July 12, 2006

Penn State DuBois to offer degree in earth science

DuBois – Beginning this fall, students at Penn State DuBois can pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science. An information session about the new degree will be held from 5:30 – 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 7 at the Hiller Student Union Building at Penn State DuBois.

According to Robert Loeb, Director of Academic Affairs at Penn State DuBois, the Earth Science degree involves the study of problems that arise from interaction of human activities with the natural environment. Changes in student interest as well as dynamic career opportunities in the field facilitated the addition, Loeb said. Curriculum for a minor in natural resources was also recently approved for offering at the DuBois campus as part of the Earth Science degree.

Penn State DuBois already offers a two-year degree in Wildlife Technology to its students, who may have previously opted to enter the Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences degree program at University Park. Loeb said historically, graduates of this program have voiced their interest in completing an environment-related baccalaureate degree at the DuBois campus.

"Considering the potential for reenrollment of location-bound students, Wildlife Technology graduates are now able to diversify their education to better fit the natural resources and environmental science fields," Loeb said.

According to Loeb, areas of specialized study can include but are not limited to: environmental assessment, forest and wetland evaluation and management, and wildlife management. Professional opportunities include work in environmental monitoring, such as endangered species and wetland delineation, restoration of disturbed land, and management of forested lands and wildlife areas, he said. Other potential career paths are conservation, environmental industries, ecotourism and academia.

For more information on the program, contact the Office of Student and Enrollment Services at (814)375-4720.

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For questions on this news release, please contact Erin Chorney, Public Information Officer, at (814)375-4776 or by email at edc11@psu.edu.