Geology

Department Overview

Oberlin’s geology department enjoys a national reputation and is among the first established at an American liberal arts college. Geology at Oberlin is relevant and rigorous—relevant in that the program explores some of the worldwide environmental, climatological, and geological questions of the day, and rigorous in that it requires a high level of inquiry, field study, analysis, and problem solving.

Interdisciplinary by design, geology reflects the diversity of modern earth science, covering subjects that range from the nature of environments since Earth’s beginnings to the impact of humans on the Earth today, and from tiny crystals to gigantic tectonic plates.

We offer courses for the major and non-major. Our major program prepares students for graduate school or a career in earth sciences but is also intended for students who seek a broad understanding of earth systems through scientific study en route to careers in teaching, environmental fields, or other related areas. Many students incorporate geology into a double major.

You will benefit from small classes, hands-on learning, excellent faculty scholarship, and opportunities to accompany and assist faculty members with field experiments and other research.

We encourage majors to do independent research as well as attend workshops and summer programs in geology to have exposure to different geological processes.