student with display of rocks on table — Geology and history double-major Elena Robakiewicz ’16 received a Fulbright grant for research in Germany. Her research took place in Tübingen, where she worked with professors who study paleolake (or ancient lake) data in order to better understand early human migration patterns. Photo credit: Jennifer Manna

Program Overview

Geology

Program Type: Major, Minor

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department: Geology

Interdisciplinary by design, our geology course of study 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.

Why Study Geology at Oberlin?

Undergraduate Research Consortium

Variety of Courses

Study Away Programs

student hiking along hilly trails with mountains in background — Geology students take a hike along the Golden Cannon Trail in Death Valley National Park, California. Photo credit: Courtsey of Steven Wojtal

Keck Geology Consortium

The Keck Geology Consortium is focused on enriching undergraduate education through development of high quality research experience. The consortium has been a fundamental component of the undergraduate research landscape for 26 years, supporting more than 1,400 students from 100-plus schools across the nation.

Each year at least two Oberlin students participate in original summer research at Keck, of which the word has a tangible meaning in the geoscience community: talented students gaining field experience supported by dedicated, master teachers.

Discover Keck Consortium

Sample Courses

GEOL 122 - Natural Hazards 4 credits
GEOL 204 - Evolution of the Earth 4 credits
GEOL 212 - Earth Surface Processes 4 credits
GEOL 235 - Applied GIS 4 credits

Curriculum and requirements

Geology Faculty

Geology faculty are scholars. teachers, and researchers who are committed to undergraduate education. They provide opportunities for students to engage in research projects. Their areas of specialty includes oceanography, aquatic climate, coral reefs and coastal systems, paleoecology, metamorphic rocks, and tectonic geomorphology.

Explore Faculty within Geology