include subjects such as water, soils, and climate. Courses in earth science often include a laboratory section that provides hands-on experience with topics addressed in the classroom. Because field work and observation are important aspects of the earth sciences, field trips are an important part of several courses. Students have the opportunity to participate in faculty-led field lessons and research that complement classroom training and provide for greater competence in analyzing and understanding natural features.

EES-BS-Earth Sciences Concentration – The EES-BS-Earth Sciences Concentration is designed to provide background for graduate study or to enter the job market with a B.S. degree. The degree program requires coursework in geoscience fundamentals that are sequenced to increase understanding of the depth and breadth of earth sciences. The program also requires EES electives, Colloquium, and summer field courses. Thorough understanding of the earth sciences relies heavily on good understanding of the supporting physical sciences; therefore, the BS Concentration requires one year each of chemistry and physics with their corresponding laboratories. Because understanding and using scientific data often requires mathematical methods, students in the option are also required to take calculus and statistics.

EES-BA-Earth Sciences Concentration – The EES-BA-Earth Sciences Concentration includes coursework in EES requirements and electives that is similar to the core of the BS Concentration. However, the BA curriculum is less structured than the BS curriculum and offers more flexibility in coursework outside of math and science. Students completing the EES-BA-Earth Sciences Concentration often seek careers in areas such as environmental law, government policy, human resources, business management, etc.

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EES-BA-Earth Sciences Education Concentrations – Students who wish to teach earth sciences in Ohio public high schools can follow an EES-BA-Earth Sciences Education Concentration. Please note that certification for teaching is not provided by one of these concentrations alone. Upon completion of one of these concentrations, students who wish to pursue teaching licensure must then complete the Professional Educators Program Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, which is available through Wright State’s College of Education and Human Services. Graduates of an EES-BA-Earth Sciences Education Concentration and the M.Ed. Professional Educators Program are eligible to seek licensure from the Ohio Department of Education in Earth Sciences/Chemistry or Life Sciences/Earth Sciences, depending on the content of the undergraduate curriculum.

The Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) Concentration is designed to provide the skills and training required to understand and solve environmental problems that can affect both human and ecosystem health. A primary focus of the coursework in the EHS Concentration is on the transport, fate, and effects of contaminants and other stressors in the home, workplace, and natural environment. The EHS Option includes courses in environmental protection, natural resources management, worker safety, and public health. The EHS Concentration also includes an internship in which students can “try on for size” an area of work that may interest them. In recent years, EHS students have enjoyed internship employment with such organizations at The Army Corps of Engineers, Ohio EPA, Ohio county boards of health, WSU academic departments, parks districts, and private companies.

The Environmental Sciences Concentration is oriented toward understanding and managing complex issues such as acid rain, pollution, and water quality degradation. The program is designed to provide students with: (1) an understanding of the complex interactions that contribute to modern environmental issues: (2) the ability to discuss environmental issues with scientific and lay audiences; (3) a working knowledge and practical experience with both laboratory and field techniques; (4) a basic understanding of environmental policy; and (5) a solid foundation in the physical and biological sciences.

The EES Department also offers the EES Minor Concentration. The Minor Concentration in Earth Sciences is available for students majoring in other disciplines who wish to develop an understanding of earth sciences beyond what’s available through the introductory sequences alone. The program can enhance a student’s credentials for employment in the public sector or environmental industry. The Minor Concentration in Environmental Health Sciences is available to students outside the EHS Concentration who have an interest in environmental issues.

The EES Department encourages EES majors to explore other WSU minor and certificate programs that may complement their major program. For example, WSU's Department of Urban Affairs and Geography offers a Geographical Information Science (GIS) Certificate Program that may be of interest to students pursuing careers that involve cartography, remote sensing, land development, or related fields. (Additional information about GIS is offered in the “Dept. of EES – FAQs About Programs and Courses” section of this booklet.) The Minor in Biological Sciences may be of interest to students considering careers in paleontology, the environmental sciences, or other areas where a strong foundation in biological principles would be useful.

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Careers in the Earth and Environmental Sciences

A wide variety of career opportunities exists for students graduating with degrees in the earth and environmental sciences. National and international attention on energy, water, climate, and the environment has grown sharply during recent years and is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. This has spurred employment demand in: (1) industry (e.g., mining companies, providers of oil, gas, coal, and other sources of energy, and engineering and environmental consulting firms); (2) governmental agencies (e.g., national and state geologic surveys, US Army Corps of Engineers, national, state, and local parks services, soil and water resource agencies, federal and state EPA offices, national, state, and local public health offices); and (3) educational institutions at the high school, college, and university levels.

Globally, the demand for energy in both industrialized and developing nations is expected to increase dramatically during upcoming years. This demand is expected to increase the need for scientists with strong understanding of the current and prospective sources of energy and the geologic framework, technologic challenges, and economic and environmental costs and benefits of each source.

Nationally, career opportunities in the earth and environmental sciences are more diverse and widespread than ever before. Employment prospects are particularly strong in the overlapping areas of: (1) environmental consulting, which includes water and soil sampling, testing, and remediation; and (2) water resources, which includes the study of water movement through streams, rocks and unconsolidated sediment, ways to increase the availability of water, and ways to minimize the spread of pollutants.

Regionally, the discovery of enormous volumes of potentially recoverable natural gas in portions of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and neighboring states has prompted the growth of high-paying jobs that is expected to increase during the coming years or even decades. These job opportunities stem from: (1) the presence of hydrocarbons in geologic formations known as the Utica and Marcellus Shales; and (2) recent technologic developments in horizontal drilling, hydrologic fracturing, and other methods that enhance the recovery of natural gas and petroleum. In addition to the expansion of jobs related directly to the operation of drilling rigs, opportunities are also expected to increase in related professional and skilled areas, including geophysical prospecting, environmental permitting, environmental monitoring, water transport, wastewater management, worker safety, and other areas where EES graduates have proficiencies.

Locally, business and political leaders have recently been promoting the Miami Valley’s buried-valley aquifer system, which is one of the cleanest and most abundant sources of fresh water in the country. This promotional effort is intended to attract businesses to the area that rely on the availability of large amounts of fresh water for their operations. (Such businesses include producers of foods, beverages, paper, pharmaceuticals, and other manufactured goods.) If successful, this initiative would benefit the local economy during upcoming years and would almost certainly increase local demand for employees with knowledge of the geologic and environmental aspects of ground and surface water.

The following page contains a partial sampling of career titles in the earth and environmental sciences.

