Geosciences

Geosciences: Minor

Do you have an avid appreciation of nature and are you intrigued by science? Do you step outside and wonder how rocks, rivers, and mountains were formed and how these landscapes differ in your community or across the world? A minor in geosciences will give you the opportunity to explore our Earth’s complex systems and the relationships between the solid earth, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere.

Faculty members take advantage of the geologically diverse region and teach classes in the field whenever possible, traveling off campus on several field trips a semester. By studying geosciences you will learn about the history of the earth, climate change, natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods, the identification of rocks and minerals, and the distribution and extraction of natural resources. Laboratory assignments allow you to develop skills using classic and modern methods of geoscience data collection and analysis. You will learn how to apply these skills and knowledge to solve environmental and social justice problems that will impact the world for years to come.

Program Highlights

Fields of study include:

  • Geohazards
  • Geomorphology
  • Hydrology
  • Oceanography
  • Paleoclimatology