GEOLOGY AS A PROFESSION

If you are curious about the natural world and like to be out-of-doors, might find a career as a geologist interesting and rewarding. Geologists study rocks, fossils, soils, waters, and the Earth's deep interior in order to learn the history of the Earth and to discover valuable resources such as oil, minerals, and safe water supplies. Geologists also work with engineers in making geologic studies of sites for such things as power plants, bridges, landfills, or radioactive waste disposal. If our present lifestyle is to continue, geologists must find 
ever-increasing amounts of energy and metallic mineral resources. Geologists are employed by energy and resource companies, consulting firms, state and federal agencies, schools and universities.

Many jobs in geology require a Master's degree, so if you are planning a career in geology you should anticipate four years of undergraduate study and two years in graduate school. Most graduate students have a part-time university job that pays for their schooling, and many find summer jobs in geology that enhance their education as well as provide additional income.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN GEOLOGY AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH

The faculty of the Department of Geology at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is proud of its reputation for offering an excellent undergraduate program. The success of UW Oshkosh graduates reflects this excellence, which has been further verified by formal expert evaluation. The seven faculty members, all of whom hold the Ph.D. degree, were carefully chosen to represent a wide range of geological specialities. Each is actively engaged in research as well as teaching. Thirty undergraduate courses are offered, and each is taught by a faculty member with special expertise developed by graduate study and research. There are presently over 50 geology majors.

The Department of Geology has excellent facilities and equipment. It occupies a remodeled building with specialized laboratories and space for student research. Students have the opportunity for "hands-on" experience with scientific equipment that at many schools is available only to graduate students. Instrumentation includes a state-of-the-art, computerized Rigaku X-ray diffractometer for rock and mineral study, water-well monitoring and logging systems for use in 2 water wells adjacent to Harrington Hall, and geophysical equipment such as a Global Positioning System receiver, gravity meter, 48-channel seismograph, proton precession magnetometer, and earth resistivity instruments. At present there are nine computers specifically designated for student use.

The Department offers majors in Geology and in Secondary Earth Science Education. There are three emphases within the Geology major. Most students select either the Professional Emphasis in Geology or the Professional Emphasis in Hydrogeology. Both emphases require credits in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computer science in addition to those in geology.  Either of these emphases is recommended for students planning graduate school. Former students with these emphases have told us they were very well prepared for graduate school. The Professional Emphasis in Hydrogeology also is suitable for students who will seek employment as a hydrogeologist following graduation. The Liberal Arts Emphasis in Geology is for students who want a general, non-professional liberal arts education leading to either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. The Secondary Earth Science Education major is designed for education majors who want to teach Earth Science at the junior or senior high school level.

The Geology faculty members want to help students through the program and guide them toward graduation. Because of this we ask all majors to see their geology advisor each semester before they register. This is an opportunity for students to make sure they are taking the right courses, have the proper prerequisites, get recommendations about courses, or ask questions and seek guidance about their life after graduation.

Students may request a specific advisor or be assigned an advisor--it's up to the ndividual.  New majors may do either by going to the Geology Department office. Students may also ask to change advisors at any time.

For additional information on advising and geology as a career, and otherhelpful links, visit http://www.uwosh.edu/geology/advising.html.

THE GEOLOGY FACULTY OF UW OSHKOSH

Dr. Daniel J. Lehrmann

Dr. Lehrmann teaches courses in paleontology, stratigraphy and basin analysis, historical geology, and field geology. His primary research interests are in the areas of stratigraphy and sedimentology of carbonate rocks, micropaleontology, and reef paleoecology. His current research focuses on the evolution of carbonate platforms and reefs in China and Indonesia, and the end Permian mass extinction.

Since he began at UW Oshkosh, he has published more than twenty papers in journal publications. His research has benefitted greatly from the extensive involvement of undergraduate students as they completed independent research studies. Many students have presented their projects at professional meetings, have co-authored journal publications and have gone on to graduate school and careers in the petroleum industry.

His Ph.D. is from the University of Kansas. Prior to joining the geology faculty in 1996, Dr. Lehrmann worked as a petroleum geologist for Shell Oil Company and Exxon Production Research.

Dr. William N. Mode

Dr. Mode's research on glacial geology, palynology, and climatic change has taken him to Baffin Island, Alaska, Russia, and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The glacial geology of Wisconsin is also of interest to Dr. Mode as he is a native of Wisconsin. Currently he is collaborating with geologists at the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey on mapping Waupaca County. Dr. Mode admits that research on surficial geology is actually easier to do in arctic areas than in Wisconsin, because the trees don't get in the way in the Arctic. While he is Department Chair, Glacial Geology, Geomorphology, and Honors Geology are Dr. Mode's teaching responsibilities. Dr. Mode's Ph.D. is from the University of Colorado, and he spent one year at Ohio State University as a post-doctoral fellow before coming to Oshkosh.

Maureen A. Muldoon

Dr. Muldoon teaches three hydrogeology courses (Physical, Chemical and Field Methods), as well as Environmental Geology. She also teaches a geology field trip to the Colorado Plateau and an Environmental Studies field course in Belize.

Maureen’s research focuses on applied groundwater questions throughout Wisconsin and all of her projects at UW-Oshkosh have involved undergraduate research assistants. Her research interests include investigation of groundwater quality and flow in carbonate rocks, relationship between carbonate stratigraphy and hydraulic properties, land-use impacts on groundwater quality, and delineation of wellhead protection zones in fractured rock.

