The Department of Geological Sciences leverages the collective strengths of the faculty to provide students with a broad scope of the the challenges that face our planet—past, present, and future. Our faculty conduct research across many academic disciplines, bringing diverse learning and research opportunities to both our undergraduate and graduate programs.
Our undergraduates get the rigorous quantitative training that employers look for, combined with flexibility to pursue whatever areas of geology interest them the most. Upper level classes are typically small, with personalized attention from experts who are actively conducting research in the subject area, from paleontology and biogeochemistry, to earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics, to mineral, water and fuel resources.
Geology is at the center of the challenges we face in the 21st century, ranging from climate change to natural resources and hazards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 11% increase of demand on geosciences professionals by 2026. Most of our majors are employed in energy (oil and gas, mineral exploration) or environmental industry, or with state government (e.g., Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation). Others go on to top graduate schools around the US.
