Norwich University, in the middle of the Green Mountain State, is ideally situated for unhurried and unhampered studies of Earth. The geology program takes advantage of this location and provides a broad background in the physical sciences with emphasis on geology and its pivotal role in understanding our environment. In addition to the solid foundation in geology and supportive sciences, students can use their ten free electives to develop an additional concentration or seek teacher licensure.
The degree is offered by a small department in which “everybody knows your name,” resulting in small class sizes for geology electives, and focused personal advising. Our strong emphasis on field studies and outdoor experience results in students having experiential learning both in their courses and on department field trips, such as recent trips in southern Utah, west Texas, southern California, central Arizona, as well as throughout New England and eastern Canada.
2005 Utah spring break field trip
Field studies are followed up by laboratory analysis, and the Department is equipped a with full sample prep lab (diamond saws, grinders, pulverizers, seperators, etc.), an X-ray diffraction and fluorescence laboratory, a range of geophysical exploration equipment including a gravity meter, seismograph, magnetometer and electromagnetometer. Following fusion and dissolution, chemical analysis of rock and mineral samples is carried out in our ICAP spectrometer lab, which also provides an analytical capability for studies of ground and surface water.
I see global population and urbanization issues, along with the depletion of natural resources, as the biggest problems of our future, and I want to be part of the solution.
Geology courses are presented by excellent faculty who not only are highly respected teachers, but are also active researchers in New England, Europe and the western U.S. Our courses include real projects including participation in original research. By offering courses in alternate-year sequences we provide a broad curriculum with a classic geology education that prepares graduates for highly variable career options.
Our graduates are successful, their starting salaries continue rising, and jobs are available. Although many of our graduating seniors accept commissions into the military, they are all prepared to go on to graduate school or begin work in industry, consulting, or state and federal surveys.