Dr. Muldoon is a licensed professional geologist and hydrologist in Wisconsin and she occasionally consults on projects that address the hydrogeology of fractured carbonate aquifers. Before joining the staff at UW Oshkosh, she worked as a hydrogeologist with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey for almost 11 years where she conducted groundwater research throughout Wisconsin, worked with several counties on inventories of their groundwater resources, and taught several short courses.

Maureen received her A.B. degree from Washington University in St. Louis and her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Timothy S. Paulsen

Tim teaches Structural Geology and Tectonics, Geophysics and Geotectonics, Introduction to Field Methods, Applied Field Methods, and Field Geology (i.e., field camp in Park City, Utah). Tim is a structural geologist and his research focuses on understanding mountain building in North America, India, and Antarctica. Prior to joining the Geology Department faculty in the fall of 1999, he did a three-year post-doctoral study at the Byrd Polar Research Center at The Ohio State University. Tim received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in 1997, where he studied fold-thrust belt deformation in the Wasatch Range of Utah. He is currently working with students on projects focused on understanding the Tertiary structural evolution of Antarctica and the North America Cordillera.

Tom Suszek

Tom joined the UW Oshkosh Department of Geology as their Associate Instrumentation Specialist in 2000. He has been involved in procuring and cataloguing rock and mineral specimens, maintenance of all field equipment, rock preparation equipment and laboratory instruments, creating new hall displays, and establishing EPA compliance throughout Harrington Hall. In addition, Tom trains and supervises students as tutors, proctors, and outreach presenters, and in the use of instruments and laboratories. He is also part of the permanent summer Field Camp faculty.

Tom is a native of Wisconsin and a UW Oshkosh geology Alum. He received his M.S. degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with emphasis in sedimentary and economic geology. Tom has been involved in exploration for precious and base metals throughout the upper great lakes region for nearly 15 years. His area of expertise is in the recognition of environments of deposition conductive to the formation of sediment-hosted stratiform copper deposits, and sedimentary and volcanic rocks associated with intracontinental rifting.

Dr. Jennifer Wenner

Dr. Wenner teaches courses in physical geology, mineralogy, optical and X-ray mineralogy, geochemistry, igneous and metamorphic petrology, and field trips to Death Valley and the Sierra Nevada.  Her research interests include both the generation of continental crust (using geochemistry and geochronology) and best teaching practices for increasing college students’ quantitative skills.  Her current crustal research involves geochemical and volcanological study of basaltic cinder cones associated with the southernmost Cascade volcano, Lassen Peak, California.  In the past, her crustal research has taken her to ancient and modern volcanoes in California, Oregon, Missouri, Wisconsin, Washington and New England.  Since 2001, approximately a dozen students have traveled with Jen to complete a variety of field and geochemical projects dealing with the generation and evolution of continental crust.  Each of these students received grants to complete the research (through GSA, Sigma Xi, UWOshkosh, etc.) and many of them have presented the results of their research at national and regional meetings.  In 2006, Jen received a CCLI grant from the National Science Foundation to build web resources for geoscience students to increase their quantitative skills.  Her education research has taken her to Minnesota, Massachusetts, Virginia, Florida, California and Washington State.  She holds a B.A. from Carleton College (1992) and a Ph.D. from Boston University (2001).

Christie Demosthenous

This is Christie's 11th year with the UW Oshkosh Department of Geology. Her teaching responsibilities currently include labs and lecture for both Environmental Geology and Physical Geology.

She received an AB in Geology from Colgate University and an MS in Geology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she specialized in clay mineralogy.

Her research at Illinois focused on determining the alteration history of volcanic rocks from the island of Ischia in Italy. Christie served as a teaching assistant for a variety of geology classes while at the University of Illinois and Colgate University. Prior to coming to Oshkosh, she worked at the Byrd Polar Research Center at The Ohio State University using
radar imagery to study the structural architecture of the Transantarctic Mountains and the distribution of volcanic cones in Antarctica.

SUPPORT STAFF 

The Department could not function without the support of Teresa Brown, Department secretary. Most geology majors will get to know Teresa for one reason or another--removing a stop so you can register, borrowing a key to get into a lab, etc.

Diane Lloyd is the new custodian for Harrington Hall.  She worked in Halsey before moving to Harrington.  She thinks she might miss the air conditioning during summer.

Dr. Fetter retired (well before reaching retirement age) in 1998. Since then he has remained active as a consulting hydrogeologist and as author of hydrogeology textbooks. The fourth edition of his popular text Applied Hydrogeology has been published, and his other text, Contaminant Hydrogeology, is in its second edition. The 30th anniversary of the First Edition of Applied Hydrogeology is 2009.

Dr. Fetter now lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  He likes to cruise the Intracoastal waterway on his 28 foot boat, "Whisker". He volunteers, with his boat, on a long term research project studying dolphins in the area waters. He enjoys riding his bike on the more than 50 miles of bike paths on Hilton Head Island. Dr. Fetter and his wife are traveling a lot to visit their three children and seven grandchildren. They also like overseas travel and cruises.

Dr. Norris W. Jones

After 32 years of teaching Physical Geology, Optical Mineralogy, X-Ray Mineralogy, Petrology, and sundry other courses, Emeritus Professor Jones retired at the end of Spring Semester, 2000. His golf game reportedly has improved ever since, though he thinks the reporters must have been watching someone else. Dr. Jones's seventh edition of his popular Laboratory Manual for Physical Geology, co-authored by his son Charles (U. of Pittsburgh), was published by McGraw-Hill in early 2009. We hope his lab manual will continue to be available because our geology labs use it. 

