Become a dynamic leader in environmental geology and big data science
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Geology is a diverse field that can lead to many different career paths. Our Environmental Geology programs will provide you with the advanced geological knowledge and critical skills needed to lead in the field. It’s customized for working professionals, allowing you to complete your master’s degree in less than two years without interrupting your career, or you may spread out the coursework to fit your schedule.
Join us remotely to earn a graduate-level certificate or a M.S. Degree in Environmental Geology from the University of Illinois, a top public research and academic institution in the country! Take the next steps in your professional journey and advance your applied geology expertise to solve industry problems, including:
- Groundwater and numerical modeling
- Contaminant migration characterization
- Water chemistry and bioremediation
- Environmental geophysics
- Big geoscience data analysis and visualization
Start in the Fall, Summer or Spring
Choose Your Pathway
Graduate Certificate Program
The 12-credit-hour program allows students to gain more skills in a growing field as well as obtain micro-credential that can be added to a resume and LinkedIn. It also provides an ideal bridge into the master’s program should students desire to continue on for an advanced graduate degree.
Master of Science Degree Program
The 32-credit-hour master’s program is designed to meet the high demand for advanced geology expertise used in applied industry sectors, including modeling of groundwater flow, characterization of contaminant migration, groundwater and contaminant geochemistry, and environmental geophysics.
Frequently asked questions
What skills will students gain?
- How to develop and apply robust numerical models of complex groundwater flow regimes using in part, python.
- How to apply state-of-the-art water chemistry and bioremediation strategies using the Geochemist's Workbench.
- How to understand and characterize contaminant migration chemistry and hydrogeologic case studies.
- How to understand and apply a suite of environmental geophysical methods.
- How to develop a strong quantitative foundation in multi-scale geodata analysis.
What types of careers do graduates get?
- Geologist, Geochemist, Hydrogeologist
- Manager or Mid-Level Environmental Consultant
- Environmental technician, scientist and specialist
- Environmental regulator
- Pollution abatement and hazardous waste remediator
- K-12 teacher/college instructor
- Educational consultant or museum educator
Where are alumni working?
- AEI Consultants (California)
- Hamp, Mathews and Associates (Michigan)
- Consulting Solutions Inc. (CSI), (Chicago IL)
- Casc Engineering and Consulting, Inc. (California)
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- United States Air Force
- US Army Corps of Engineers
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- Weston Solutions, Inc. (Pennsylvania)
- Stantec, Inc.
- John Deere, Inc.
What are the application deadlines?
Master's Degree
Apply by:
- December 1 to start in the Spring semester
- April 15 to start in the Summer Semester
- August 1 to start in the Fall semester
Certificate
Apply by:
- January 10 to start in the Spring semester
- May 15 to start in the Summer Semester
- August 15 to start in the Fall semester
Environmental Geology Online
Get a sneak peek at the Environmental Geology online programs at the University of Illinois.
Dylan Harter Summer - 2025 Master of Science Graduate
“One of the most impactful courses was Professor Tom Johnson’s Isotope Hydrogeology course. His engaging approach to real-world isotope applications has introduced me to new ways of understanding fate and transport of contaminations in the subsurface. Professor Johnson’s engaging curriculum and examples of real-world applications of stable isotopes ultimately inspired my Capstone Project. The Capstone Project has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to apply the skills and knowledge to benefit the progress of a real-world environmental site. Whether you are just starting out in the industry or have 15+ years of experience, for any environmental professionals looking to either advance their careers or gain additional knowledge, I highly recommend the Environmental Geology programs at UIUC. I am incredibly grateful for the course work I have had the opportunity to experience and the outstanding faculty at the University of Illinois.”
Samantha Golding - Spring 2025 Master of Science Graduate
“I am so glad that I decided to complete the online certificate program in environmental geology. I was able to take a variety of courses that have really helped improve my skills in the different software programs needed to work in this industry, such as Python and ArcGIS. The courses are designed to provide students from all different backgrounds with the resources needed to excel in their work. The flexibility of the online courses allowed me to pursue a new career while earning this degree at the same time, and I'm looking forward to starting the MS this fall!”
Wendkouni Hermann Nikiema - Spring 2022 Certificate Graduate
“With the Environmental Geology program, I had time during weekends to work on my homework and review the courses, or early in the morning between 2 am to 7 am (within the week) after getting off work. My employer (John Deere) was also flexible, and I worked with them as needed to meet course expectations.”