Student with a dragnet walking in lake.

Declaring an EAES Major


You’ve made an excellent choice to pursue a degree and a career in one of the most exciting, diverse, and rewarding fields of study. The Department of Earth and Environmental Studies has the dual benefits of a small department where our students and faculty members know each other by name, but one that is large in stature through our world-class faculty who provide hands-on learning experience in projects supported by NASA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation, and carried out in study areas including the Alaska Arctic Tundra, Antarctica, and every place in between.

To get started, check Nest to identify your faculty advisor and follow the guidelines below.

For Incoming Freshmen

Freshmen majoring in Earth and Environmental Science, Sustainability Science, or Geography are placed into learning communities and assigned a package of courses for the Fall semester as shown in the table below. All freshmen are required to complete the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) prior to registering for course work. The purpose of this test is to determine your starting courses in writing and mathematics. In addition, Earth and Environmental Science and Sustainability Science students must complete the Chemistry Readiness Test to determine the level of chemistry that you are prepared to take now.

Earth and Environmental Studies has a mandatory advising policy for all students. Every semester you will meet with your advisor to select your courses for the following semester, and provide you with a PIN code to access the NEST registration system.

Freshmen Learning Community Courses for EAES Majors

BS Earth and Environmental Science BA Geography BS Sustainability Science
GNED199 New Student Seminar
EAES101 Planet Earth
EAES105 Physical Geology
EAES160 Human Environment
EAES170 World Geography
ENWR105 Composition I
GNED Course ✔ OR Math Course ✔ OR Math Course

For Current Montclair State University Students Declaring an EAES Major

The Department of Earth and Environmental Studies advisors are happy to meet with prospective majors and discuss which of our three programs is right for you and your career goals. Please contact the Department chairperson, Dr. Pope (popeg@montclair.edu), or one of the program advisors to set up a meeting. Students majoring in Earth and Environmental Science and Sustainability Science must complete the Chemistry and Math readiness tests. Geography majors please consult with your advisor regarding the readiness tests.

For Transfer Students Entering an EAES Degree Program

Attend a Transfer Student Orientation (TSO) at your earliest opportunity. An EAES representative will meet with you during the advising session to help you select your courses and plan your schedule. Students majoring in Earth and Environmental Science and Sustainability Science must complete the Chemistry and Math readiness tests. Geography majors please consult with your advisor regarding the readiness tests.

If you earned an Associates degree (AA or AS) comprised of 60 credits at a New Jersey community college, your General Education requirements at Montclair State are waived. Upon arrival at Montclair State you will complete the World Languages and Cultures requirements and your major requirements.

Transfer credits noted “DPT” on your audit require further evaluation to identify their Montclair State equivalencies. Please bring your course syllabi to the orientation, and the EAES representative will advise you on the next steps.

First Semester Courses for Newly Declared EAES Majors and Transfer Students

BS Earth and Environmental Science BA Geography BS Sustainability Science
EAES101 Planet Earth
EAES105 Physical Geology
EAES160 Human Environment
EAES170 World Geography
EAES Elective or GNED ✔ x2 ✔ x2 ✔ (OR Sustainability Collateral)
CHEM106 or CHEM120*
MATH100 or MATH111*

* pending readiness test results