Undergraduate
Majors
The geology, B.S. program enables students to concentrate in straightforward geology, whereas the earth sciences, B.S. program allows students to choose a more individualized program under three concentrations: geology, environmental earth sciences, and earth science education.
The earth sciences b.s. with honors program is for students who have demonstrated high standards of achievement and the ability to work independently. Accepted students work with a faculty member to complete an honors project, which may be published in a professional journal or presented at a scientific conference.
Minors
The astronomy, environmental science, and geology minor programs are designed for students majoring in other departments who would like to develop an additional focus of study. The minor can be customized to enable students to develop a specialty in a wide range of fields.
Astronomy Environmental Science GeologyGraduate
Many of our geosciences undergraduates go on to graduate school, while others wish to be secondary science teachers after completion of the B.S. in Earth Sciences.
Buffalo State's Career, Technical, and Science Education Department offers a master of science in science education program designed for individuals holding an undergraduate degree in a core science (biology, chemistry, earth science, geology, or physics). The program is offered in the School of Education.
Candidates who complete 31-37 credit hours (which includes student teaching and a master's project) in education coursework may qualify for NYSED initial teacher certification allowing them to teach science in grades 7-12 in New York State.
Graduates of the M.S.Ed. in science education program have been hired as biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics teachers at middle and high schools across Western New York and around the country and as educators in museums and nature centers.
Many of our graduates enroll in the Great Lakes Environmental graduate programs. They are offered in conjunction with the Great Lakes Center.