The Department of Geosciences offers a bachelor of science degree with concentrations in Geology and Environmental Geology.

The department capitalizes on its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado High Plains and intermontane basins to give students unique educational opportunities in outdoor laboratories as well as in traditional classrooms and laboratory settings.

The geology major is broad-based, allowing students to obtain a sound academic and practical background in areas such as economic geology, geochemistry, geomorphology, geophysics, hydrogeology, sedimentology, structural geology and mineralogy.

The professional orientation of the major is reflected in the success of graduates in obtaining positions in resources industries, environmental consulting firms and government resource management and regulatory agencies including the Forest Service, Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Geological Survey. Many students use this academic preparation to enter graduate school or other professional degree programs.

The Department of Geosciences offers a master's in geology and doctorate through the geology and watershed science programs. Both of these programs are internationally renowned, and the completion of a graduate degree is excellent preparation for a career in governmental agencies, private industry, teaching or research. The strong placement record and extensive alumni network attest to the quality and relevance of the graduate program. Students with degrees in geosciences can pursue careers as environmental, groundwater, petroleum or mining geologists, gemologists, consultants or research scientists, to name a few.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Geosciences is to achieve excellence in teaching, research, service, and outreach. Our curriculum prepares students for careers in geosciences, including basic and applied research, and the management of geological resources, hence providing a comprehensive approach to the study of geosciences.

Research, service, and outreach activities emphasize physical and chemical earth processes affecting the Earth's interior and surface, as well as human intervention to solve environmental and resource management problems. We seek to become a major center for research and teaching in the understanding of geological processes, and the identification and management of geological resources and environmental problems.