How our program prepares you for the field

Introductory courses are Physical Geology, which focuses on Earth's structure, composition, and the physical processes that shape the Earth, and Historical Geology, which treats the evolution of Earth and life from their origins to the present.

physical geology historical geology mineralogy and petrology sedimentology and stratigraphy depositional environments structure geochemistry field geology

A low faculty-to-student ratio and small majors classes provide for individual attention and education.

Many students complete a senior research thesis while working in the laboratories of active researchers.

State-of-the-art research and library facilities are available in Bessey Hall for student use. Undertake independent study and pursue your interests under the direction of faculty and State Museum scientists.

Millions of mineral, rock, and fossil specimens

The Department of Geosciences is located in Bessey Hall, adjacent to the State Museum. Research and teaching collections in the Museum and the Department contain more than 7 million specimens of minerals, rocks, and fossils.

Hands-on experiences in field courses

Field courses, including a summer course in Wyoming that provides hands-on experience with geology skills in a classic setting world famous for its dinosaur fossils.

The Schramm Course in Economic and Exploration Geology offers field trips to classic geological locations. Recent destinations include California, the Bahamas, Australia, Canada, and England.

Join in

The Student Chapter of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), an international Geological Organization.

Sigma Xi, the scientific research society.