Environmental geologists are increasingly in demand to help solve environmental problems from drinking water supplies and subsurface contaminant transport to the effects of climate and land-use change on wetland resources. With Portland State's graduate certificate in Environmental Geology, you'll be able to apply your geologic knowledge to address the myriad of land and water use issues facing our world today.
Whether you're already a practicing geologist wanting to boost your credentials or you're a post-baccalaureate student interested in obtaining skills in environmental geology, our program can help accelerate your career.
Portland State's location in the heart of a dynamic geologic environment provides you with opportunities to learn from our expert faculty and benefit from the on-campus presence of the U.S. Geological Survey's Oregon Water Science Center.
In the core Environmental Geology course, you'll study flooding, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic and coastal hazards and related land use planning, waste disposal and pollution in the geological environment, water supply, mineral and energy resources, environmental law related to geology, medical geology and climatic change. Depending on your interests and needs, you can choose from a wide variety of electives in civil engineering, environmental science or geography.
Our graduates find jobs in engineering firms, environmental remediation firms, environmental consulting firms, and state or local government agencies.
The certificate's coursework can represent a portion of the training needed for professional geologists and registered geologists in the state of Oregon.