Earth Science

Mission

The mission of the Geology Department is to develop well-rounded geologists/earth scientists. Students should be well versed in the traditional subfields of soft-rock and hard-rock geology and have well developed field techniques. In addition, earth science majors will develop a broader understanding of the earth including meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy.

The Geology Department aims to provide students with a solid hands-on geological/earth science education to best position them for either employment in the geological science or continuing education.

Program Learning Goals

• Students will be familiar with all three rock groups (Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic) and the basic principles of plate tectonics.
• Students will be familiar with the principles of meteorology and how weather and climate have affected the earth’s surface past and present.
• Students will be familiar with oceanography and how the world’s oceans affect the entire earth system.