Explore Earth’s formation and evolution over time, as well as the interplay of active processes that continue to shape our planet.
As a geology major or minor, you will study the Earth’s processes in classrooms, labs and in the field.
The department offers five major tracks: General Geology; Environmental Earth Science; Earth, Planetary and Space Science; Geochemistry; and Public Policy
Our location is perfect for field exploration and research with trips to spectacular settings ranging from the Mojave Desert and remote Utah to our nearby mountains and desert.
What You’ll Study
- Observe and analyze the natural environment
- Study abroad to explore diverse geologic settings
- Scientific method, data collection and analysis
- Modern analytic methods and equipment
Researching at 6VµçÓ°Íø
REU at Keck Geology Consortium
Matti Horne ’22 in an REU where she learned to scuba dive, flew to Belize and spent two weeks collecting data while diving and snorkeling on the coral reefs at Ambergris Caye. She got to present her research at the 2019 American Geophysical Conference.
Mars’ Eridania Basin
Daphne Chapline ’23 studied the mineralogy and geomorphology of Eridania Basin on Mars by analyzing satellite imagery and spectroscopy data. She presented her research at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
While I love geology and learning about the field—from studying the principles behind how and why certain minerals formed in an outcrop to modeling the flight paths of volcanic ejecta for hazard implications—my underlying interest has always been applying what I learn to climate. … Geology has taught me to understand and appreciate our environment and planet as a system, which is essential to seeing the bigger-picture processes and interactions on our Earth.