Dr. Gene L. LaBerge

Dr. LaBerge is still Mr. Wisconsin Geology," although he retired in 1998 after teaching for 33 years in the Geology Department. He continues his field work in the Precambrian of Wisconsin and northern Michigan, sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey. The most recent project involves mapping and studying ejecta from a hugh meteorite that landed at Sudbury, Ontario 1,850 million years ago. Fallout extends across Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ontario, and provides a unique "time-line" for correlating rocks throughout the region. His book, Geology of the Lake Superior Region, is currently in its fifth printing. Gene and Sally continue their lifelong interest in traveling. Since retiring, they have made four trips to Alaska, two to Australia and two trips to Brazil. Their latest adventure was a month long trip to Namibia (in southern Africa) in October, 2007, where Gene and Sally, and several others, were taken on a multi-day trip visiting the alluvial diamond mines in the area by former student, Kakia Kakia (A.K.A. Kakia Mathews, a 1986 grad). This was perhaps the most unique and interesting trip they have been on, thanks to Kakia. They also continue to enlarge their collection of fine minerals. After many delays, the results of the field work with the U.S.G.S. was finally published as Professional Paper 130, "The Gogebic Iron Range -- A Sample of the Northern Margin of the Penokean Fold and Thrust Belt", by William F. Cannon, Gene L. LaBerge, John S. Klasner, and Klaus J. Schulz. Gene has also written an article, "Early Life Around Lake Superior" to be published in "Lake Superior Magazine" in the fall of 2009. It deals with the early forms of Precambrian fossils in the rocks that range in age from more than 3 billion to about 1 billion years. It is written mainly for general readers, not research geologists.

Dr. Thomas S. Laudon

T.S. officially retired in the fall of 1997. During his 34 years in the Department he led our Yukon field camp for 32 summers, and at one time or another taught Geophysics, Geologic Field Methods, Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Environmental Geology, Paleontology, Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, Glacial Geology and Physiography, and organized and led spring break field trips to Kentucky, Oklahoma, the Florida Keys, the Alabama Gulf Coast, and the Llano. Following retirement he taught Field Camp for two more summers, organized and led three geological treks in the Himalayas through the Continuing Education Branch, and served as geological guru on six cruise ship voyages to Antarctica. His recent projects include coping with assorted geriatric infirmities (memory, knees, legs, golf scores, etc,.), revisiting Tagish Lake and the Brooks as often as possible, sorting through the many geologic treasures he and his father accumulated over the years and deciding how they can be used best to benefit others, assisting on the University of Missouri Rolla field camp in South Africa in 2004, and writing up some loose ends relating to his Antarctic research, and visiting children and grandchildren, all of whom live in the West:  Kathy in Fort Collins, Julie in San Diego, Leslie in Sacramento, Carrie in Houston, and Joe in Bozeman. TS and Sue are enjoying their homes on Lake Winnebago in the summer, and on the golf course in Las Cruces NM in the winter and urge any former geo students who are in the neighborhood to stop in and see them.(They're in the white pages).

Dr. James W. McKee

Professor McKee, who retired in 1996, continues his geological research in Mexico while beginning a new career as a farmer. Before he retired he taught Paleontology and Stratigraphy, led several Spring Field Trips to Mexico, and taught field camp with Dr. Laudon for many years. When not doing research, he wrestles steers, grows beans, and sells erratics.

Dr. Brian K. McKnight

Professor McKnight retired in 1999. He used to teach honors geology, structural geology, sedimentology, and oceanography.

He also operates a wine shop in town where he can be found Thursdays through Saturdays. His field trips involve visiting vineyards and wineries in places like France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. He soon will be phasing out of the wine business. Brian is also writing stories that are being published in his hometown newspaper. They are mostly about growing up in a "Huckleberry Finn" existence in the Kickapoo River Valley but in the future will include articles about the local geology of Southwestern Wisconsin.

There are three emphases in the Geology major:  (1) Professional Emphasis in Geology; (2) Professional Emphasis in Hydrogeology; and (3) Liberal Arts Emphasis.  Students who wish to pursue a double major (e.g., Geology and Biology) may want to consider formulating an Individually Planned Major and should consult with the Department Chairperson.

All emphases require completion of the core courses (102, 110, or 150; 109; 205; and 206)
as well as a writing emphasis course (311, 320, or 335).

Many geology courses have prerequisites and you should pay attention to these.  Note that Chemistry, 32-105 must be taken before or concurrently with Mineralogy, 51-205, and that chemistry courses have math prerequisites.

Many geology courses are offered beyond the required ones listed below. Geology students should
consider taking some of those courses, especially 444 (Research in Geology) and 446 (Independent Study), to gain research experience, and 445 (Geology Internship), to gain pre-professional experience.

Geology Requirements (Professional Emphasis in Geology)     Credits

*Physical Geology, 51-102 OR Honors: Geology, 51-110
          OR Environmental Geology, 51-150                     4
Evolution of the Earth, 51-109                                 4
Mineralogy, 51-205                                             4
Lithology, 51-206                                              4
Paleontology, 51-309                                           3
Sedimentology, 51-314                                          3
Geophysics & Geotectonics, 51-326
              OR Geochemistry, 51-369                          3
Structural Geology & Tectonics, 51-331                         3
Field Geology, 51-344 or equivalent                            6
Two of the following:   
Advanced Mineralogy, 51-333; Petrology, 51-308;
Stratigraphy & Basin Analysis, 51-311; Geomorphology, 51-320;    
Mineral Deposits, 51-322; Physical Hydrogeology, 51-365;
Geophysics & Geotectonics, 51-326 OR Geochemistry, 51-369      6       
                        Total Credits in Geology              40

*51-102 OR 51-110 is recommended.


