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About This Program

Natural hazards are extreme events that affect us, our communities, and all living things (biosphere). They can be caused by any combination of the solid earth (lithosphere), water (hydrosphere), or weather and climate change (atmosphere). As a student in the Natural Hazards Management option, you will study topics related to natural disasters, their impact on human activity, ways to mitigate those disasters, and how to best respond to natural disasters and hazards. Completing this program prepares you for employment with local, state, and federal agencies and in related careers in the private sector.

The Valdosta State Difference

Our students share a passion for protecting the environment and serving our communities. Students will study a variety of topics aimed at addressing the environmental challenges that result from natural disasters. You will work closely with faculty mentors in a student-focused, supportive, and caring environment. We design degree programs to be flexible to accommodate your individual interests, such as environmental sustainability and geographic information systems (GIS). Every student can conduct research with a faculty mentor, leading to an undergraduate thesis and formal presentations.

What You'll Learn

Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on experiences, students learn about the complex challenges posed by natural disasters and gain the skills needed to assess, mitigate, and respond to these hazards effectively. Coursework for this program covers topics in earth science, environmental science, public policy, environmental planning, risk assessment, and the mapping of natural disasters. Our faculty share their knowledge with you so that you learn theory in the classroom then apply it in labs and the field. The interdisciplinary nature of the field equips graduates with a diverse set of skills and knowledge needed to contribute to careers in disaster risk reduction and emergency management.

Cost and Length of Program

Students meeting pre-requisites for first-year courses can graduate within four years with a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Environmental Geosciences, Natural Hazards Management option.

Careers

• Community Resilience Coordinator
• Disaster Recovery Specialist
• Emergency Manager
• Environmental Consultant
• Public Policy Analyst
• Risk Analyst