The Geosciences BSc program from Mississippi State University offers emphasis in six different sub-disciplines or concentrations:

Professional Geology

This is a study of the physical, biological, and chemical aspects of the Earth. Students are trained to work as geologists in various fields such as oil, mining, environmental consulting companies, as well as local and state government agencies. This curriculum is designed to allow successful performance on the Geologist-In-Training ASBOG examination administered by the Mississippi State Board of Professional Geologists.

Geography

This is a study of the distribution of physical features and human interaction with the Earth. Geographers seek to understand why things are located where they are, how people interact with their environment, the movement and changes in physical and cultural phenomena over space and time, and what makes regions distinctive.

Environmental Geoscience

This is a study of the conservation and management of Earth resources and remediation of natural and human hazards. Students are exposed to a broader cross-section of earth science classes than the Professional Geology program. This track is not designated to fulfill the requirements of the ASBOG examination.

Broadcast Meteorology

This program focuses on preparing students for a career in radio/television weathercasting. The coursework does not meet the requirements for the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval because it lacks some of the math and physics requirements. Individuals can, however, be qualified to earn the National Weather Association Seal of Approval after working in the industry for three years.

Professional Meteorology

This program focuses on the study of atmospheric processes and climatic variability. Upon completion of the program (operational emphasis), students will have met the coursework requirements for the National Weather Service, the private meteorology sector, or continue their education in graduate school. Students choosing the program with the broadcast emphasis can also work for the National Weather Service and also earn the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval.

Geographic Information Systems

This is a study of spatial analysis and topological relationships of geographic data. Students develop solid skills in remote sensing, cartography, global positioning system, GIS, as well as object-oriented programming and relational-database/geodatabase design.

Courses include:

• Survey of Earth Sciences
• Geomorphology
• Environmental Geology
• Water Resources
• Mineralogy