Geology

All Programs

Our professors incorporate their professional experiences into the classroom.

The perfect classroom! Dr. Hanson lectures at the Germany Outlook in West Virginia (Fall 2012).
Dr. Hanson lectures at Germany Overlook in West Virginia (Fall 2012).
Geology is an integrated science encompassing biology, chemistry, and physics as they apply to the workings of Earth. This field is becoming increasingly important as society struggles to meet the environmental challenges and natural resource limitations of the twenty-first century. Geology majors will develop a strong foundation in geology and cultivate research skills needed to critically evaluate current geologic issues from the scientific, environmental and political perspective as well as the ability to carry on a lifetime of learning. Students will achieve a level of competency that prepares them for jobs in industry or entrance into graduate school. Graduates of the Geology Department are currently working in the petroleum and environmental industries, at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, as park rangers, in environmental education, and as educators in secondary and higher education.

The Geology program encompasses strong field  and laboratory components that enhance classroom-learning experiences. In addition to local fieldwork, geology courses include trips to Arkansas, Missouri, southern Ohio, West Virginia, and the southwestern United States. This experiential learning allows students to apply principles learned in the classroom to problems in the field. The laboratory component provides an opportunity for creative problem solving and critically evaluating current issues in the geosciences. During the senior year, students undertake independent research in an integrated capstone course. This allows students to cross boundaries and disciplines in geologic research with other related math and sciences fields.

The mission of the Geology department is to provide a firm foundation for careers related to energy, resource allocation, the environment, or for a career in teaching. The department has computer facilities, an extensive rock, mineral, and fossil collection; GIS capability; microscope lab; and a well equipped sample preparation lab. 

Dr. Muntean explains stratigraphy and fossils in southern Utah (Spring 2012).
Dr. Muntean explains stratigraphy and fossils in southern Utah (Spring 2012).