Requirements Outside Geology                                Credits

1.  Chemistry 32-105 and 32-106                               10
       
2.  Physics 82-107 and 82-108                                 10
        OR Physics 82-109 and 82-110 (recommended)            10
 
3.  Calculus, 67-171 and 67-172                                8

4.  Computer Science 34-142 OR 34-221, OR Geography            3
        50-371 OR 50-391, OR Mathematics 67-201


Electives

For students who would like to take additional courses in science or math, these are recommended.

1.  Biology 26-105 OR 26-107, 26-230 OR 26-231

2.  Quantitative Analysis, 32-221

3.  Mathematics 67-201 OR 67-301, 67-273

PROFESSIONAL EMPHASIS IN HYDROGEOLOGY

This emphasis is designed to prepare students for graduate studies in Hydrogeology, Environmental Science, Environmental Geology, or Water Resources Management programs. The curriculum is also suitable for students seeking employment in these areas without a graduate degree. Graduates with the degree will meet the educational requirements for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' statutory definition of a hydrogeologist.  At present, there are employment opportunities for hydrogeologists with a Bachelor's degree.  However, because employment conditions change, we urge students to seriously consider graduate studies before beginning a career in this area.


Geology Requirements (Professional Emphasis in Hydrogeology)    Credits

Physical Geology, 51-102 OR Honors: Geology, 51-110
        OR Environmental Geology, 51-150                         4
Evolution of the Earth, 51-109                                   4
Mineralogy, 51-205                                               4
Lithology, 51-206                                                4
Sedimentology, 51-314                                            3
Geomorphology, 51-320,
        OR Glacial Geology, 51-335                               3
Geophysics & Geotectonics, 51-326
        OR Geochemistry, 51-369                                  3
Structural Geology & Tectonics, 51-331                           3
Physical Hydrogeology, 31-365                                    3
Chemical Hydrogeology, 31-366                                    3

Field Geology, 51-344 or equivalent                              6

                                  Total Credits in Geology      40

Requirements Outside Geology

1.  Chemistry 32-105 and 32-106                                 10
     
2.  Physics 82-107 and 82-108                                   10
        OR 82-109 and 82-110 (recommended)                      10

3.  Calculus, 67-171 and 67-172                                  8

4.  Computer Science 34-142 OR 34-221, OR Geography              
        50-371 OR 50-391, OR Mathematics 67-201                  3

Electives  (Professional Emphasis in Hydrogeology)

For students who would like to take additional courses in related areas, these are recommended.

1. Geology 370 & 371 (Field Methods in Hydrogeology I & II)

*2.  Principles of Economics, 36-206 and 36-207

 3.  Natural Resource Economics, 36-355

 4.  Mathematics 67-201 or 301, 67-273, 67-371

 5.  Biology 26-105, 26-106, 26-233

 6.  Chemistry 32-221, 32-235, 32-320, 32-347
                                                  

* These courses satisfy General Education requirements.

LIBERAL ARTS EMPHASIS IN GEOLOGY

This emphasis is for students who may not plan to work as geologists or who have goals that are not compatible with the other emphases.

Geology Requirements  (Liberal Arts Emphasis)           Credits

Physical Geology, 51-102 OR Honors Geology, 51-110 OR 
    Environmental Geology, 51-150                       4-5
Evolution of the Earth, 51-109                            4
Mineralogy, 51-205                                        4
Lithology, 51-206                                         4
Electives in Geology (including a 3 credit writing       18
emphasis course.)
                          Total Credits in Geology       34

Requirements Outside Geology

Two semesters of Chemistry (105 and 106) or Physics      10
(107 and 108 or 109 and 110) are required. Because
Chemistry 105 is a pre- or co-requisite for
Mineralogy (Geology 205), Chemistry is recommended.

RECOMMENDED FLOW SCHEMES FOR MAJORS IN GEOLOGY

While each student's schedule is different, the following flow scheme may help you plan your undergraduate program. For the first two years, the Professional Emphases in Geology and Hydrogeology are the same. You will need to select an emphasis when you reach your junior year. Some junior-senior courses are only offered every other year. Further, note the following prerequisites of chemistry, math, or physics:             

Because the Department of Geology is a relatively small program, several upper-level courses
are taught every other year. When you are planning your class schedule, it is important to
anticipate when a course will be taught. The list that follows is our current plan for offering geology courses for the next two years.

NOTE: Class schedules are tentative and may change due to availability of faculty and number of students who enroll.

ANY EMPHASES

FRESHMAN
                                                                   Total
Fall I & II                                               Credits  Credits
Geology         51-102  Physical Geology                    4
                  OR
                51-150  Environmental Geology               4

Chemistry       32-105  General Chemistry                   5
English         38-101  College English I                   3
Mathematics     67-103  Introduction to College Algebra     3

Electives:                                                  1-3


Fall III
Electives                                                 1-3
                                                                   15-18

Spring I & II
Geology 51-109  Evolution of the Earth              4
Geology 51-140  Intro to Field Methods              1
                 (not required)
Chemistry       32-106  General Chemistry                   5
Mathematics     67-108  Pre-Calculus                        5
                                               

Spring III
Electives                                                 1-3
                                                                   15-18

SOPHOMORE
                                                                   Total                                                
Fall I & II                                               Credits  Credits                                 
Geology         51-205  Mineralogy                          4
Mathematics     67-171  Calculus I                          4
                                           
