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Geology investigates our planet and humanity’s relationship with it. This is done at all spatial scales, from the minerals that are the building blocks of the geosphere to the plate tectonics that shape our planet in a way unique to our solar system. It is also done at all temporal scales, from near-instantaneous chemical processes to the evolution of Earth and life over deep time. This is accomplished by understanding the planet as a system, where there are interactions between the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and exosphere that create and modify the planet we rely on. The program focuses heavily upon humanity’s interactions with this system, including our needs for water and mineral resources, the impacts of natural hazards, and the disruptive effects of climate change.

Geology is an exciting and challenging major for students with broad scientific interests and a love for natural systems, our environment, and our planet’s history. Geology is a multi-disciplinary science that applies chemistry, biology, physics, oceanography, mathematics, and engineering to the natural world around us. The rich variety of its fields of study includes oceanography, paleontology, geophysics, hydrogeology, geochemistry, engineering geology, environmental geology and more. Geology majors apply their skills and knowledge to solve complex problems related to human interaction with natural systems, hazards and resources, and to communicate these solutions and options to the public.