Studying Earth, Improving our World
The Geology Department at Earlham College is committed to understanding and examining the Earth and its environments. We study issues as diverse as mountain building, soil degradation, coastal morphology and resource exploitation. Geology students and faculty work together on problems of mineral, energy and water resources; and on geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. These modern-day phenomena are part of discussions as vast as Earth’s history and the saga of early life. Students develop the tools and thinking skills to lead them through a lifetime of learning about and changing the world in which we live.
The Major and Beyond
The Geology major at Earlham is structured to prepare students for a number of post-graduate options. Students take an introductory course followed by a series of core courses in Geology. Majors then choose a selection of advanced geology courses after consultation with their advisors and other members of the Geology faculty. As geologic inquiry is often interdisciplinary in nature, our students also take a selection of other science and math courses.
Students are strongly encouraged to conduct independent research under the guidance of Earlham professors or at other institutions. Geology faculty assist all interested students in finding research experiences that match their interests. Many Geology majors are employed in the field of geology after graduation from Earlham in areas such as environmental consulting and work with private companies or government agencies. The major also prepares students for graduate work in geology and closely-related fields. Recent graduates have received full funding for pursuing graduate degrees at Indiana University-Bloomington, Lehigh University, University of Idaho, and University of Texas-Austin among others.
Our Department
Geology has been taught continuously at Earlham since its founding. Our research areas currently include Ontario, Japan, Croatia, Ukraine, Armenia, Colorado, New York, Indiana and Wyoming. Students in our program often obtain paid summer research positions in geology, both with Earlham’s Geology faculty and researchers or faculty at other institutions.
Geology faculty and students use the classroom, laboratory, and the field to teach and learn. The Geology Department and Joseph Moore Museum maintain excellent reference collections of rocks, minerals and fossils. Laboratory investigation is emphasized in most of our courses and all of the department’s laboratory equipment is available to our students. The Geology Department and student-run Geology Club prize the development of both healthy community and serious scientific collaboration, hosting events throughout the year during which we revel in our shared love for the Earth.