Computer Science 34-142 or 34-221,
                  OR
Geography 50-371 or 50-391,
                  OR
Mathematics 67-201                                          3

Electives                                                   3


Fall III
Electives                                                 1-3
                                                                   15-18

Spring I & II
Geology         51-206  Lithology                           4
Mathematics     67-172  Calculus                            4
English         Advanced Composition: Sciences, 38-318      3
Electives                                                   3


Spring III
Electives                                                 1-3
                                                                   15-17

PROFESSIONAL EMPHASIS IN GEOLOGY

JUNIOR
                                                                   Total
Fall I & II                                               Credits  Credits
Geology         51-309  Paleontology                        3
                51-314  Sedimentology                       3
                51-320  Geomorphology                       3
                   OR
                51-365  Physical Hydrogeology               3

Physics         82-107  General Physics                    
                    OR
                82-109  General Physics                     5

Electives                                                  1-9


Fall III
Electives                                                  1-3
                                                                   15-18

Spring I & II
Geology         51-331  Structural Geology & Tectonics      3
                51-311  Stratigraphy & Basin Analysis       3
                  OR
                51-369  Geochemistry                        3
                  OR
                51-308  Petrology                           3
                  OR            
                51-322  Mineral Deposits                    3
                51-342  Applied Geologic Field
                          Methods (not required)            2

Physics         82-108  General Physics
                  OR 
                82-110  General Physics                     5

Electives                                                 1-4   

                                                                   14-17
Summer                          
Geology         51-344  Field Geology                       6
                                                                    6

PROFESSIONAL EMPHASIS IN HYDROGEOLOGY

JUNIOR
                                                                   Total        
Fall I & II                                               Credits  Credits
Geology         51-320  Geomorphology                       3
                  OR
                51-335  Glacial Geology                     3
                51-314  Sedimentology                       3
                51-365  Physical Hydrogeology               3

Physics         82-107  Geomorphology                      
                  OR
                82-109  General Physics                     5

Electives                                                 1-4


Fall III
Electives                                                 1-3
                                                                    15-18
                                                        
Spring I & II                                           
Geology         51-331  Structural Geology & Tectonics      3
                51-369  Geochemistry                        3
                  OR
                51-326  Geophysics & Tectonics              3
                51-366  Chemical Hydrogeology               3
                51-370 & 371 Field Methods in               3
                              Hydrogeology I & II


Physics         82-108  General Physics
                  OR
                82-110  General Physics                     5

Electives                                                 1-3
                                                                    16-19

Summer
Geology         51-344  Field Geology                       6

                                                                    6

Electives                                                 6-8
                                                                   12-14

SECONDARY EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION MAJOR (continued)
                                                                   Total
JUNIOR                                                   Credits   Credits

Fall I & II
Geology         51-309  Paleontology                        3
                51-320  Geomorphology            
                  OR
                51-335  Glacial Geology                     3
Astronomy       82-103  The Solar System                    4
Education       14-201  Individual, School & Society        3
Education       16-352  Child & Youth w/Disabilities        3
Health          55-405  Health Problems of High School      2
                                        
                                                        
Fall III
Electives                                                 1-3
                                                                   15-18
                                                                                                        
Spring I & II                   
Geology         51-328  Oceanography                        3
                51-331  Structural Geology & Tectonics      3
                51-342  Applied Geologic Field
                          Methods (not required)            2
                        Geology Electives                   3
Geography       50-121  Weather & Climate               4

Electives AND Education Courses                          9-12
                                                                   18-21

Summer
Geology         51-344  Field Geology                     6

                                                                    6

UUNDERGRADUATE COURSE OFFERINGS IN GEOLOGY

Course
Number          Course Name                         Credit  Offerings

51-102          Physical Geology                    4       Every semester  
        
51-109          Evolution of the Earth              4       Every semester

51-110          Honors: Geology                     5       Spring

51-140          Introduction to Field
                  Methods                           1       Spring (even years)

51-150          Environmental Geology               4       Every semester

51-205          Mineralogy                          4       Fall

51-206          Lithology                           4       Spring

51-306          X-ray Mineralogy                    1     (As scheduled.)

51-308          Petrology                           3       Spring (odd years)

51-309          Paleontology                        3       Fall

51-311          Stratigraphy & Basin Analysis       3       Spring (odd years)

51-314          Sedimentology                       3       Fall
        
51-315          Sedimentary Petrology               1       Spring (odd years)
        
51-320          Geomorphology                       3       Fall (even years)

51-322          Mineral Deposits                    3       Fall (odd years)

51-326          Geophysics & Geotectonics           3       Spring (even years)

51-328          Oceanography                        3       Spring

51-331          Structural Geology & Tectonics      3       Spring

51-333          Advanced Mineralogy                 3       Fall (even years)
        
51-335          Glacial Geology                     3       Fall (odd years)

51-342          Applied Geologic Field          
                  Methods                           2       Spring Interim (odd years)

51-344          Field Geology                       6       Summer

51-360          Field Course in Geology             2       Fall Interim, Spring Break, Spring Interim and Summer

51-365          Physical Hydrogeology               3       Fall (odd years)

51-366          Chemical Hydrogeology               3       Spring (even years)
        
51-369          Geochemistry                        3       Fall (even years)

51-370          Field Methods in Hydrogeology I     2       (As scheduled.)

51-371          Field Methods in Hydrogeology II    1       (As scheduled.)         

