Welcome to UMD Geological Sciences!

Welcome to the web home of UMD Geological Sciences. Situated on the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake, with everything from Precambrian craton to Pleistocene glacial deposits at our doorstep, we enjoy tremendous geological diversity in a haven for outdoor activity. Feel welcome to explore our program and contact us any time.

Mission Statement

Our goal is to provide undergraduate and graduate students with the highest quality earth science education. We take great pride in a strong tradition of undergraduate geology, with many opportunities for field-based study and independent research. Our commitment to undergraduate education is reflected in our highly rated undergraduate research program. Our MS and PhD programs offer opportunities for research in a wide range of fields, from solid-earth geology and tectonics, to Quaternary and climate studies, lacustrine geochemistry, basin modeling, economic geology, and planetary geology. Recent additions to our expanding faculty reflect a strong commitment to teaching and research in the most vital areas of earth science today.