Advising

Academic Advising

Your Goals. Your Education. Your Future.

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Western Michigan University is committed to helping students achieve their academic and career goals.

We encourage all students to meet with their academic advisors at least once each year to review degree requirements, plan coursework, explore career opportunities, and stay on track for graduation.

Undergraduate Advising

WMU's College of Arts and Sciences uses a two-tiered advising system. Students should consult both their departmental advisor and their college advisor to ensure all academic requirements are met.

Major, Minor and Career Advising

• Tom Howe – Explore geoscience majors and minors, career opportunities, and professional pathways.
• Dr. Peter Voice – Advising for the Integrated Science major and the education track of the Earth Science major.
• College of Arts and Sciences Advising – Course planning, degree requirements, transfer credits, and graduation planning for undergraduate programs, except Integrated Science and the Earth Science education track.

Undergraduate Certificate Advising

• Dr. Dan Cassidy – Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Hydrogeology.

University and General Education Requirements

The College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office provides guidance on:

• WMU Essential Studies requirements (catalog years 2020–present).
• General education requirements (catalog years 1996–2019).
• University graduation requirements.

Students Interested in Teaching

Students pursuing secondary education teacher certification should meet with a College of Arts and Sciences advisor to discuss prerequisite coursework and education pathways.

Learn more about the MAT Pathway for WMU Undergraduates.

Graduate Advising

Accelerated M.S. in Earth Science

The accelerated M.S. in Earth Science is jointly advised by the College of Arts and Sciences and Dr. Peter Voice.

Interested undergraduate students should meet with their college advisor before their junior year to discuss eligibility and academic planning. 

GES Graudate Student Handbook

Master's and Doctoral Programs

Dr. Peter Voice provides academic advising for all M.S. and Ph.D. students in the department.

Additional information is available in the Graduate Student Handbook (2023–24).

Graduate Certificate Advising

• Dr. Dan Cassidy – Graduate Certificate in Hydrogeology.
• Dr. Mine Dogan – Graduate Certificate in UAV Applications in Geological and Environmental Sciences.

Need Help Getting Started?

Whether you're choosing a major, preparing for graduation, considering graduate school, or exploring career opportunities, we're here to help.

Explore Undergraduate Programs | Explore Graduate Programs | Contact the Department