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Earth Sciences

Astronomer

Earth Science Teacher

Economic Geologist

Engineering Geologist

Environmental Geologist

Geochemist

Geomorphologist

Geophysicist

Glacial Geologist

Hydrogeologist

Hydrologist

Marine Geologist

Mineralogist

Museum Curator

Paleontologist

Petroleum Geologist

Planetary Geologist

Sedimentologist

Seismologist

Soils Engineer

Stratigrapher

Structural Geologist

Volcanologist

Well Logging Specialist

Environmental Sciences

Atmospheric Scientist

Conservationist

Ecologist

Ecotourism Guide

Environmental Analyst

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lobbyist

Fisheries Officer

Forester

Forest Ranger

Meteorologist

Naturalist

Natural Resources Manager

Oceanographer

Outdoor Educator

Park Ranger

Project Ecologist

Rangeland Management Specialist

Remediation Specialist

Remote Sensing Specialist

Soil Scientist

Urban/Regional Planner

Environmental Health Sciences

Air Quality Specialist

Emergency Preparedness Specialist

Environmental Lawyer

Epidemiologist

Food Safety Inspector

Hazardous Materials Manager

Health Commissioner

Health Services Administrator

Industrial Hygienist

Injury Prevention Specialist

Laboratory Technician

Pollution Control Specialist

Pollution Remediator

Public Affairs Specialist

Public Health Manager

Safety Inspector

Sanitarian

Sustainability Administrator

Toxicologist

Waste Management Specialist

Water Quality Control Technician

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More information about careers in the earth and environmental sciences is available via the following links:

• AEHAP – Careers in Environmental Health • geology.com – Geology Jobs • Rutgers Career Services - Career Opportunities for Majors in Ecology, Evolution, & Natural

Resources • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Geoscientists and Hydrologists • University of North Carolina at Wilmington – What Can I Do With a Major In... • Virginia Tech Division of Student Affairs – Natural Resources Career Fields • Wayne State University – Careers in Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences • WSU Career Services – Careers in Environmental Health Science • WSU Career Services – Careers in Geological Sciences

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General Academic Information

WSU Undergraduate Catalog – The 2013-2014 University Catalog is your primary resource for information about the university’s academic policies, opportunities, and programs.

Undergraduate Admissions – WSU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions can help with all aspects of becoming a student at Wright State. Please note that any transcripts for credits you may acquire before or after being admitted to WSU should be sent to WSU’s Office of Admissions.

Registrar’s Office – WSU’s Office of the Registrar provides information about registration, transcripts, and graduation. The Office of the Registrar is housed within Raider Connect, which is students’ primary contact for enrollment services.

Transfer Credits – If you have questions about transferring courses you’ve taken – or may take – elsewhere, WSU Transfer Services can help. The office’s web site offers links to the articulation agreements WSU has with area schools.

You can also obtain information about the transferability of credits from other educational institutions to WSU by using the transfer.org website. To access that information, log onto transfer.org and select "Equivalencies by School." Under Step 1, select "Ohio" and "Wright State University." Under Step 2, select the name of the state where you’ve taken or plan to take courses. Under Step 3, select the name of the school where you’ve taken or plan to take courses and then click on "Add Schools." You should then get a "Step 4" that lists the name of the school you’ve chosen. Click on "Create Guide." You should then get a page with two columns (the transferring school to the left and WSU to the right). Next to both school names, there should be a pull-down list containing "all" and various academic departments. If you select "all" (next to either school), you should get a list of courses from the transferring school and the WSU courses for which they'll substitute.

Ohio Transfer Module (OTM) – Students who complete the OTM at another school before transferring to Wright State will be considered by the university to have completed the requirements of the Wright State Core Program. However, please note that students in EES programs are required to complete courses that the department substitutes for Wright State Core requirements listed by the university. Examples of these are courses in the EES 2510-2550 series that are required for the Natural Sciences section of WSU’s Core requirements.

Financial Aid – WSU’s Office of Financial Aid assists students and their families with financial planning for college and provides information about the various types of financial aid that may be available to students. The office also offers information about WSU scholarships. EES students are encouraged to apply for these opportunities, regardless of income, GPA, or academic standing. Please note that February 15 of each year is the deadline for applying for WSU's Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarships. Among these many scholarships is the Ervin B. Lacy, II Memorial Scholarship, which is available to African Americans or females with a declared major in Environmental Health Sciences. More information about scholarships outside of WSU is available in the “Scholarships” section of this handbook.

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Mathematics – All EES degree programs require courses in mathematics. Math courses are also prerequisites for other courses in EES degree programs; therefore, EES students are encouraged to pursue their math requirements as early as possible. For support with your math classes, consult the Math Learning Center.

Math Placement – With minor exceptions, any student who has never taken a mathematics or statistics course in college is required to take WSU’s Math Placement Test. After completing the placement test, a student will be assigned a placement level that corresponds to the math or statistics course(s) that are best suited to the student’s current proficiencies in math. For information about the prerequisites for commonly-required math and statistics courses, see the Department of Mathematics and Statistics Undergraduate Prerequisites.

Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) – WSU students are required to complete a minimum of four courses designated as Integrated Writing (IW), two in the Wright State Core and two in the major. The number of IW courses required for transfer students may be fewer, depending on the number of credits transferred to WSU.

Graduate Course Permission – Undergraduate students ranked at the senior level may, under certain circumstances, take graduate courses for graduate or undergraduate credit. To be eligible for Graduate Course Permission, students must meet all of the following qualifications:

• Pursuing an undergraduate degree at Wright State University • Senior status • 3.0 cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate work completed at WSU • Undergraduate advisor's approval • Permission of the chair of each department in which graduate credit is desired

Textbooks – Information about textbooks used in WSU classes is available from the WSU Bookstore by visiting the bookstore (E128 Student Union) or by going to Bookstore web page, clicking on "Textbooks," and selecting the semester, department, and course number for each of your classes.

You can also purchase textbooks from the College Store on Colonel Glenn Hwy (across the street from the WSU campus) and also from many online vendors after you know the titles and edition numbers of your textbooks. Other online sources with information about textbooks include:

• CourseSmart provides textbooks in online format • Best Book Buys compares prices between major vendors of new and used books

Other WSU Resources:

• Career Services can provide a wide range of information about careers and finding employment • Disability Services offers a variety of services that allow students with disabilities to participate

in all aspects of university life

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• Student Support Services provides a variety of student advocacy services, including support services for students experiencing family or personal emergencies

• University Honors Program provides enriched educational opportunities to academically talented and highly motivated undergraduate students

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Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

This section includes basic information and comments about EES departmental policies and addresses FAQs about degree programs, courses, and research opportunities.

Policies

Entering an EES degree program – The entry requirements for the EES undergraduate programs are a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and completion of two science courses with a grade of "C" or higher. You may apply for admission to an EES major degree program by visiting the College of Science and Mathematics Office of Student Services in 106 Oelman and completing a Change of Major application. (To request adding a minor in EES, complete an Adding a Minor application.) These requests may also be made through Wings Express by selecting the “Major/Minor Change Request” option in the “Registration and Records” section of your account. At the time of your acceptance into the EES Department, the Director of Undergraduate Programs in EES will become your academic advisor.

EES Department Honors Program – Departmental Honors may be earned apart from or in addition to University Honors. Candidates accepted into the EES Honors Program must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and may apply toward the end of their junior year. Students must also apply to the EES Department and notify the University Honors Program (even when not pursuing University Honors). Students earning Departmental Honors must satisfactorily complete a Senior Thesis, which requires a total of between four and six credits in EES 4960. (For more information about completing a Senior Thesis, please see the “FAQ – Undergraduate Research” entry that appears later in this section.) Application forms and additional information about Departmental Honors are available from your advisor.

Petitions – Requests that an EES Department regulation be waived may be made with an EES Academic Petition. Petition forms are available from your advisor or the EES Department Office. You are required to consult with your advisor before completing a petition, which will be forwarded to the EES Department’s Undergraduate Studies Committee for consideration. Please note that requests to waive university regulations should be made by completing a WSU Undergraduate Petition Form.

Student Records – The EES Department maintains records for each student in the department. It’s important that you notify your advisor if you participate in research, receive a grant, award, or scholarship, or attain another significant achievement. Such information is helpful when your advisor or a faculty member reviews your record for awards or writing letters of recommendation.

FAQs About EES Degree Programs, Courses, and Undergraduate Research

What are the major differences between the Earth Sciences BS and BA degree programs?

