GEO - Environmental Science Major

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Environmental Science

Major

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary, integrative, science-based study of how humans affect the planet. Its goal is to create a sustainable future for all. As a USMA major, Environmental Science prepares cadets for future careers in the Army, the sciences, public policy, law, medicine, business, and much more. 

Offered by the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences.

Are you curious about how nature works - from ecosystems and climate to pollution and conservation? Do you want to protect the planet while also preparing to lead soldiers and serve your country? The Environmental Science major at the United States Military Academy (West Point) offers a unique opportunity to do both. Study the environment. Strengthen the mission. Serve something bigger than yourself. That’s the power of Environmental Science at West Point.

What is Environmental Science?

Environmental Science is the study of the natural world and how human activity impacts it. It blends biology, chemistry, geology, and atmospheric science to understand issues like climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and resource management.

At West Point, Environmental Science is more than a classroom subject - it’s a mission-critical discipline that equips Army officers to tackle global environmental challenges that affect national security and public health.

Why Choose Environmental Science at USMA?

  • Army-Relevant Expertise
    Environmental threats - like water shortages, deforestation, and climate impacts - increasingly affect Army operations. This major prepares cadets to address those threats strategically and scientifically.
  • Field-Based Learning
    Cadets get outside the classroom to study ecosystems firsthand, conduct experiments, and develop practical skills used in military and environmental missions alike.

Leadership for a Changing World
Graduates are trained to be leaders who understand both science and strategy, ready to guide decisions in areas like energy, land use, disaster response, and environmental protection.

  • Multidisciplinary Strength
    With its combination of science, technology, and policy, this major sets graduates up for a wide range of future paths - from Army environmental roles to graduate study or careers in conservation, health, or public service.

Where This Major Can Go

Environmental Science opens doors to exciting careers and advanced study. Graduates could:

  • Serve as an Army officer focused on environmental operations and sustainability
  • Work for organizations like the EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, or national parks
  • Help communities recover from natural disasters or prevent environmental damage
  • Attend grad school for environmental science, policy, or law
  • Become a leader in global climate action or conservation

Interested Cadets

Are you passionate about clean water, fresh air, and solving environmental problems that impact communities and the world? Do you want to combine science, technology, and leadership to protect people and the planet? Then Environmental Engineering at West Point might be the perfect academic opportunity for you. This major also includes an honors track.

This major equips you to tackle the world’s biggest environmental challenges - from pollution control to sustainable energy - while preparing them to lead in the U.S. Army and beyond.

Why Consider This Major

If a cadet loves nature, science, and solving real-world problems, Environmental Science at West Point gives them the tools to protect the planet and the leadership training to serve their country. Cadets earn a respected degree, graduate debt-free, and step into a career where their passion can have global impact.

This major is for cadets who want to understand the Earth, defend its future, and lead with purpose.

What Cadets Learn

As an Environmental Science majors, cadets study:

  • Ecology and Biodiversity – how living systems interact and how we can protect them
  • Earth Systems and Climate – understanding the atmosphere, oceans, and climate patterns
  • Environmental Chemistry – how pollutants move through air, water, and soil
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – using mapping tools to analyze environmental data
  • Sustainability and Natural Resources – managing water, forests, energy, and minerals responsibly
  • Environmental Policy and Ethics – understanding laws and leadership related to environmental protection

They conduct fieldwork in forests, rivers, and wetlands, collect samples, and use lab analysis to understand real-world environmental conditions.

Choice of Electives

Cadets can customize their major with electives like:

  • Wildlife Ecology and Management – study conservation of animal species
  • Environmental Toxicology – understand how chemicals affect ecosystems and health
  • Global Climate Change – dive deep into causes, effects, and solutions
  • Environmental Ethics and Policy – explore the human side of environmental decision-making
  • Remote Sensing and GIS – use satellite data and mapping tools to study the Earth

Learn More

Cadets in this major can work with one of the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences (GEO) research centers and engage in any number of domestic or international Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) programs, USMA-run academic enrichment experiences.

Examples of GEO-specific AIADs:

  • Helicopter Landing Zone Analysis (CO, AK, HI, Kwajalein Atoll)
  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (St. Louis and Washington, D.C.)
  • Army Geospatial Center (Washington, D.C.)
  • Geospatial Research Lab (Washington, D.C)
  • North Slope Unmanned Aerial Surveying (AK)
  • Combat Capabilities Development Command (MD)

Learn more about GEO’s AIAD opportunities. 

Examples of research:

  • Detection of Seasonal Arctic Terrain Change Using a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS)
  • Resolution Analysis of Helicopter Landing Zones
  • Eagle Valley Cemetery Veteran Tracking
  • Machine Learning Exploration of Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) for Regional Predictive Analysis
  • GIS Modeling of Lead Transport on Firing Ranges
  • Lidar Scanner Stability and Accuracy Assessments

Honor Societies: 

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences or the Center for Environmental and Geographic Sciences (CEGS).