Pasteur Hall 114, 457-5260

http://www.winona.edu/geology/index.html

Chair: Catherine Summa

Geoscience is the study of the Earth, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, internal composition, structure, surficial and internal processes, and history. Geoscientists study our planet and the rest of the solar system today, in an effort to better understand Earth’ history and to use that knowledge to predict the future. The Earth is dynamic, and the processes that act to shape the earth are complex and inter-related. The Geoscience Department goal is to help students understand and appreciate the complexity of our home planet.

The Geoscience Department offers three Bachelor of Science majors to prepare students to enter business, industry, professional schools, or graduate schools in geoscience, resource management, and the environmental field. Field excursions and practical laboratory experiences are an integral part of most courses. Students are encouraged to become involved in research projects with faculty members in the Geoscience Department. The Geoscience Department is home to the Southeast Minnesota Water Resource Center and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory, which provide educational opportunities through internships and student-faculty projects. An Honors Program is available for qualified students.

In addition, the B.S. Earth Science (Teaching) Major is offered for students wishing to teach earth science in secondary schools. The program meets the new Minnesota requirements. Students completing this program will be prepared (in MN) to teach general science in grades 5-8 and Earth Science in grades 9-12. Wisconsin certification requires minor modifications. Students preparing for certification in other state should consult with the department to learn of any necessary modifications.

Fall

Spring

B.S. Major: Geoscience-Option A: Geology-no minor required

B.S. Major: Geoscience-Option B: Environmental Geoscience-no minor required

B.S. Major: Earth Science (teaching)-no minor required

B.S. Minor: Geoscience

Professions in the geological sciences are ideal for those who combine curiosity about natural processes, scientific talent, and a love of the outdoors. Federal and state regulatory legislation regarding waste disposal and its relationship to clean air and water has greatly increased employment opportunities for geoscientists. Although it fluctuates, employment in the petroleum industry is also an option. Many new positions are available each year with consulting firms, industry, and state and local governmental agencies. Persons holding Bachelors or Masters degrees in geoscience often fill these positions. The majority of employers prefer graduates with the M.S. Geoscience Department graduates have an excellent record of placement in Masters programs, and most receive financial support. The competition for master’s students is fierce, but support money is available for qualified students. If you are considering graduate studies, you should ensure that you complete a full year of physics, chemistry and calculus as an undergraduate, and you should consider completing a summer field course. Geoscience faculty can advise you about career choices.

The need for qualified teaches of Earth Science continues to be strong in most regions across the country. Earth Science teachers are often employed in middle-level or secondary schools, where Earth Science is usually a required component of the science curriculum.

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