The BS in Earth Sciences requires more courses in math and science than does the BA degree program. Students pursuing the BS in Earth Sciences are required to take chemistry, calculus, physics, statistics, and computer programming. The BA in Earth Sciences requires fewer courses in math and science and is

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somewhat less structured than the BS program. Students pursuing the BA in Earth Sciences have more latitude in their choice of coursework and are required to complete 18 hours of credits outside of the Colleges of Science and Mathematics and Engineering and Computer Science. This flexibility allows students to supplement their required courses with a wide sampling of other course offerings or to earn an additional credential such as a second major, a minor, or a certificate program.

The BS program is excellent preparation for graduate study since most graduate programs in the geosciences require a strong foundation in math and science. Students who complete only the minimum math and science requirements of the BA program may be able to enter some graduate programs; however, programs with more stringent standards may require such a student to complete additional math and science courses as “deficiencies” during the student’s graduate experience. Alternatively, students in the BA degree program who plan their coursework carefully can satisfy the admissions requirements of many graduate programs. This usually involves completing more than the minimum math and science courses required by the BA program.

In terms of career opportunities, the math and science included in the BS degree program provides a more favorable background for employment involving field and laboratory research. On the other hand, students in the BA program have the opportunity to tailor their coursework to suit specific types of employment. As an example, students interested in employment in business, legal, or human resources offices of companies in the geosciences or environmental fields may wish to take business, psychology, and liberal arts courses as electives in their BA degree program.

Some employers don’t mention BS vs. BA when posting job descriptions. Many entry-level job postings specify something similar to “Bachelor’s degree in geology, earth science, environmental science, or related field required.” However, it’s important to remember that entry into career employment is competitive and that when hiring for positions requiring technical and analytical skills, an employer may give higher preference to graduates having more background in math and science.

To sum up, as you choose your degree program and electives courses it will be important to keep in mind the requirements of graduate programs or the preferences of employers in the specific areas that interest you.

I’m in an EES-BA-Earth Sciences Education Concentration. What do I need to know about scheduling my ED courses and obtaining teaching licensure?

Students pursuing an EES-BA-Earth Science Education Concentration should meet with an advisor in the College of Education and Human Services to discuss the scheduling of education (ED) courses, obtain information on Praxis testing, and receive information about the Master of Education Program. The CEHS website includes information about how to meet with an advisor.

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I’m in the EES-BS-Environmental Health Sciences Concentration. What are some courses that may be used as Science Electives within this degree program?

Courses used to satisfy the “Science Electives” portion of the EES-BS-EHS Concentration must be upper-level science or geography courses that are reasonably related to the environmental health sciences. Examples include:

BIO 3800 – Conservation Biology

BIO 3850 – Tropical Ecology

BIO 4070 – Wetlands Biology

BIO 4730 – Marine Biology

CHM 3120 – Quantitative Analysis

CHM 4020 – Environmental Chemistry

EES 3700 – HAZWOPER Refresher

EES 4240 – Oceanography

EES 4290 – Remote Sensing of Earth

EES 4300 – Environmental Applications of Geographic Information Systems

EES 4360 – Environmental Field Techniques

EES 4750 – Biological Safety

GEO 3500 – Environmental Geography

GEO 4000 – Climate Meteorology

GEO 4430 – Geographic Information Systems

GEO 4840 – Biogeography

Students considering careers in the environmental protection and natural resource management sectors are encouraged to apply earth science courses (at or above the 2000 level) to the Science Electives section of the curriculum. Undergraduate research credit earned in EES 4960 or EES 4990 may also qualify as a Science Elective. (For more information about undergraduate research opportunities in EES, please see below.) If you have questions about the suitability of other prospective Science Electives courses that interest you, please contact your advisor.

What Opportunities Exist for Student Research at the Undergraduate Level?

The EES Department encourages undergraduate students to participate in research. Research is an excellent way to increase your knowledge and is essential to advancing the overall understanding of the earth and environmental sciences. Undergraduate research also looks great on a résumé and can be a determining factor when a student is being considered for entry into a graduate program. Students who perform research are encouraged to present their results at conferences and other public forums. These venues can be a good opportunity to interact with others who share your research interests and to visit with faculty and other representatives from graduate programs across the country. Please note that the EES Department has funds available for undergraduate students traveling to professional meetings.

Senior Thesis – If you would like to pursue a senior thesis, it would be helpful to become aware of EES Faculty Research Interests and contact the instructor who is involved in the area of research that most

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interests you. Let him or her know you'd like to pursue a senior thesis and ask if he/she would be available and willing to advise you on a project. Your research advisor and you would need to design a research project equivalent to between 4 and 6 credit hours of study. You'd register for those credit hours as EES 4960. (Please note that your research and your registration for EES 4960 could occur during more than one semester.) You'd also need to complete a summary proposal for your project (~200 words), complete the Senior Thesis and Honors Application (and have it signed by both your thesis advisor and your academic advisor), and complete the research project. For additional information about senior theses, please ask your advisor for copies of Senior Thesis and Honors Guidelines and Senior Thesis and Honors Application.

Independent Research Opportunities – Students may, with faculty approval, pursue other short-term research opportunities and receive course credit as EES 3990. This requires discussing with EES faculty any research opportunities they may be able to offer.

EES Courses

Descriptions of undergraduate courses offered at Wright State University are available in the Undergraduate Course Descriptions section of the WSU Undergraduate Catalog or by logging onto Wings Express and navigating through the “Course Catalog” option. Included below are FAQs about selected EES courses.

What is Colloquium?

Colloquium (EES 4280) is offered during Fall and Spring Semesters and is designed to broaden your awareness of topics in the earth and environmental sciences. The course consists of weekly meetings (for ~one hour on Thursday afternoons) in which research presentations are given. During Fall Semester, the presentations are usually made by EES faculty whereas Spring Semester the presentations are typically given by invited guests.

Most EES undergraduate degree programs require two semesters of EES 4280. There are no prerequisites for the course and students may fulfill their requirements for Colloquium during whichever semesters are most convenient. (Junior or senior years are best.) Please note that attending Colloquium during Fall Semester is a good way to acquaint yourself with EES faculty and their respective areas of research.

What is HAZWOPER?

EES 3680 (HAZWOPER) is a health and safety training course offered during Spring Semester for individuals who may become involved in activities involving hazardous materials. The course fulfills the requirements for 29 CFR Part 1910.120 (e) under OSHA requirements. Students receive a certificate of participation when successfully completing the course. HAZWOPER certification is often required or preferred for employment in the environmental industry. Enrollment in the class usually includes high

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numbers of students outside EES and each offering of the course typically becomes filled to capacity. Therefore, it’s best to add EES 3680 to your schedule as early as you can after the opening of the Spring Semester registration period. Maintaining HAZWOPER certification requires yearly refresher training, which is available in EES 3700.

What are the EES 4340, 4350, and 4360 field courses?

EES 4340, 4350, and 4360 are offered during the summer and provide an introduction to mapping methods, geological field mapping, and environmental field techniques respectively. Many of the concepts covered in these courses were taught in EES 434-Field Geology, which used to be the department’s “capstone” course for undergraduates in Earth Sciences. The main advantage of replacing Field Geology with the newer field courses is much of the content of these courses is taught from the Wright State campus. This requires students with local family or employment obligations to be away from Dayton only for EES 4350.

