Students are interested in obtaining a degree with a clear pathway for a career in environmental assessment, remediation, and protection. The Greater Indianapolis area has more than 30 environmental consulting firms.

The curriculum is designed to require the breadth of material covered by a professional licensure examination. To lead environmental geoscience projects, many states require licensure as a “Professional Geologist” (PG). This licensure is acquired through a process administered by the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG). 37 states including Indiana require a PG to lead consulting projects.

The first exam in the process of becoming a licensed PG, the Fundamentals of Geology (FG exam), is recommended to be taken during the last year of a BSc degree program in Geoscience or shortly thereafter. Passing this exam allows the student to become a “Geologist in Training” according to ASBOG credentials. After a number of years working in environmental or other geoscience related field, the candidate is then allowed to take the “Professional Geologist” examination. The number of years working varies by state but is typically five years. Completion of these exams allows the candidate to receive their license as a PG.

The innovative nature of this degree is the direct preparation for the FG exam and clear curricular pathway for students wishing to pursue a career in environmental remediation.