Earth Sciences Department (Geology & Geography)

Location

Contact for Geography Advising

Contact for Geology Advising

Web Site

Graduate Degree

Undergraduate Degree (BA)

• Geography
  

Undergraduate Degree (BS)

• Earth Sciences Option
  
• Geology Option (Single Field Major)
  
• Physical Science Option (Single Field Major and Single Subject Waiver)
  

Minor

• Earth Science
  
• Geography
  

Certificate

• Geotechniques
  

Program Description

Geologists study the Earth on which we live today and the evolution of the planet since it was formed billions of years ago. Present day topics that particularly concern geologists include earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, toxic waste contamination, and finding new energy and mineral sources. The foundations of the Geology Program are based on understanding geological processes that have shaped the Earth in the past and which continue to shape the Earth today.

Knowledge of the Earth's physical systems, and human's interaction and alteration of those, is key to society's ability to sustain growth and development, and at the same time maintain the quality of life that the world's nations desire. The Geography program considers both the human (cities, cultures and populations) and the physical (landforms, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere) aspects of geography, using computer-based techniques such as remote sensing, geographic information systems and cartography to examine the human and physical geography of different regions of the world. In recent years people have discovered that large numbers of societal problems have geographic dimensions, and technical training in geography provides essential skills for real world problem solving. As a result, geography has become a valuable field of study for hundreds of different jobs, in both government and industry, and at the local, regional, national, and international levels.