Because the EES field courses are meant to be the capstone of your undergraduate training, they are best taken in the summer before your last academic year or as the final course in your degree program. Also, because the EES degree options require a course that is offered only in the summer, students in the department can request permission to participate in the Spring Commencement when they will be completing the field courses in the Summer Semester immediately following. As a capstone, students should have completed several upper-level EES courses as preparation for the field courses. For this reason, Department Permission is required for registration. Permission to register for the field courses will be considered after your record is reviewed. Alternatively, students who wish to take a more traditional geology “field camp” through another institution may do so with EES advisor approval. (The substitute course must be at least 4 semester hours.) However, please note that attending another institution’s field camp may involve substantial expense for tuition, fees, travel, and housing. Information about geology field camps offered by other institutions is available from:

• Geology.com – Geology Field Camps • Geosciences at Virginia Tech – Field Camp Listing

What is the Environmental Health Sciences Internship (EES 3660)?

Students in the Environmental Health Sciences degree program are required to complete an internship. These internships are typically fulfilled by full-time work during the summer months although some students choose to work part time during the academic year. Most internship experiences involve paid employment, but students may also perform volunteer internships. Students who satisfactorily complete an internship receive academic credit for the internship by registering for EES 3660.

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Students must complete 3 upper-level EES courses before beginning their internship work. This requirement and other polices are outlined in the Environmental Health Sciences Internship Program booklet, which is available from your advisor. The basic requirements for the internship include:

• 400 hours of work supervised by an environmental sciences professional • Final evaluation by your supervisor • Internship report

Information about arranging internship employment is provided in Appendix 2 of this booklet.

What is GIS?

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a computer-based information system that compiles and manages various types of data linked to geographic locations. GIS allows the user to manage information in many ways that reveal relationships and patterns in the form of maps, charts, and reports. Proficiency with GIS is helpful (if not required) for many types of employment in the earth and environmental sciences. Courses that provide training in GIS include EES 4300 (Environmental Applications of Geographic Information Systems) and GEO 4430 (Geographic Information Systems).

What are EES 3450 and EES 3460?

EES 3450 and EES 3460 are designed for education majors and enrollment in those courses is restricted to students pursuing education programs outside the EES Department. The courses cover foundational earth science concepts and methods for teaching earth science at the pre-college level.

Are there EES courses that are not available as electives for majors?

In addition to EES 3450 and EES 3460, several other courses in the EES Department are designed for non-EES majors (e.g., EES 1050, EES 1070, and some sections of EES 4010 and EES 4990). Please consult your advisor or the course instructor if you have questions about the suitability of a course that may interest you.

Why are different titles sometimes listed for the same EES course numbers?

EES 3990, EES 4010, and EES 4990 are variable-title courses for EES classes that haven’t been established as permanent courses, that are intended to be offered sporadically or only once, or that provide for specialized study, research, or student teaching. In most cases, students may repeat courses having these numbers.

How do online classes work?

Online classes allow students to complete coursework mostly or entirely from home, WSU computer labs, or other places where computing arrangements meet basic technical requirements. Online classes sometimes involve preliminary meetings on campus near the beginning of the semester. After that, students are expected to complete and submit assignments online within given time windows. Most online classes follow the conventional start/finish schedule for the academic term during which the class

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is offered. Please contact the course instructor for details about specific online classes that may interest you.

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Advising

Dr. David Schmidt, Director of Undergraduate Programs in EES, is the academic advisor for undergraduate students in the department. His office is located in 227B Oelman Hall and he may be reached at david.schmidt@wright.edu or (937) 775-3539. You are encouraged to consult with Dr. Schmidt for assistance in identifying career options, selecting your degree program, choosing your courses, and addressing any other academic questions or concerns.

DARS – The Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS) produces a report showing how your WSU courses, transfer courses, and courses in progress apply toward your degree requirements. It can also show you how your credits apply to a different degree program. The report is an unofficial summary of your academic record and is a handy tool to assist you in planning your future coursework. Your DARS report can help you keep track of your uncompleted requirements and guide you towards graduating at your desired time. Your DARS report is available to you via Wings Express and should default to your current degree program when you log in. The Student Zone of WSU’s Wings Resource Center offers several instructional videos about DARS.

If you have questions about your DARS report or if you believe it needs any kind of adjustment, please contact your advisor.

Planning Your Course Schedule – Framing out a plan to complete your remaining coursework is important for staying on track for graduation and reducing the likelihood that you’ll encounter problems when registering for your classes. Here are some guidelines for planning your upcoming course schedule:

• Run a copy of your DARS report and verify that all of your completed coursework is properly categorized.

• Make a list of the courses you still need and any prerequisites they may require. • Check the WSU Course Planning Guide to see when the courses you need will be offered. • Add to the list of the courses you still need the semester(s) in which they’ll be offered. • Make a schedule for each semester prior to your expected graduation date. While doing so, be

sure to: (a) give priority to those courses having limited offerings; and (b) properly sequence any courses that have prerequisites.

Registration – It’s a good idea to register for classes as early as possible after the beginning of your assigned registration start time. Registering early gives you the best selection of class sections and helps you conveniently arrange your schedule. To determine when you are eligible to register, log onto Wings Express, select “Registration and Records,” and “Registration Status.”

Your advisor may be able to help if you encounter problems with course availability. For extreme problems with course availability (such as those that might delay your graduation), the EES Undergraduate Studies Committee will consider petitions for substitute options. Check with your advisor about this. Note that a transferable substitute course might also be offered by a neighboring

19

institution. However, it’s highly recommended that you discuss any anticipated transfer credits with your EES advisor before enrolling in a course at another school to verify that: (1) the transfer will be accepted for your degree program; and (2) you’ll comply with college and university residency requirements for graduation (e.g., at least 10 of the last 30 hours of credit must be earned at WSU).

"Back Out Dates" – If you are unable to register for a class due to a lack of open seats, please note that the Registrar's Office may administratively withdraw students from their courses if they haven't paid their fees. This process occurs on “Back Out Dates” that take place approximately two weeks before the beginning of the upcoming semester during the regular school year (August 15, December 15) and on April 15 prior to Summer Semester. As a result of this process, seats in some closed courses may become available around those dates.

Also, during the registration period for Fall Semester, some academic departments (e.g., Chemistry) reserve seats in introductory courses for incoming freshman students. These “Learning Community” seats stay reserved until approximately August 13; any unfilled seats usually become available within a day or two afterward.

Course Prerequisites – The Registrar's Office automatically sends an e-mail alert when a student lacks a prerequisite for a class he/she has enrolled in. Those messages serve as warnings that academic departments may administratively drop students from courses in such cases. On the other hand, course prerequisites may occasionally become outdated or unimportant to a course’s instructor. Therefore, if you have a strong interest in a course for which you lack a prerequisite, you may wish to contact the course's instructor or academic department to verify the importance of the prerequisite.

Registration Overrides – There are several types of situations that may prevent a student from registering for a class (e.g., pre-requisites not met by the student, instructor permission required, met and/or exceeded capacity, etc.). These situations usually require some type of special permission from an instructor or academic department before you may enroll. These permissions are called overrides because they require a restriction to be overridden in order for a student to register for a course. Requesting approval to register for a closed or restricted course typically requires contacting the instructor and/or academic department offering the course. In some cases where permission to enroll is granted, you may be required to obtain a signature from an approver on a printed copy of Wright State University’s Registration Activity Form.

