two students in a lab pouring soil samples into plastic bags
Zoe Hecht and Emily Bermudez prepare soil samples in Associate Professor Amanda Schmidt’s geology lab. Photo credit: Michael Hartman
Program Overview

Geology

Program Type: Major, Minor
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department: Geology

Interdisciplinary by design, our geology major 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.

Program Director

F. Zeb Page Associate Professor of Geology

Contact

Pat Sturges Administrative Assistant 440-775-8350

Why Study Geology at Oberlin?

1
Undergraduate Research Consortium
44
Variety of Courses
4
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

Winter Term

Oberlin’s four-week winter term in January encourages students to discover the value of self-directed education. You may pursue individual or group projects that are directly linked to your field of study or explore opportunities unrelated to your major. Complete your project on or off campus.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student Senate, Chess Club, Solarity, the Oberlin Review—these are among the more than 175 student groups and clubs available to you. From politics to faith and identity, and from special interest to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs eager for new members, new ideas, and new leadership.

Upcoming Geology Events

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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

Geology Faculty

Geology News

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Educator in Death Valley National Park: Marcus Hill ’19

February 21, 2020
Geology graduate Marcus Hill is working alongside seasoned park rangers to run education programs for elementary school students. As one of the few geologists on staff, he’s discovering that visitors are excited to learn about rocks from someone who spent the last four years working with rocks.
View all Geology news