Title

Geology and Environmental Science Department

Subtitle

Can You Dig It?

Intro text

Geology is defined as the scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the Earth, and nearly everything we utilize each day has something to do with the Earth. We rely on clean water for healthy life and recreation, and protecting water resources and the environment are core aspects of geology. Our lives require daily use of energy and minerals, and geological science is of paramount importance in locating resources, extracting them from the Earth efficiently and having the least possible impact on the environment.

Intro Text

Majors and Minors in Geology and Environmental Science

Whether your goals are to pursue a career in industry, governmental regulatory agencies, education, or a career in scientific research, a degree in geology from UW-Eau Claire will be a step above the rest. Our field-based curriculum gives students the opportunity to do geologists' work from the first entry-level course. If you enjoy the outdoors and the environment, math, chemistry, and science, you’re in the right place.

Meet the Faculty

Kent Syverson
Geology and Environmental Science Department
Professor
Development Officer
Hallmarks
water testing instrumentation geology
State-of-the-Art Equipment

The Geology and Environmental Science Department at UW-Eau Claire, along with the Materials Science Center, houses state-of-the-art analytical equipment that is rarely found at undergraduate institutions. Blugold geology students gain hands-on experience with professional techniques that enhances their employment or graduate school opportunities.

Madeline Marchiafava with geology research at Rotunda event
Collaborative Research

Student-faculty collaborative research is the hallmark of the Geology and Enviromental Science program at UW-Eau Claire. Each faculty member is committed to the philosophy that “learning” science is best achieved by “doing” science. The “learning-by-doing" philosophy has proven enormously successful at preparing our students for both industry and graduate study.

geology students New Mexico field camp
Field Studies

Our department provides a rigorous field-based program, where traditional geological field skills are uniquely blended with modern technology and computational science. Geology and Environmental Science classes at UW-Eau Claire include regular field excursions to the Black Hills and Badlands areas of South Dakota, northern and western Wisconsin, New Mexico, Montana, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and many local field trips in the Eau Claire area.

Facts List

Just
the
facts

3500 ft2 of Greenhouse Space
UWEC features an abundance of greenhouse space — right on campus — for you to explore.
6 Majors, 2 Minors, 3 Certificates
Find a program that matches your career goals and prepares you for a job you'll love.
Surrounded By Nature
Our campus is surrounded by Putnam Park, a peaceful 230-acre natural area right out your back door.
Explore A New Campus
Participate in the National Student Exchange Program and choose from 180 schools, including universities in Canada, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Ranked a Top Green College
UWEC is among the most environmentally responsible universities in the nation.
Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges 2025
Student Opportunities
Student Opportunities
Events List

Dig It Newsletter

Read our department newsletter, Dig It, to get information about our current students, scholarships, internships and even notes from alumni and faculty.

 

Program Outcomes

Geology is the study of the earth and earth processes. Geologists work to solve environmental problems and supervise the exploration and development of earth resources. They are employed in industry, by governmental and regulatory agencies, and as educators. Although some geology majors continue their studies in graduate school, a bachelor's degree in geology allows options in professional fields such as environmental geology, resource law, and engineering.

The Geology and Environmental Science Department provides a rigorous but flexible program, and stresses the importance of a broad science curriculum. A curriculum balancing laboratory and field experience is tailored to meet the needs of each student.

Geology and Environmental Science Department

Phillips Science Hall 157
101 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
United States

What's Next

What's Next?

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