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Scholarships

Scholarships can be an excellent source of financial assistance for students who demonstrate outstanding academic talent or who are dedicated to their studies but struggling due to financial difficulties. A scholarship is a financial merit-based award that requires an application and (usually) various supporting documents. Completing application forms and compiling associated materials can be time consuming but beneficial. Along with the possibility of receiving financial rewards, applying for scholarships can help a student organize the same information needed for compiling a résumé. This information may include:

• GPA • Research and Publishing Activities • Awards and Honors Received • Leadership Experiences (e.g., student government, serving as an officer in student clubs, etc.) • Work Experiences and Internships • Departmental Involvement • Civic Involvement • Athletics

Different scholarships have different application requirements. Some application processes are simple whereas others may be complicated. Whatever the requirements, it’s important to follow instructions carefully and proofread everything you’re submitting.

Scholarship applications frequently require an essay or some other written portion. A written essay is an opportunity to communicate your values and to distinguish yourself in a positive way to committees and individuals reviewing your application. Also, scholarship applications often require letters of recommendation from faculty, advisors, or others who are familiar with your academic program and what you’ve accomplished. When asking people to write letters of recommendation for you, it helps to provide them with a copy of the scholarship application requirements, a copy of your résumé, and perhaps some kind of evidence of your academic talent and dedication (e.g., a project or paper). These materials will help them to write more specifically about your skills and accomplishments.

If a scholarship application process requires an interview, it’s usually best to dress for the occasion in semi-formal to formal business attire. It’s also important to make sure you’re thoroughly familiar with all aspects of your résumé and your other application materials in case you’re asked to elaborate on anything you’ve included. WSU Career Services can help you manage the interview; also, more information about interviews is included in the “Career Employment” section of this booklet.

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Scholarship Resources

• AEHAP Environmental Health Sciences Scholarships • American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) Scholarship Program • Choose Ohio First (COF; scholarships for selected undergraduate and graduate students who are

interested in pursuing a major in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Medicine (STEMM). The COF scholarships are competitive and vary in amounts from $1,500 to $4,700 annually.)

• George Eagle Memorial Scholarship (for students in the Environmental Health Sciences) • The Ohio Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Scholarship Program • The Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP) Scholarship Program (for students

with career goals in the crude oil and natural gas industry or related energy field) • U.S. Department of Education – Federal Student Aid • WSU scholarships

It may also be helpful to ask your instructors about scholarships that might be available in their specific research or professional areas.

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Making Connections

A large benefit to being in school is the opportunity to develop friendships and make contacts. Interacting with people who have the values, interests, and other characteristics you respect can make college life more enjoyable and fulfilling. Becoming involved in co-curricular activities can broaden your interests, expand your skills, and help you build a solid résumé. Connecting with people can also widen your opportunities for future employment. Getting a job can often come down to who you know; an estimated 60% of job seekers find a job through personal contacts such as professors, advisors, fellow alumni, family, or friends.

Wright State University Student Organizations – Wright State University has more than 180 student organizations registered with the Office of Student Activities. These organizations offer students a wide variety of ways to get involved on campus. Participating in student organizations can help you feel more connected to the university and help you become more familiar with university resources. Participating in the Wright State University Student Government can help students develop leadership and communication skills. Experience with Student Government also looks great on a résumé.

EES Student Organizations – EES student clubs have traditionally been involved in some interesting and enjoyable activities (e.g., field trips, outreach events, Spring Semester departmental dinners, designing and printing departmental t-shirts, etc.). Serving as a student club officer can also enhance a résumé or an application to graduate school. EES student clubs include:

• SEES (Students in Earth and Environmental Sciences) • WSU Student Chapter of the Kitty Hawk Section of the American Society of Safety Engineers

Alumni – Alumni often have a keen interest in helping students from their former academic programs. Interacting with alumni can increase your awareness of career fields, job functions, and the skills they require. Alumni may also be sources of information about jobs that may not be publicly advertised. Opportunities to communicate with alumni include activities associated with fall homecoming and other events involving the WSU Student Alumni Association. Alumni groups also have a presence on some online networking sites. For more information about online networking, see the information WSU Career Services offers about the LinkedIn networking site.

Professional Organizations – Joining a professional organization can help you learn about career options and stay up to date on the latest news and research in your areas of interest. It can also help you obtain information about upcoming conferences, expand your network of professionals, and learn about career paths and job opportunities. The following page includes a list of professional organizations in the earth and environmental sciences.

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Earth Sciences

• American Association of Petroleum Geologists

• American Geological Institute • American Geophysical Union • American Institute of Hydrology • American Institute of Professional

Geologists • Association of Engineering Geologists • Association for Women Geoscientists • Geological Society of America • Mineralogical Society of America • Paleontological Society • Seismological Society of America • Society for Sedimentary Geology • Society of Economic Geologists • Society of Exploration Geophysicists • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

Environmental Health Sciences

• Air and Waste Management Association

• American Conference of Gov't Industrial Hygienists

• American Industrial Hygiene Association

• American Public Health Association • American Society of Safety Engineers

• Association of Public Health Laboratories

• Environmental Safety & Health Association for High Technology

• International Association for Aerobiology

• International Dose-Response Society • International Society of Exposure

Science • International Society for Indoor Air

Quality • International Society for

Environmental Epidemiology • International Society of Regulatory

Toxicology and Pharmacology • National Environmental Health

Association • National Institute of Environmental

Health Science • National Toxicology Program • Ohio Environmental Health

Association • Pan American Aerobiology Association • Premier Association for Environmental

Health and Safety Management • Society for Risk Analysis • Society of Environmental Toxicology

and Chemistry (SETAC) • Society of Toxicology

Environmental Sciences

• Advancing the Science of Limnology and Oceanography

• American Fisheries Society • American Meteorological Society • American Planning Association • Ecological Society of America • Environmental Law Institute • Environmental Psychology

Organizations • International Association of Landscape

Ecology • National Association of Environmental

Professionals • North American Association for

Environmental Education • Society for Conservation Biology • Society for Ecological Restoration

International • Society of Wetland Scientists • Society Promoting Environmental

Conservation • Soil Science Society of America • Wildlife Society

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Sharing Your Time and Knowledge – Any amount of time you can share with others allows you to increase your skills, gain practical experience, and make a difference in your community.

• Becoming a tutor can reinforce your understanding of a subject, help you enlighten students who need extra help, and earn you some extra money.

• The CoSM’s Dean’s Circle is a select group of students who are committed to promoting STEM awareness and improving the experiences of students in WSU’s College of Science and Mathematics.

• With departmental approval, serving as an undergraduate Teaching Assistant may earn you academic credit. This is done through the course EES 4910 Teaching Experience. Most teaching opportunities are available on a semester-by-semester basis in the EES 2510-2550 series and selected upper-level EES courses. Undergraduate students who may be interested in serving as a teaching assistant are encouraged to contact their advisor for more information.

• WSU’s Office of Service Learning and Office of Student Activities promote volunteer and other service activities.

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Graduation

To graduate with a bachelor's degree from Wright State University, students must fulfill all departmental degree requirements and the following university requirements:

• Credit Hours – A minimum of 120 credit hours must be earned in approved courses. (Please note that this minimum is exceeded by the hours required in most EES degree programs.)

• Grade Point Average – A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be earned for courses taken at Wright State University.

• Wright State Core – The Wright State Core (formerly “General Education”) requirements must be completed.

• Writing Across the Curriculum – The university's Writing Across the Curriculum requirements must be met.

