Earth & Environmental Sciences Department

Quin Photo

Graduate Student Quin Stangeland on Volcano Acatengo 

Graduate Student Andy Kasun at the Harvard Glacier in Alaska

Audray

Graduate Student Audray Hinkemeyer in Iceland 

Welcome

Situated on the shore of the world's largest freshwater lake, we enjoy tremendous geological and environmental diversity in a haven for outdoor activity. And we take advantage of this fact as much as possible.

For undergraduates, we offer:

B.S. in Earth & Environmental Science (coming Fall 2024)

Sub-plans (tracks):
Environmental Science
Geology
Hydrology
General


B.A. in Earth & Environmental Science (coming Fall 2024)

B.S. in Geological Sciences (Current)

B.A. in Geological Sciences  (Current)

B.S. in Environmental Science  (recommended advanced electives)  (Current)

We also offer a master's program in Earth Sciences and a Ph.D. program in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Department of Earth Sciences.

Strong Tradition of Research

Our department has a long history at UMD and we take great pride in a strong tradition of geology research, with many opportunities for field-based work and independent study.

Our commitment is reflected by the initiative of our faculty members in working with students through our highly rated Undergraduate Research Opportunities 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.