Chair: J. Levy
Department Site
Want to understand how our planet works? From volcanic eruptions to climate tipping points, from ancient extinctions to modern environmental crises—geoscience is where you'll find answers. Our department emphasizes hands-on fieldwork and cutting-edge analytical methods. Work alongside faculty on research projects from the Adirondacks to Antarctica, investigating everything from melting ice sheets to erupting volcanoes, from deep-time evolution to tomorrow's sustainability challenges.
In the department of Earth and Environmental Geosciences (formerly Geology) we explore Earth’s natural systems, including its rocky surface and interior, the oceans and rivers of the hydrosphere, the icy cryosphere, the climate and the atmosphere, and the co-evolution of the biosphere and the planet. The geosciences are a multi-disciplinary effort aimed at understanding the physical and chemical nature of the Earth, and how global processes operate now, in the past, and in the future.
The Earth and environmental geosciences combine the scientific study of Earth materials, such as minerals, rocks, and fossils, and planet-scale processes uncovered through Earth-observing data derived from satellites, geophysical instruments, and models. The geosciences explain how past and present-day ecosystems and environments have been and continue to be shaped by plate tectonics, volcanism, mountain building, climate change, evolution, and human activity through time.
Introductory courses are designed to contribute to a liberal arts education and an understanding of Earth and the environment. Advanced courses provide the highest possible level of general and pre-professional training for majors interested in geosciences research or professional opportunities. Students in the department pursue a Geology or Environmental Geology concentration that prepares them to pursue careers in the Earth and environmental sciences, business, and education, as well as government, research, and public service. Earth and Environmental Geosciences students can also pursue a Marine and Freshwater Sciences concentration or an Astrogeophysics concentration with partner departments. Upon graduation, many majors attend graduate school in geology, hydrology, oceanography, environmental sciences, and environmental policy and law. Other graduates go directly into a wide spectrum of employment situations, including business, environmental consulting, teaching, insurance, government service, and mineral resources and energy-related jobs.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Geosciences offers courses that deal with the processes occurring in and on the planet Earth. Students with an interest in Earth and environmental sciences should consider taking an introductory course in the department (see below for fall offerings). Students interested in majoring or minoring in Geology or Environmental Geology should consider taking GEOL 190 in their first year.
For further details, please refer to the University Catalog and consult the department chair or other department faculty members.