• Residence Regulations – A minimum of 30 credit hours must be earned at Wright State University. Credit by evaluation will not be considered as residency credit. At least 10 of the last 30 hours of credit must be earned at Wright State. A minimum of 20 hours of courses numbered 3000 or above must be earned at Wright State.

Applying for Graduation – Please note that graduation is not automatic after you complete your degree requirements. Undergraduate students who are planning to graduate are required to: (1) contact their academic advisor to obtain graduation approval; and (2) complete an online graduation application and submit a $35 application processing fee.

To submit your online graduation application and payment, please follow these steps:

1. Log into WINGS Express. 2. Select the “Student and Financial Aid” tab. 3. Once there, select the “Registration & Records” menu link. 4. Scroll down to the bottom of the menu and select the "Apply for Graduation" link.

The filing deadlines for degree applications are shown below:

Graduation Date

Application Deadline

August (Summer Semester) May 17

December (Fall Semester)

September 7

April (Spring Semester)

January 18

If you happen to lack the requirements for graduating in the semester for which you apply, you will need to re-apply for the next semester (or for whenever your degree requirements will be complete) although you will be charged the application processing fee only once.

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If you have – or are anticipating – credits from other schools, be sure to transfer them to WSU as early as possible. Please arrange for your transcripts to be mailed to:

Wright State University Office of Undergraduate Admissions 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy. Dayton, OH 45435-0001

In order to participate in Commencement (the university’s graduation ceremony), all students must meet graduation eligibility requirements and register to indicate that they plan to participate.

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Graduate School

Graduate study is a great way to increase your knowledge and your credentials for employment. In fact, many professional jobs in the earth and environmental sciences require graduate degrees. Graduate degrees include academic degrees, which focus on original research; and professional degrees, which stress competency in the skills needed to practice a profession. Graduate degrees include master’s degrees and doctorates.

Master’s degrees often take one to three years to earn and usually require a thesis project. Examples of master’s degrees include:

• Master of Science (M.S.) • Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) • Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) • Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) • Master of Science in Teaching (M.S.T.) • Other Teaching Credential programs

Doctorates generally take at least four more years to complete and usually require substantial original research and completion of a dissertation. Students who pursue doctorates often complete a master’s degree first, then study at a different institution for their doctoral work. Examples of doctorates include:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) • Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

When considering students for admission to graduate programs, admissions committees select students who appear to be gifted, highly motivated, and well suited for research. The following criteria are typically important to most admissions committees:

• Undergraduate Coursework • Undergraduate GPA • Research Experience • Letters of Recommendation • Statements of Purpose • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores

Therefore, graduate programs usually require that application materials include:

• Application Form (including a Statement of Purpose) • Undergraduate Transcripts • Letters of Recommendation • GRE Scores

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The General GRE is a computer-based standardized test of academic skills in three sections:

• Writing • Verbal (analogies, completions, reading comprehension) • Quantitative (problem solving, quantitative comparison)

It’s helpful to practice ahead of time for the GRE and become familiar with the test’s organization and timing. The WSU University Libraries offer books and electronic resources that help students prepare for the GRE.

When applying for graduate school or professional programs, don’t forget to apply for assistantships or other forms of financial aid. Many graduate programs offer teaching or research assistantships that provide a tuition waiver and monthly stipend in exchange for student contribution to teaching or research.

EES Graduate Programs

The EES Department offers both the Master of Science and the Master of Science in Teaching (Earth Science) programs. The Master of Science degree program prepares students for careers as professional geoscientists in industry, government, or for a Ph.D. degree. The program typically involves two years of full-time study and involves both coursework and thesis requirements. During the first year, students focus on coursework and planning their research. The second year is mainly involved with gathering and processing data, writing, and presenting research results. The Master of Science in Teaching (Earth Science) program prepares a student for teaching Earth Science at K-12 level. Students can usually complete the Master of Science in Teaching degree in two summers and the intervening academic year. Admission standards and application instructions for EES graduate programs are available on the EES Department’s web site. General information about graduate study at Wright State University is available from the WSU Graduate School.

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Career Employment

It’s never too early to begin career planning because it’s a process you may use throughout much of your professional life. Early investigation of your career choices helps you: (1) identify factors that are important to consider when choosing an occupation; and (2) determine what occupations and careers best match your skills, interests, values, and characteristics. It may be helpful to make an appointment with WSU’s Office of Career Services to find out more about careers and opportunities in the field(s) you are considering entering.

Finding a Job

The steps to finding a job generally include compiling a résumé, locating job openings, composing cover letters, and interviewing.

Résumés – Students who are anticipating internship or career employment are encouraged to compile and periodically update their résumés. WSU’s Office of Career Services has information on how to create a résumé. When preparing your résumé, be sure to include work experience, honors, awards, certifications, participation in organizations and clubs, and service and volunteer work. After you’ve compiled a résumé, it’s a good idea to keep it handy as an electronic file (e.g., by e-mailing a copy to yourself or keeping it in your flash drive) in case you need to access it quickly. Good employment opportunities sometimes require quick action!

Locating Job Openings – Various strategies can be used to locate job openings. Some methods that may be helpful include:

• Making use of the WSU Office of Career Services Wright Search service, which connects WSU students and alumni with employers.

• Searching local and national online job sites using a variety of key words (e.g., job titles and degree names).

• Meeting with prospective employers in your field of interest at recruiting/job fairs. • Meeting with alumni in prospective career fields through the WSU Student Alumni Association. • Making contacts with employers, adjunct faculty, and other working professionals in your field

of interest. • Making online connections (e.g., WSU Career Services offers information on the LinkedIn

networking site).

Cover Letters – The purpose of a cover letter is to indicate your interest in a specific job. Cover letters often accompany a résumé, show a prospective employer that you’ve researched the position being offered, and highlight your qualifications for the position. Information about composing cover letters is available via the following:

• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) – Workplace Writers • Southern Methodist University – How to compose an effective cover letter

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Job Interviews – The interview is your opportunity to convince an employer that you have the qualifications and experiences that fit the employer’s needs. It’s also a good way to learn whether or not a job and organization might fit your needs and expectations, so it’s important to ask questions during the interview. WSU Career Services can help you manage the interview. Some recommendations to keep in mind before, during, and after an interview include:

Before your interview:

• Practice interviewing Research the organization Review your qualifications Be well groomed and dress appropriately Know the exact location of your interview Learn the name of your interviewer and how to correctly pronounce it

During your interview:

• Arrive early Greet your interviewer with a handshake Make frequent eye contact Answer questions as directly and concisely as possible Be upbeat and make positive statements Use examples of how your skills and abilities will fit the job Ask informed questions about the position and the organization Thank the interviewer and shake hands when you leave

After your interview, send a thank-you letter:

Send within 48 hours of the interview Thank the interviewer for his/her time and the opportunity to interview Express the enthusiasm you have for the employer and the position Re-emphasize your strongest qualifications Recall aspects of the interview that were helpful or enlightening

Career Resources on the Web

• American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) • American Geological Institute (AGI) • EnviroEducation • Environmental Career Opportunities • Houston Geological Society • Ohio Environmental Health Association • Ohio Public Health Association • Ohio Hiring Management System • Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) • USAJOBS

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Appendix 1: EES Undergrauate Curricula

BS – Earth Sciences Concentration Hours BA – Earth Sciences Concentration Hours I. Wright State Core EES 2600 Environmental Science and Society (required as one of two “additional Core courses”) Required Substitutions: EES 2510 Earth Systems EES 2550 Earth History Plus One of the Following Sequences for Area 2 MTH 2300 Calculus I MTH 2310 Calculus II -or- MTH 2240 Applied Calculus STT 2640 Elementary Statistics