51-444          Research in Geology                 1-3     Every semester

51-445          Geology Internship                  1-3     Every semester

51-446          Independent Study                   1-3     Every semester

51-456          Related Readings                    1-3     Every semester

51-460          Topics in Geology                   1-3     (As scheduled.)

51-474          Honors: Thesis                      1-6     Every semester

---




---

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

Even though you may be just beginning your geology studies, now is the time to begin thinking about what you will do after graduation. If you are planning a career in geology and hope to advance in the profession, you should seriously consider going to graduate school. Graduates from our department have been admitted to graduate programs in many schools, including some of the most prestigious ones. In order to get into a graduate program, you have to apply to a particular school, and it must accept your application. Graduate schools consider a number of things in determining whether they will accept an applicant. One of the more important considerations is the grade point average that you have earned as an undergraduate at Oshkosh.  In general, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) is necessary to gain admission to a graduate program. This means that you must be conscientious and consistent in your approach to your studies. Some graduate schools and many prospective employers also may look at the number of courses that you started, but did not complete. Such courses are indicated on your transcript with a W for Withdrawal. Too many withdrawals suggest that you give up easily when the going gets difficult. Most graduate schools require an undergraduate major in geology or a related science, as well as specific courses in supporting sciences. Most also require that you complete a summer field program in geology.

One thing that many students do not realize is that graduate schools ask for a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation from professors. In order for a professor to write a fair assessment of your abilities, they need to know you.  Talk to them.  Go on field trips. If you don't make an effort to get to know your faculty, then we are not going to know enough about you to write a good letter of recommendation. Faculty members are available to students during the day and on some evening social occasions.

Many of our better students undertake special research projects during their junior or senior years. These projects are extremely valuable to have on your record when you apply for admission to a graduate school. A number of our students have done a small research project and then given a presentation of the information at a professional meeting. While that is not going to make up for a C-average, it may well be the determining factor in receiving financial aid for graduate school. Most of our graduates with a good grade point average, an AB or better, get partial or full financial aid to attend a graduate school. This may take the form of a teaching or research assistantship from the graduate school, or it could be a fellowship or grant. In most cases, there is no financial reason why a good geology graduate should not attend graduate school.

You should start thinking about where you want to go to graduate school in your junior year.  Consultation with members of the faculty is the first step. Very often they know of specific programs and perhaps even what kind of financial aids might be available at certain schools.  You should write directly to six or more graduate schools requesting information.

        
Two valuable books, both published by the American Geological Institute, are available for short-term (a few hours) loan in the Department office. One of these, Directory of Geoscience Departments, gives the name, address (snail-mail and e-mail), phone and FAX numbers, and degrees offered of nearly all schools in North America that offer more than a few courses in 
geology. Faculty and their specialties are also listed. The other, Guide to Geoscience Departments in the United States and Canada, gives much more detail about the programs and faculty at most schools that offer graduate programs. This book also contains information about employment in the geosciences and the academic preparation necessary for employment.
There is also a list of links to all geoscience programs in the U.S. and Canada at http://www.usd.edu/esci/geodepts.html

You will also need to take the Graduate Record Examination. Most graduate schools require both the verbal and quantitative aptitude parts of the Graduate Record Exam, and many also require the Advanced Test in Geology. It is especially important that you do well on the verbal and quantitative aptitude tests. You can begin preparing for the verbal test immediately by getting into the habit of reading good books for recreation. Look up words you don't know, build your vocabulary and general reading skills. Take writing and literature courses beyond those required. There are published study guides which help prepare you for the GRE. Use them. There is a copy of GRE Geology Test, published by the GRE Board, that you can look at in the Department office. It will give you an idea of the kinds of geology questions asked on the GRE. In addition, you may want to visit the GRE Web site at www.gre.org/index.html for information about the exam, including sample questions. The GRE should be taken early in the
Fall of your senior year so that you can have your scores sent to graduate schools along with your application, which should be sent in during December and January. While it is possible to apply much later in the year, financial aid may already be committed.

Ultimately, whether or not you get into a graduate school of your choice depends upon you-the grades you have earned, courses taken, score on the Graduate Record Exam, and how favorably you impressed the faculty members here who will be providing written evaluations of your abilities to the graduate school. Remember, the faculty is on your side, and we will do all we can to help you further your education or get a job.

If you are not thinking about graduate school, then you're probably going to try to find a job. Many of our graduates have been successful in finding employment immediately upon graduation.  However, it is not easy. You have to be prepared to move, possibly anywhere in the United States. Some of our graduates have accepted the challenge of an overseas position.  
Successful job seekers have to do much of the looking on their own.  The geology faculty may be able to help you and give you some leads, but for the most part you will need to do a lot of writing, telephoning, or traveling.  Names and addresses of some employers of geologists, career descriptions, and a list of UW Oshkosh graduates with geology jobs in Wisconsin are available in the Geology Department Office.  dvertisements for jobs are a regular feature in several magazines available in the Geology Department.  
                

