Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Earth Sciences

Location: Ross Hall 3235

Telephone: 970.351.2647

FAX: 970.351.4197

Faculty: Steven Anderson, Ph.D.; Graham B. Baird, Ph.D.; Joe T. Elkins, Ph.D.; Emmett Evanoff, Ph.D.; Wendilyn Flynn, Ph.D.; William H. Hoyt, Ph.D.; Rita Leafgren, M.A.; Lucinda Shellito, Ph.D.; Byron M. Straw, M.A.

The Earth Sciences program includes the disciplines of geology, meteorology, oceanography and astronomy. Geology is the study of the earth, its structure, composition and history. Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and the weather phenomena that affect our daily lives. Oceanography is the study of the physical, chemical and biologic characteristics of the world's oceans. Astronomy (administered by Physics) is the study of the planets, stars and galaxies that make up our universe.

The undergraduate program in the earth sciences provides preparation for professional careers in geology, meteorology, secondary-level earth science teaching and the environmental industry. The graduate program is designed to meet the needs and interests of individuals who wish to expand their knowledge of the earth sciences as science teachers or in other careers that require a knowledge of the earth sciences.

Earth Sciences M.A.

This program is for students who wish to broaden or deepen their backgrounds in the earth science disciplines (astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography) and develop their research skills. It serves individuals who are or intend to become secondary school or community college earth science teachers. It is also appropriate for K-12 teachers, students pursuing careers in allied fields that require a multidisciplinary background in the earth sciences and for individuals wishing to explore the earth sciences as a second career.

The multidisciplinary structure of the school affords each student the opportunity to develop a sequence of courses that complements and builds upon his or her previous education and experience, whether in the earth sciences or in other disciplines. The program provides both a thesis and a non-thesis option. Typically, students seeking a focused program emphasizing research skills elect the thesis option, and students seeking a broad, multidisciplinary curriculum emphasizing content will elect the non-thesis option. In consultation with the student's graduate committee, each student will select the appropriate option and design a curriculum for his or her particular educational and career objectives.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Earth Sciences M.A.