41 4

4 4 8

I. Wright State Core EES 2600 Environmental Science and Society (required as one of two “additional Core courses”) Required Substitutions: EES 2510 Earth Systems EES 2550 Earth History Plus One of the Following Sequences for Area 2 MTH 2240 Applied Calculus STT 2640 Elementary Statistics -or- MTH 2300 Calculus I MTH 2310 Calculus II

41 4

4 4 8

II. Departmental Core Requirements EES 3120 Earth Materials EES 4340 Mapping Methods EES 4350 Field Mapping EES 4280 EES Colloquium (twice at 0.5 cr hr each)

9 4 2 2 1

II. Departmental Core Requirements EES 3120 Earth Materials EES 4340 Mapping Methods EES 4350 Field Mapping EES 4280 EES Colloquium (twice at 0.5 cr hr each)

9 4 2 2 1

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives Choose 31 Hours From Approved Electives EES 3160 Stratigraphy & Sedimentology (4) EES 3250 Climate Change (3) EES 4190 Paleobiology (4) EES 4210 Earth Structure and Tectonics (4) EES 4220 Introduction to Geophysics (4) EES 4240 Oceanography (3) EES 4270 Process Geomorphology (3) EES 4290 Remote Sensing of Earth (3) EES 4300 Environmental Applications of GIS (4) EES 4330 Global Biogeochemical Cycles (3) EES 4430 Analy & Predict of Earth Systems (3) EES 4460 Sequence Stratigraphy (3) EES 4540 Subsurface Fluid Flow (4) EES 4550 Aqueous Environmental Geochem (3) EES 4560 Ground Water Contamination (3) EES 4610 Near-surface Geophysics (4) EES 4960 Senior Thesis Research (4-6)

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III. Departmental Requirements and Electives Choose 24 Hours From Approved Electives EES 3160 Stratigraphy & Sedimentology (4) EES 3250 Climate Change (3) EES 4190 Paleobiology (4) EES 4210 Earth Structure and Tectonics (4) EES 4220 Introduction to Geophysics (4) EES 4240 Oceanography (3) EES 4270 Process Geomorphology (3) EES 4290 Remote Sensing of Earth (3) EES 4300 Environmental Applications of GIS (4) EES 4330 Global Biogeochemical Cycles (3) EES 4430 Analy & Predict of Earth Systems (3) EES 4460 Sequence Stratigraphy (3) EES 4540 Subsurface Fluid Flow (4) EES 4550 Aqueous Environmental Geochem (3) EES 4560 Ground Water Contamination (3) EES 4610 Near-surface Geophysics (4) EES 4960 Senior Thesis Research (4-6)

24

IV. Related Course Requirements CHM 1210/L General Chemistry & Lab I CHM 1220/L General Chemistry & Lab II CS 1160 Intro to Computer Programming Plus One of the Following Sequences PHY 1110/L Principles of Physics & Lab I PHY 1120/L Principles of Physics & Lab II -or- PHY 2400/L General Physics & Lab I PHY 2410/L General Physics & Lab II Plus One of the Following MTH 2320 Calculus III (4) MTH 2330 Differential Eq (3) STT 4300 Biostatistics (3) Approved Electives from the Colleges of Engineering & Computer Science and Science & Mathematics.

35 5 5 4 10

3

8

IV. Related Course Requirements One of the following sequences CHM 1210/L General Chemistry & Lab I CHM 1220/L General Chemistry & Lab II -or- PHY 1110/L Principles of Physics & Lab I PHY 1120/L Principles of Physics & Lab II -or- BIO 1120 Cells and Genes BIO 1150 Organisms and Ecosystems Plus 17 credit hours of Approved Electives from the colleges of Engineering & Computer Science and Science & Mathematics. Up to 8 credit hours of EES courses may be used to satisfy this requirement. Plus 18 credit hours from outside the Colleges of Engineering & Computer Science and Science & Mathematics.

43 8

17

18

V. General Electives 5 V. General Electives 10 Total 121 Total 127

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BA – Life Sciences & Earth Sciences Education Hours BA – Earth Sciences & Chemistry Education Hours I. Wright State Core Required Substitutions: Element 2: Mathematics: STT 2640 Elementary Statistics Element 6: Natural Sciences: EES 2510 Earth Systems EES 2550 Earth History Additional Core Courses: EES 2600 Environmental Science and Society PHY 1060/L Astronomy/Lab

41

4

4 4

4 4

I. Wright State Core Required Substitutions: Element 2: Mathematics: MTH 2300 Calculus I Element 6: Natural Sciences: EES 2510 Earth Systems EES 2550 Earth History Additional Core Courses: EES 2600 Environmental Science and Society MTH 2310 Calculus II

41

4

4 4

4 4

II. Departmental Core Requirements EES 3100 Earth Science Research EES 3120 Earth Materials EES 3230 Intro to the Ocean EES 4190 Paleobiology EES 4340 Mapping Methods EES 4350 Field Mapping EES 4510 Scientific Communication EES 4280 EES Colloquium (twice at 0.5 cr hr each)

22

3 4 3 4 2 2 3 1

II. Departmental Core Requirements EES 3100 Earth Science Research EES 3120 Earth Materials EES 3230 Intro to the Ocean EES 4190 Paleobiology EES 4340 Mapping Methods EES 4350 Field Mapping EES 4510 Scientific Communication EES 4280 EES Colloquium (twice at 0.5 cr hr each)

22

3 4 3 4 2 2 3 1

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives

0

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives

0

IV. Related Course Requirements BIO 1120 Cells and Genes BIO 1150 Organisms and Ecosystems BIO 2100 Orientation Seminar in Bio Sciences BIO 2110 Molecular Biology & Genetics BIO 2120 Cell Biology BIO 2130 Intro to Cellular Biology Lab BIO 2140 Intro to Molecular Biology Lab BIO 2310/L Evolution and Ecology/Lab BIO 4920 Senior Seminar CHM 1210/L General Chemistry & Lab I CHM 1220/L General Chemistry & Lab II MTH 1340 Precalculus PHY 1110/L Principles of Physics & Lab I PHY 1120/L Principles of Physics & Lab II ED 2600 Introduction to Education ED 2650 Field Experience I ED 2700 Educational Psychology ED 2750 Field Experience II EDS 2900 Individuals With Exceptionalities 7 credit hours NOT from the Colleges of Engineering & Computer Science and Science & Mathematics. At least 4 of these hours must be numbered 3000 or above.

65

4 4 1 3 3

1.5 1.5 4 1 5 5 4 5 5 3 1 3 1 3

7

IV. Related Course Requirements BIO 1120 Cells and Genes BIO 1150 Organisms and Ecosystems CHM 1210/L General Chemistry & Lab I CHM 1220/L General Chemistry & Lab II CHM 2110/L Organic Chemistry & Lab I CHM 2120/L Organic Chemistry & Lab II CHM 3120/L Quantitative Analysis/Lab CHM 3510/L Physical Chemistry & Lab I PHY 1060/L Astronomy/Lab PHY 2400/L General Physics & Lab I PHY 2410/L General Physics & Lab II ED 2600 Introduction to Education ED 2650 Field Experience I ED 2700 Educational Psychology ED 2750 Field Experience II EDS 2900 Individuals With Exceptionalities 7 credit hours NOT from the Colleges of Engineering & Computer Science and Science & Mathematics. At least 4 of these hours must be numbered 3000 or above.