There is a lot of information about a career in geoscience and job availability on the World-Wide Web.  You may want to try the following for career information:  
• American Geological Institute, http://www.earthscienceworld.org/careers/
• University of Oklahoma, http://stats.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos050.htm
• American Geophysical Union, http://www.agu.org/careerguide
• University of Waterloo, http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/departments/earth/services/geoscience/careers.html
                  
  Geoscience job information may be available at:
• http://www.lib.jmu.edu/geology/jobs.html
  
  More general job information may be available at:
• http://www.tts.uwosh.edu/career/
  
  The following web sites offer help in searching for jobs:
• Nation Job Online, http://www.nationjob.com
  
• Recruiters Online Network, http://www.recruitersonline.com
• Jobtrak, http://www.monster.com/internships-entry-level-college-jobs.aspx?wt.mc_n=monstertrak
• JobWeb, http://www.jobweb.org
• Internet Career Connection, http://www.iccweb.com
• Internet job sites, http://www.recruitmentresources.com/internet_job_sites.html
  
  Employers, in general, are partial to the preparation that UW Oshkosh Geology graduates have had. However, it also helps to have had some summer employment in geology so that you have some actual experience. Every year a few of our students find summer jobs in geology, either between their junior and senior year, or after they graduate and before graduate school. Not only does this give students a chance to gain practical experience and learn what is entailed in being a geologist, but it also helps pay part of the college expenses.

SOME EXAMPLES OF GEOLOGY CAREERS OF GRADUATES OF 
THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH

Year
Graduated
UW Oshkosh

1967    Timothy Duex    M.S., Rice University; Ph.D., University of Texas,
                        Austin.  Faculty, U. of S.W. Louisiana

1967    Dave Hanselman  Ph.D., Nomeco Oil & Gas Co., Clark Lake, Michigan
                
1968    Joel Grunwaldt  Environmental geologist, City of Anchorage, Alaska.

1968    Thomas Vehrs    M.A., Ph.D., Syracuse University.  Consulting 
                        Geologist-Minerals Exploration. 
                       
1969    Thomas Hendricksen  Ph.D., Oregon State.  Senior geologist for
                            U.S. Borax, Spokane, Washington.

1970    James Crane     M.S., Univ. Of Alaska; Ph.D., Univ. Of Miami.  
                        Geologist (groundwater), State of Florida.

1970    Tom Kalk        Consulting geologist, Reno, Nevada. Outstanding 
                        Young UW Oshkosh Alumnus Award.

1970    Phil Schweitzer Earth Science Teacher, Shawano, Wisconsin.

1971    Klaus Schulz    M.S., Univ. Of Minnesota-Duluth; Ph.D., Univ. of 
                        Minnesota.  Geologist with U.S. Geological Survey.


1972    Daniel Hall     M.S., UW Milwaukee.  Hydrogeologist-Senior Client 
                        Executive, RMT Inc., Madison.

1972    Julian Isham    M.S. (Geochemistry), Michigan State.  Geology 
                        Manager, Emcon Associates, California.

1973    Arno Morton     MEPD - Education Masters, UW Stevens Point 
                        Earth Science Teacher, Stevens Point, WI.

1973    Daniel Viste    M.S., Wright State University.  Hydrogeologist and 
                        President, Warzyn, Inc., Madison.

1974    Michael Richter M.S. (Geophysics), UW-Milwaukee.  Oil and gas , 
                        exploration, Michael Richter Exploration Consulting, LLC

1974    Michael Senn    Exploration geologist, Kennecott-RTZ, Crystal 
                        Falls, MI.

1975    Mark Thompson   President of Oshkosh Oil, Inc., an independent oil
                        company in San Antonio, Texas.

1976    Steven Hendrick Senior V.P. Exploration and Land 
                        Sanchez Oil and Gas Corp., Houston TX

1976    Beverly Herzog  M.S. (Hydrogeology), Leland Stanford Jr. University. 
                        Asst. to the Chief for Environmental Initiatives, 
                        Illinois State Geological Survey, Champaign, IL

1976    Kathy Kelar Hart  Geologist, Homestake Mining Co., Lead, 
                          South Dakota.

1976    William Seno   Senior Manager - RMT, Inc., Brookfield, WI.

1977    Gerald Gutoski  Earth Science Teacher, New Berlin, WI.

1978    David Bratberg  M.S. (Hydrogeology), U. Of Nevada Reno.  
                        President of Applied Earth Sciences, Houston, 
                        Texas.

1978    Timothy Flood   M.S., Univ. Of Minnesota-Duluth; Ph.D., Michigan 
                        State University.  Geology professor, 
                        St. Norbert College, DePere, WI.

1978    Barbara Gottfried Duval   Geophysicist, John E. Chenge & 
                                  Associates., Lafayette, LA.

1978    Larry Martin    M.S. (Hydrology), Univ. of Idaho  
                        Hydrogeologist, National Park Service.

1978    Joseph McGrath  M.B.A. Touro University International 
                        Consultant with CoalDigm, LLC

1978    Joan Underwood  M.S., University of Idaho. Senior Hydrogeologist, 
                        Rust Environment and Infrastructure, Inc., 
                        Sheboygan, WI.

1979    Terry Blair     M.S., Univ. of Texas at Arlington; Ph.D., 
                        University of Colorado.  Consulting geologist, 
                        Blair & Associates, Boulder, CO.

1979    Mark Osterberg  M.S., Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth, Ph.D., University
                        of Arizona.  Geologist, BHP Minerals, Tucson, AZ

1980    Katherine Laudon  M.S., Univ. of Idaho, hydrogeologist, Lidstone &
                          Anderson, Fort Collins, CO. 

1980    Dana Christensen  Vice President of Exploration for independent gas/oil 
                          company, Sacramento, CA.

1980    Richard Manser  M.S.(Hydrogeology), University of Wisconsin-Madison, 
                        Environmental Consultant, Mac Tec Engineering 
                        and Consulting.

1980    Keith Smith    M.S.(Water Resources Management), UW Madison 
                        Deputy Director, Water Supply Dept.,  
                        South Florida Water Management District

1981    Gary Henningsen Geologist, Northern Environmental, West Bend, WI

1981    Steve Kornder   M.S., University of South Carolina; Ph.D., 
                        University of South Carolina.  Geochemist - 
                        STS Consultants, Ltd., Vernon Hill, IL.

