Our major is research-oriented, with strong components of lab and field study. Students have direct access to rock-preparation, geochemistry, mineralogy, and environmental labs for hands-on learning during individual research, class work, and group projects.
The major offers three tracks: the geology track – preparing students for careers in the petroleum or mining industries as well as other traditional career paths in geology; the environmental track – preparing students for careers in the environmental sciences, including hydrology, oceanography and meteorology; and the education track – preparing students for certification to teach earth science.
Majors conduct a wide range of exciting research; recent projects have analyzed soils and lava flows in Hawaii, determined the pressure and depth for the intrusion of granite bodies in the Northwest Adirondacks, examined fossil reef structures in the Bahamas, and so much more. Most students have the opportunity to visit their field study areas first hand and collect their own research data.
Oneonta is close to several important geological provinces: the Catskill Mountains, the southern and northern Appalachians, and the Adirondacks. The department takes full advantage of its location and runs day and weekend (and longer) field trips to all of these mountain ranges. Hartwick’s Geology and Environmental Sciences Department also offers off-campus study and fieldwork opportunities across the country.
Hartwick geology and environmental science majors have gone on to careers in a wide variety of fields and to study at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions.
Hartwick alumni work for:
Hartwick graduates have been accepted to:
Hartwick’s expert geology and environmental sciences faculty are focused on the future. That’s because they work closely with students who are meant for more. Students who will make a difference in the world into which they will graduate. Hartwick students.
Ready to move faster? Get the full Hartwick geology experience in three-quarters the time at three-quarters the cost. Learn more about the three-year program.
