Cullowhee Creek Field Station (CCEFS)
CCEFS is an on-campus site for an investigative and interdisciplinary approach to learning in the geology and physics programs.
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- Geosciences & Natural Resources Department
Geosciences and Natural Resources
Build a career that can shape the world we live in through WCU's leading programs on the environment. Students have extensive opportunities for hands-on learning through field experiences, undergraduate research, and professional mentorship by internationally-recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Earth Science Education
With four concentrations, students to gain a deep understanding of their chosen field, while maintaining an broader knowledge of another discipline while preparing them to teach science at the secondary level.
Environmental Science
Flexibility and customization is the hallmark of this interdisciplinary program where students interested in protecting the environment develop expertise in evaluating the human effects and building sustainable solutions.
Geology
An interdisciplinary science, students explore a curriculum in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. They gain a solid foundation applicable to many careers with hands-on projects, field research, and career-focused concentrations.
Natural Resource Conservation and Management
Located in one of the most bio-diverse regions globally, students have access to resources in a natural laboratory for hands-on studying focused on the conservation and sustainable management of our natural resources.
Facilities, Field Resources and Affiliates
Students gain hands-on learning in the field while our campus and region provide many fieldwork opportunities. The department maintains close relationships with affiliates that support educational and research experiences for students.
Forest Stewards
Forest Stewards is a non-profit corporation that promotes and implements sustainable forest management in the southern Appalachians.
Institute of Watershed Research and Management
Bringing together scientists, policymakers, economic development experts, and natural resource managers to preserve regional water resources.
Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines
Advocating for the development and implementation of responsible strategies, plans, policies and actions that lead to the sustainability of our coastal ecosystems.
Hydrological Research Station
Scientists, students, and faculty researching and examining water movement through the Southern Appalachian mountain environment.
Field Research Opportunities
Cradled in a lush valley and surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes, Western’s Cullowhee campus is uniquely and ideally located for you and your peers to carry out local field projects at on- and off-campus sites and to benefit from regional sites and resources.You’re also encouraged to study in other parts of the state, country, and the world through practical internships, research, and study abroad programs in places such as Cape Lookout, North Carolina; Sapelo Island, Georgia; alpine meadows in Nevada; Olympic National Park,Washington; the Bahamas; Australia; and South America.
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