About the DepartmentDepartment of Environment, Geography, and Earth Sciences

Gustavus has a long history of offering classes in geography, geology, and environmental studies. In 2023, these areas of study joined to form the Environment, Geography, and Earth Sciences (EGE) Department. This passionate community of faculty and students seeks to explore, understand, and care for our planetary home from a variety of perspectives. Students in the Department may seek a major or minor in the areas of Environmental Studies, Geography, or Geology.

Course Catalog Faculty and Staff

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies works to create a more just and sustainable world by drawing together knowledge and insights from many areas of study, learning from history, the natural sciences, the social sciences, theology, the arts, and the world's great thinkers to find solutions to the enormous environmental challenges of our time.

Geography

Geography draws on natural and social sciences to understand the Earth's environments and how humans respond to and transform the world around them. Our faculty and students work to address some of the most important challenges of our time, including sustainable land use, resource equity, migration, globalization, climate change, urbanization, and environmental justice.

Earth Science (Geology)

Geologists study planet Earth — its composition, landscapes, climate, natural resources, natural hazards, and the evolution and extinction of life. The science of geology is driven by our need to understand our home planet and to protect and use its resources wisely. Studying geology helps students understand Earth; we are interested in the processes that act on it today, those that occurred in the past, and events that might happen in the future—both natural and human influenced.

Choosing courses and a major

If you aren't yet sure which major is right for you, that's okay! We can help you discern your interests, articulate your goals, and choose courses that will lead to success.

Some suggestions:

  • Read about the courses required for the three majors to see which look most interesting
  • Check out the Career Center's resources and opportunities