Program Overview

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Environmental and Urban Geosciences — B.A. or B.S./M.S.

This combined degree program prepares students to tackle environmental challenges by building foundational knowledge in environmental sciences and exposing them to advanced study in areas such as natural hazards, paleoseismology, geology, geochemistry, climate variability, water resources, wetland dynamics, air and water pollution, geoarchaeology, paleoenvironments, geography, urban and human systems, geographic information systems, and environmental remote sensing.

Program Details

• Program Type: Major, Master's
• Academic Unit: School of Science and Engineering
• Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
• Standard credit hours: 143
• Delivery Mode: In-person
• Typical Program Length: 5 years
• Typical Course Load: 3-5 per semester
• Estimated Program Cost: $76,148

Why UMKC

• Amazing faculty and facilities: Learn from and work alongside faculty on the leading-edge of environmental science and research in state-of-the-art labs and facilities.
• Customize research to your interests: Pursue your own research in areas such as climate change and resilience, geoarchaeology, physical volcanology, geochemistry, and more.
• Kansas City is our classroom: Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to connect with area employers, gain hands-on experience, and make an impact in their areas of interest.

After Graduation

Jobs for environmental and geoscientists are expected to increase according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professionals often divide their time between office or lab work and outdoor fieldwork, making these careers a great choice for people who enjoy variety in their work settings and activities.

Potential Careers

• Environmental scientist or specialist
• Geoscientist
• Climate scientist

Median Salary

$80,085 per year, based on data from Lightcast.io for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.

Potential Courses

Introduction to Waste Management

This course provides an overview of issues in waste management, including the nature and classification of wastes, and examines the nature, sources, transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.

Climate Change Impact Assessment and Policy Response

This course explores how scientists assess observed climate change and predict future climate change, including lectures, discussions, problem sets, and term papers to help students explore interactions among climate, ecosystems, and human societies.

Environment, Resources, and Economic Growth

This course focuses on the theory and policy issues involved in resource use and depletion, environmental destruction, preservation, and recreation, and the interrelation of these problems and prospects for sustainable development.

Related Programs and Pathways

• Earth and Environmental Science — Environmental Science (Major)
• Earth and Environmental Science — Geology (Major)
• Earth and Environmental Sciences — Physical Geography (Major)
• Environmental and Urban Geosciences (Master's)

Application Process

1. Gather your materials:
   • Official transcripts
   • Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended
   • Citizenship, residency, and visa information (if applicable)
   • ACT/SAT test scores (optional)
2. Complete the online application:
   • No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students
3. Check admissions requirements:
   • Some programs have specific admission requirements.

Application Dates

• To Start Classes in Fall: Apply by March 31, classes begin in August
• To Start Classes in Spring: Apply by October 1, classes begin in January

Estimated Tuition Per Semester

• Resident Rate: $7,988 per semester
• Heartland Rate: $10,882 per semester
• Nonresident Rate: $17,910 per semester

All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid. This rate calculation is based on a course load of 15 credit hours per semester.