72

4 4 5 5 6 6 5 5 4 5 5 3 1 3 1 3

7

V. General Electives

0 V. General Electives 0

Total 128 Total 135

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BS – Environmental Health Sciences Concentration Hours BS – Environmental Sciences Concentration Hours I. Wright State Core Required Substitutions: Element 2: Mathematics: MTH 2240 Applied Calculus Element 6: Natural Sciences: BIO 1120 Cells and Genes BIO 1150 Organisms and Ecosystems Additional Core Courses: EES 2600 Environmental Science and Society STT 2640 Elementary Statistics

41

4

4 4

4 4

I. Wright State Core Required Substitutions: Element 2: Mathematics: MTH 2240 or MTH 2300 Element 6: Natural Sciences: BIO 1120 Cells and Genes BIO 1150 Organisms and Ecosystems Additional Core Courses: EES 2510 Earth Systems MTH 2310 or STT 2640

41

4

4 4

4 4

II. Departmental Core Requirements EES 3600 Water, Wastewater, & Solid Waste (4) EES 3620 General Environmental Health (3) EES 3660 EHS Internship (6) EES 3680 HAZWOPER (3) EES 4280 EES Colloquium (twice at 0.5 hr each) EES 4510 Effective Scientific Communication (3) EES 4620 Environmental Toxicology (3) EES 4640 Risk Assessmt & Communication (3) EES 4660 OSHA Compliance (1) EES 4680 Environmental Law For Scientists (3) EES 4700 Environ Intern and Career Analysis (1) EES 4720 Epidemiology & Community Health (3) EES 4740 Fund Occupat Health & Safety/Lab (3) EES 4760 Air Quality Management (3) EES 4780 Environmental Issues Seminar (1)

41

II. Departmental Core Requirements EES 2600 Environmental Science & Society (3) EES 3250 Global Climate Change (3) EES 4330 Global Biogeochemical Cycles (3) EES 4510 Effective Scientif Communication (3) EES 4680 Environmental Law for Scientists (3)

15

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives

0

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives Choose 6 hours from the following: EES 4230 Environmental Application of GIS (4) EES 4290 Remote Sensing of Earth (3) EES 4310 Std Mthds/Qual Assur Env Analy (2) EES 4340 Mapping Methods (2) EES 4360 Environmental Field Techniques (2) Complete 35 hours of electives, including all courses in two of the following areas plus one additional course from another area, plus additional CoSM electives as needed A: EES 4320, BIO 4070, BIO 4110 B: EES 4490, EES 4550, EES 4580, EES 4590 C: CS 1160, CS 2160, EES 4430 D: EES 4560, EES 4570, EES 4600

41

IV. Related Course Requirements BIO 2310 Evolution and Ecology CHM 1210/L General Chemistry & Lab I CHM 1220/L General Chemistry & Lab II CHM 2110/L Organic Chemistry & Lab I CHM 2120/L Organic Chemistry & Lab II M&I 2200 Microbiology – Human Evolution PHY 1110/L Principles of Physics & Lab I PHY 1120/L Principles of Physics & Lab II Approved electives from CoSM

43 4 5 5 6 6 4 4 4 5

IV. Related Course Requirements CHM 1210/L General Chemistry & Lab I CHM 1220/L General Chemistry & Lab II CHM 3120/L Quantitative Analysis & Lab BIO 2310 Evolution and Ecology PHY 1110/L Principles of Physics & Lab I PHY 1120/L Principles of Physics & Lab II -or- PHY 2400/L General Physics & Lab I PHY 2410/L General Physics & Lab II

29

V. Unrestricted Electives

0 V. Unrestricted Electives

0

Total 125 Total 126

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Appendix 2: Completing an Environmental Health Sciences Internship

Understand the Requirements – Read the online information about the EHS Internship and review the Environmental Health Sciences Internship Program booklet, which is available from your advisor.

Prepare a Résumé – WSU’s Office of Career Services has information on how to create a résumé. See also the discussion of résumés in the “Career Employment” section of this booklet.

Research your choices – Which areas of the environmental sciences are of most interest to you? Previous EHS students have completed internships in such areas as public health, industrial hygiene/worker safety, environmental protection, natural resources management, and outdoor education. Also, are you seeking a local internship or do you have the opportunity for an out-of-town experience?

Several students during recent years have worked with professors in the Biology Department on projects in the lab and field (usually during the summer). Those opportunities are sometimes listed on notices posted in the Biology Department (probably outside Room 235 or elsewhere on the second floor of the Biological Sciences Building). Also, it might be helpful to check with EES Department faculty about any internship opportunities they might have. Many students do their internship work during the summer with area public health offices. Those offices occasionally list openings on their web sites (although usually not until spring or so):

• Public Health – Dayton and Montgomery County • Greene County Combined Health District • Miami County Health District

It's a good idea to be in touch with WSU's Career Services about your interests. That office holds one or two job fairs each February that are helpful venues for meeting with prospective employers. Also, Careers Services offers the Wright Search service that allows students to make information about their interest in an internship available to pre-screened prospective employers. Online job search sites that may be useful include:

• indeed.com • USA Jobs – Student Jobs • InternJobs.com • ohiomeansinternships.com

For these sites, type in search terms such as "environmental internship," "environmental co-op," etc. and the location(s) you'd like to be during your internship work.

35

Other online sites that may be helpful include:

• Ohio Hiring Management System • ecojobs.com • idealist.org • internweb.com

If you have questions about the suitability of any internship opportunities you may find, please contact your advisor.

Contact Organizations – After you have compiled a list of organizations offering internship employment, use the method (e.g., e-mail, phone, fax, etc.) suggested by each organization to contact them or send application materials.

Interviewing – WSU Career Services can help you manage the interview; also, more information about interviews is included in the “Career Employment” section of this booklet.

Internship Duty Form – When you have made arrangements for an internship, please complete the Internship Duty Form (page 12 of the EHS Internship Program booklet) and submit that to your EES advisor.

Register for EES 3660 – Students who satisfactorily complete an internship receive academic credit for the internship by registering for EES 3660. It is not necessary for students to register for EES 3660 during the same time they complete their internship duties. Most students enroll in EES 3660 (which is 6 hours) during a semester when it is most convenient for them financially. WSU charges the same full-time undergraduate tuition for any number of credits between 11-18 hours, so most students will try to add EES 3660 to their schedule during a semester in which their course load is relatively light.

Complete and Submit Time Sheets – Students performing internships are required to submit (by mail or FAX) activity reports during each week of the internship to the EES Main Office. These reports summarize the daily activities and must be signed by the internship Field Counselor. (The form for these reports is available on page 8 of the EHS Internship Program booklet.)

Final Evaluation – After completing the field portion of the internship duties, students are required to have their Field Counselor complete an evaluation of the student’s performance and mail or FAX the evaluation to the EES Main Office. The forms for this evaluation are available on pages 9-11 of the EHS Internship Program booklet.

Internship Report – Students who have completed the field portion of their internship duties are also required to prepare a complete written report of the entire field experience. Guidelines for the report are provided on pages 5-7 of the EHS Internship Program booklet. To fulfill Writing Intensive requirements for EES 3660W, students must be prepared to respond to instructor comments and submit a revised final report. Satisfactory completion of a revised final draft will fulfill the requirements for EES 3660W.

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