Geoscience
About This Program
You love making new discoveries. You’re curious about the world around you and the planet we call home. You want to learn more about our natural resources — how to conserve them and use them wisely. Geoscience may be the major for you.
Department
Why Utica University
The major in geoscience is a broad, interdisciplinary program comprising geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, and environmental science. Utica’s expert faculty provides an extremely well-rounded understanding of the Earth and its complex systems, preparing students for a broad range of professions that address global environmental issues and related challenges.
Graduates of Utica University's geoscience program enter an expanding market for their skills, with above average job growth predicted for positions in hydrology and environmental science. Geoscience majors are also prepared for careers in oil and gas exploration and development, resource management, and education. There is also a growing need for geoscience specialists in education.
Our geoscience majors do quite well after graduation. One student's internship position she held while a student at Utica became a long-term position following graduation. Another student interested in teaching earth science continued on to pursue a master's degree in education, and another is employed as a quality assurance officer with a local company.
For more information on emerging trends in geoscience careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Contact Information
Office of Admissions
Sharon Kanfoush
General Information
Geoscience at Utica
Career Opportunities
On the Rise
Options
What You'll Learn
The geoscience major offers two degree options:
- The Bachelor of Science option is designed to prepare students to work in applied earth and environmental science or pursue graduate studies in geoscience or related disciplines. A capstone experience such as a field course, directed research, or internship will be required of students receiving the B.S. to integrate liberal and professional study.
- The Bachelor of Arts option is designed to provide substantial breadth in science preparation by also including coursework in biology, environmental issues, and astronomy, allowing students greater flexibility in tailoring the degree to meet their needs and interests.
Both degree programs offer students the benefit of an impressive suite of advanced instrumentation. Field study opportunities are enhanced by the University's proximity to a variety of earth and environmental resources, such as the Utica marsh, the Adirondack and Catskill mountains, and the Great Lakes region.
Geoscience Faculty
- Distinguished Professor of Geology
- Professor of Geology
Adjunct Geoscience Faculty
- Adjunct Lecturer of Geology
- Adjunct Lecturer of Geology
- Adjunct Lecturer of Geology
A Degree That Works
Graduates of Utica's geoscience program enter an expanding market for their skills, with above average job growth predicted for positions in hydrology and environmental science. Geoscience majors are also prepared for careers in oil and gas exploration and development, resource management, and education, among others. Graduates of Utica's geoscience program have gone on to:
- NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
- FPM Remediations, Inc
- EA Science, Engineering and Technology
- Suez Environmental at Hinkley Water Treatment Plant
- O'Brien & Gere P.C.
- Arcadis
- Crompco Environmental Services
- Indium Corporation
- Georgia Department of Transportation
- Riverhawk Corporation
- CNY School Districts
Experience It
Actively participate in your learning with abundant opportunities to interact with your professors and peers. Capstone projects may be an independent research, an internship, or completion of field camp. Classes are strongly infused with field experiences in the form of field trips, or as larger weekend trips to Vermont and the Adirondacks.
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Small Class Sizes
Form strong bonds with your classmates and work together to solve problems and complete projects assigned in class. Professors have time to work with you one-on-one both in and out of class, often available for questions and advice outside of class or office hours.
Internships
Utica University Geoscience majors gain hands-on learning experiences through internships at places such as Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah, Georgia, Rogers Environmental Education Center in Sherburne, NY, as well as in the private sector such as performing groundwater monitoring with a private geoscience company.
Tools of the Trade
Equipment for sedimentological analysis, including sieves, a Ro-Tap shaker, and hydrometers, multiple current meters, stereo microscopes and a differential interference contrast microscope for microfossil analysis, rock cutting and thin-sectioning equipment and microscopes for petrographic analysis, and a collection of local- to continental-scale topographic and geologic maps and aerial photographs for structural geologic studies.
Utica University Value
Voices from across the University community talk about the value of a Utica University education.
Science at Utica University
"A sense of pride and accomplishment" - 2023 Outstanding Senior Isabelle LaBelle
44th Annual Utica University Regional Science Fair Welcomes Middle and High School Scientists from Across the Area
Social Work: Dr. Sarah Keesom, students, make surprising discoveries about social interaction and health
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