Geospatial and Earth Sciences

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R. Stockton Maxwell, Chair
Reed 213, (540) 831-7604

https://www.radford.edu/artis-college-science-technology/geospatial-earth-sciences-department/index.html

The Geology major offers an immersive exploration of the Earth’s physical systems, history, and natural resources, with a strong emphasis on practical application. Students engage in a curriculum that blends foundational classroom theory with extensive fieldwork and laboratory analysis, studying the processes that shape our planet—from plate tectonics to groundwater hazards. Our students leverage modern technology, including uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), to analyze geological changes. By investigating the intersection of the lithosphere with human activity, students develop the critical thinking skills necessary for careers in environmental consulting, resource management, and geotechnical engineering. These skills are honed through field excursions, ranging from the National Parks to international study abroad opportunities in Patagonia, where students apply their knowledge in world-class geological settings.

The program offers three distinct concentrations:

• Engineering and Environmental Geosciences: Designed for students wishing to emphasize the engineering, hydrological, and geotechnical aspects of geology to address practical societal problems like infrastructure safety and land-use planning.
• General Geology: Provides a broad, traditional overview of the discipline, ideal for students pursuing graduate studies or a wide range of academic research.
• Earth Sciences: Tailored for students seeking licensure to teach earth and space science in secondary education.

The Geospatial Science major prepares students to navigate and analyze a data-driven world by bridging the gap between advanced technology and real-world problem-solving. Our curriculum offers a multi-faceted focus, empowering students to apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to both environmental sustainability and geospatial intelligence. A hallmark of our program is the integration of our UAS (Drone) and Virtual Reality Labs; students learn to pilot advanced drone fleets to capture high-resolution spatial data, which they then transform into immersive 3D environments for analysis and simulation. This technical expertise is anchored by hands-on environmental research in our Tree-Ring Lab (Dendrochronology).

Students choose from two specialized concentrations:

• Environmental Studies: Focuses on the prevention and remediation of environmental problems, from environmental conservation to climate change impacts. This track emphasizes environmental analysis and policy, training students to evaluate complex environmental data and navigate the regulatory frameworks essential for effective resource management and conservation.
• GIS, Remote Sensing, and Data Analytics: Emphasizes technical proficiency in spatial database management, digital cartography, and the analytical techniques used in the growing geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) and defense sectors.

Programs

*Programs may have different REAL designations based on the concentration(s) selected. Click on the major for more details.

• Geology B.A. (R, L)
• Geology B.S. (R) or (R, L)*
• Geospatial Science, B.A. (R, L)
• Geospatial Science, B.S. (R, L)

To graduate with a minor, a student must have a 2.0 or higher GPA in all courses required for the minor, and should be officially registered for the minor at least one semester prior to graduation. Courses used to fulfill major or minor requirements cannot be used to fulfill concentrations or option requirements within Interdisciplinary Studies.

• Environmental Studies Minor (R)
• Geology Minor (R)
• Geospatial Science Minor
• GIS, Remote Sensing, and Data Analytics Minor (L)
• GIS, Remote Sensing, and Visualization Minor (E)
• Global Environmental Change Minor (R)
• Global Perspectives Minor (A)
• Planetary Science Minor (R)
• Unmanned Aerial Systems Minor (L)

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is generally a series of 15-18 hours of graduate level coursework related to a focused academic topic or competency area. A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate may enhance the education of matriculated (degree seeking) students as well as provide continuing education to non-matriculated (non-degree seeking) students, generally in a specialized or emerging field.

• Geospatial Intelligence Certificate
• Sustainability and Environmental Studies Undergraduate Certificate

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