Department of Geological Sciences
The Department of Geological Sciences has achieved a reputation for academic excellence and outstanding student-faculty relationships. It is small enough for all students to know one another and well equipped to support a wide array of research and instructional activities.
Why does a major in Geological Sciences matter?
Why Study Geology at ECU?
OUR PROGRAMS
Explore the opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate Geological Sciences students.
HANDS ON LEARNING
Students get involved in research using state-of-the-art equipment in the lab and in the field.
Explore Equipment
FIELD COURSE
The undergraduate degree culminates with a 6-week summer field course in New Mexico and Colorado.
Code of Ethics
Mission Statement
The Department of Geological Sciences prepares students for the workforce and conducts high-quality teaching, service, and global, cutting-edge research about Earth processes, materials, and resources that have societal impact and relevance.
Geologists work to solve some of the biggest challenges to human society. We find and help manage the water, energy, and mineral resources that make every-day life possible and drive our economy. We study the causes and consequences of climate change, sea-level rise, and environmental pollution. We work to minimize the impacts of natural hazards like floods, landslides, shoreline erosion, earthquakes, and volcanoes that can negatively affect people and the environment. Despite the importance of these global challenges, society has a shortage of well-trained geoscientists.
Our department prepares undergraduate and graduate students to get jobs that effectively address these challenges and serve society. Students with a degree from our department will have excellent job opportunities by virtue of their understanding of Earth materials and processes, the interconnected nature of the lithosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere, and the implications of human use and misuse of natural resources. We live in an ever-changing world and must be able to adapt.
The courses and programs of the Department of Geological Sciences provide the skills and knowledge that all students at ECU must have to live successfully today and to plan for the future.