Academic Programs
The Department of Geosciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs that provide students with both a breadth of knowledge in the geosciences as well as coursework focused on specific subdisciplines within the field. Graduates of our undergraduate and graduate programs leave UC prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further graduate study.
For information on geology course offerings, see the course catalog.
Undergraduate Programs
The Bachelor of Science degree and Bachelor of Arts degrees provide students with a broad spectrum of knowledge in the many facets of the geosciences. The Bachelor of Arts degree is similar to the Bachelor of Science degree, but requires fewer core and general science courses and is an option for those students who choose to double-major, have a primary major and multiple minors, or those who join the program later in their academic career. The Minor in Geology and the Minor in Environmental Geology programs serve as excellent compliments to related natural science majors, such as Environmental Studies, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, but can also be of interest to non-science majors, such as business, economics, engineering, and art majors. For questions about the undergraduate programs, contact the Program Director, Krista Smilek.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Geosciences offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees and strives to produce knowledgeable and well-rounded students. While in the program, graduate students develop skills, such as reading, writing, data acquisition, critical analysis, and communication, while simultaneously conducting an original research project. Students are given opportunities to achieve a breadth of knowledge relevant to their area of research, publish their research in peer-reviewed publications, and participate in professional development. Encouraging connections and collaborations among peers, faculty, staff, and other members of the science community within and external to the Department is central to this mission. For questions about the graduate program, contact the Program Director Krista Smilek.
The M.S. program is a fully-funded, 2-year degree program. Students receive a full tuition waiver, a stipend for serving as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant, funding for travel to conferences and for field and/or laboratory work, and students may apply for the Graduate Student Health Insurance Award, which covers the annual cost of the university's student health insurance plan.
The Ph.D. program is a fully-funded, 4-year degree program. Students receive a full tuition waiver, a stipend for serving as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant, funding for travel to conferences and for field and/or laboratory work, and students may apply for the Graduate Student Health Insurance Award, which covers the annual cost of the university's student health insurance plan.
Departmental Advising
Krista Smilek, Program Director - primary departmental advisor for geology majors, minors, and graduate students, and those who wish to join the geosciences program, and oversees many aspects of the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Dylan Ward, Faculty Undergraduate Director - assists with undergraduate research placement, Capstone approval, and general undergraduate program questions.
Andy Czaja, Faculty Graduate Director - assists with Ph.D. preliminary exams, final thesis and dissertation questions, and graduate school policy questions.
Students are encouraged to contact any member of the department to chat about field and laboratory research opportunities, future career options, questions about graduate school, etc. We have an "open door" policy where students are welcome to seek guidance and mentorship from all departmental faculty and staff.