Academic Programs

Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Earth, Environment and Planning offers five Bachelor of Science degrees. Our coursework and opportunities for hands-on experiences prepare our students for success in a wide range of scientific, environmental, and technological career paths. Outside the classroom, there are opportunities to enrich the learning experience though internships, undergraduate research, or participation in one of our student organizations. So, whatever your area of interest, you will find great ways to get involved and make a difference!

Graduate Programs

The Department of Earth, Environment and Planning offers master’s (M.S.) programs in Geography, Geology, and Planning & Development. In the Geography master’s program, students may specialize in environmental, human, atmospheric, or geospatial topics, and choose between thesis and non-thesis (internship) options; concentrations include a planning‐focused track and a Professional Science Master’s in GIS. (Geography) In Geology, the M.S. degree emphasizes coastal geology, environmental geology, hydrogeology, and solid Earth processes, leveraging ECU’s proximity to coastal systems and access to advanced instrumentation and field research platforms. (Geology MS Information) Meanwhile, the Planning & Development master’s (MSPD) is delivered fully online, designed for working professionals, and offers concentrations in coastal/environmental planning, urban/community planning, and rural/regional planning. (Planning and Development MS) Together, these programs provide interdisciplinary training in Earth system science, spatial techniques, and community planning, preparing graduates to engage with environmental challenges, land use issues, and sustainable development across multiple scales.