School of Earth, Environment, and Society
The School of Earth, Environment, and Society (SEES) is comprised of five academic areas: Anthropology, Complex Systems, Environmental Science and Management, Geography, and Geology.
Anthropology
Anthropology studies human biological and cultural diversity through space and time. Our discipline encompasses the entirety of the human experience, from our earliest known bipedal ancestors to small hunter-gatherer groups to the contemporary world of nation-states, multinational corporations, and social media. We are committed to a practice of applied anthropology that addresses real world issues through the co-creation of knowledge and solutions with the communities where research and interventions are conducted. Only with such a reckoning can we truly create an inclusive anthropology that can achieve its potential as a tool for social justice.
Complex Systems
Complex Systems is a transdisciplinary field offering general principles and practical methodologies for understanding and impacting highly complex systems. The program offers an undergraduate minor, two graduate certificates, as well as a Master's and a PhD program. Our programs train for practice and research in highly interconnected areas such as environmental management, public health, policy, mathematical and computational modeling in physical, biological, and social sciences, and systems science.
Environmental Science and Management
Environmental Science & Management (ESM) offers applied, interdisciplinary programs that focus on environmental challenges at local to global scales. In ESM we work to foster and restore ecological and social resilience through education and research about the function and management of socio-ecological systems. Our expertise spans atmospheric, freshwater, marine, and terrestrial systems, and the processes that link ecosystems and human populations. Building on our research expertise and partnerships, we provide high-quality education for environmental scientists and science-driven managers, giving students the skills and training opportunities they need to excel in professional environmental careers.
Geography
In Geography you turn your passion for tackling today’s most urgent and global challenges in climate, landscapes, water, and social equity into real-world impact. Through building expertise in spatial analysis skills, hands-on research, and partnering with diverse sectors, the Geography program will prepare you for an impactful career shaping a sustainable and just future.
Geology
The Geology Program offers undergraduate Bachelor's degrees (BS/BA) in Geology, Earth Science, and multiple Graduate Certificates, Master's degrees with a traditional thesis, a Professional Science Masters (PSM) in Applied Geoscience that consists of coursework and an experiential component, and a PhD through the Earth, Environment, & Society Doctoral Program.
Geologists who have graduated from PSU are employed in natural hazards analysis and planning, climate change research, assessment of ground and surface water resources, exploration, development and management of mineral and energy resources, geotechnical and geoengineering studies, urban planning and GIS, and instruction at all educational levels.
School of Earth, Environment, and Society Degrees
The School offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Undergraduate Majors
- B.A., B.S. in Anthropology
- B.A., B.S. in Earth Science
- B.A., B.S. in Environmental Science
- B.A., B.S. in Environmental Studies
- B.A., B.S. in Geography
- B.A., B.S. in Geology
Undergraduate Minors and Certificates
- Minor in Anthropology
- Minor in Climate Change Science and Adaptation
- Minor in Environmental Science
- Minor in Geology
- Minor in Geography
- Minor in GIS
- Minor in Space and Planetary Science
- Minor in Systems
- Minor in Sustainability
- Minor in Water Resources
- Undergraduate Certificate in Cultural Resource Management
- Undergraduate Certificate in Lake and Reservoir Management
Bachelor's + Master's Programs
- Anthropology Bachelors + Master's Program
- Geography Bachelors Plus MS in GIS Master
Masters Programs
- M.A., M.S. in Anthropology
- M.S., P.S.M. in Environmental Science and Management
- Masters in Environmental Management (M.E.M.)
- M.A., M.S. in Geography
- M.S. in GIS
- M.A., M.S. in Geology
- Professional Science Master's (P.S.M.) in Applied Geoscience
- M.S. in Systems Science
PhD Program
- Ph.D. in Earth, Environment, & Society
- Ph.D. in Systems Science
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Computational Intelligence
- Graduate Certificate in Computer Modeling & Simulation
- Graduate Certificate in Engineering Geology
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Geology
- Graduate Certificate in GIS
- Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology
- Graduate Certificate in Hydrology