1981    Nancy Parduhn Jackson   Ph.D., Colorado School of Mines.  WESTEC, 
                                Reno, NV.  Outstanding Young UW Oshkosh 
                                Alumnus Award

1982    Robert Brinkman  Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 
                         (Geography). Assistant Professor of Geography, 
                         University of South Florida in Tampa.

1982    Steve Osterberg  M.S., Ph.D., University of Minnesota-Duluth.  
                         Consulting geologist to the mining industry.

1982    Tom Verstegen    Hydrogeologist, Wisconsin Department of Commerce,
                         Oshkosh, WI

1982    Cynthia (Weeden) Cruciani    M.S., Geological and geophysical sciences
                         Environmental Geologist/CH2M Hill, Inc., Milwaukee

1983    Doug Perry       Senior Geoscientist, Weston Solutions, Inc.

1983    Chris Skirius    Ph.D., University of Chicago.  Amoco research.

1984    Greg Kientop    M.S., Texas A&M University.  Environmental 
                        property assessments, Illinois Dept. of 
                        Transportation, Chicago, IL.

1984    Steve LoDuca    M.S., UW-Milwaukee; Ph.D., University of Rochester.
                        Professor, Eastern Michigan University.

1984    David O'Bright  M.S. (Geology), UW Milwaukee
                        Geologist, Devon Energy.

1984    Mark Thomas   M.S. candidate (Civil Engineering-Geotechnical
                      Univ. of Texas-Arlington.
                      Sr. Engineering Geologist, Fugro Consultants, LP.

1984    Peter H. Thompson  Department of Defense, Defense Nuclear Agency,
                           NM.  Outstanding UW Oshkosh Young Alumni Award,
                           1993.

1985    Liz Victor       Ground water consultant, Earth Systems, FL

1986    Jeff Fischer     Fischer Environmental, Inc., Ripon, WI

1986    Joe Laudon       M.S., Kansas. Environmental Geologist,Bozeman, MT.

1986    Daniel Lehrmann  Ph.D., University of Kansas. Associate Professor,
                         Dept. Of Geology, UW-Oshkosh.

1987    Herb Berger   Hydrogeologist-Division of Waste Management,
                      State of North Carolina.

1987    David Egerton Grade Control Geologist, Teck Cominco American

1987    Robert J. Meller Manager, Environmental Compliance Consultants, 
                         Inc., Oshkosh, WI.

1987    Amy Kumershek Nebel  Consulting Geologist, Rhinelander, WI


1989    Chris Ewald       Geologist, Hydrogeologist, Construction
                          Materials Technician, River Valley Testing Corpl, 
                          Neenah, WI.

1989    Bob Genau         M.S. (Geology), University of Delaware
                          Project Director, DuPont

1989    Steven Hannula    M.E. (Geological Engineering), CO School of Mines,
                          Hydrogeologist, ERO Resources, Boise, ID

1989    Greg Tilkens      Hydrogeologist,  Wisconsin DNR, Madison, WI

1990    Susan Courter     President - Courter Resource Group

1990    Candice Huntsman  Environmental Engineer/Hydrogeologist,
          Lindstrom       Briggs & Stratton, Milwaukee, WI

1990    Robert Klein      M.S., Ph.D., University of Michigan
                          Petroleum Systems Analyst, BP, Houston, TX

1990    Rene LaBerge      M.S., Oregon State University; Geologist, 
                          Homestake Mining Co., Reno, NV.


1990    Mark Uhen         M.S., Ph.D., University of Michigan.  Curator, 
                          Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, 
                          MI
                
1991    David Maher       M.S., Oregon State University.  Consulting  
                          mineral deposits geologist, Tucson, AZ.


1992    Bryan Bergmann    Hydrogeologist - STS Consultants, Ltd.,
                          Milwaukee, WI

1992    Marty Koopman     District Director, Northern Environmental, 
                          Waupun, WI


1993    Mark Foht         Hydrogeologist, Northern Environmental, 
                          Green Bay, WI

1993    John Luczaj       Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University. Assistant
       Professor in Earth Science - University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

1993    Paul Timm         Hydrogeologist, WI Dept. of Natural Resources

1994    Jennifer Pelczar  M.S., UW-Green Bay. Hydrogeologist, WI Dept. of Natural Resources 
                         
1995    James E. Catalano  High School Physical Science teacher, 
                           Germantown, WI

1995    Dee K. (Alsteen) Zoellner  Hydrogeologist - PECFA site reviewer for 
                                 the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

1995    Barbara J. Flietner  Registered Geologist, Northern 
                             Environmental, Park Falls, WI

1995    Jennifer J. Ronk     Hydrogeologist, Tetra Tech EM, Inc., Milwaukee, WI

1995    Erick J. Staley      M.S., Geology, University of California-Berkeley

1996    Patrick Lehrmann     Geophysicist/Business Owner, SouthWest Geophysics, Inc., CA

1996    Mark A. Rivera       Hydrologist - Lidstone & Assoc., Colorado

1997    Gary M. Braun        M.S., Geology - Bowling Green State University

1997    Michelle M. (McGee) Thompson   Ph.D., University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Geologist - Core Laboratories, IRS Division, Houston, TX

1997    Koreen M. Mielke     M.S. (Geochemical Paleoceanography) - UC-Davis, CA
                             Tall Ship Captain, Schooner Adventuress,
                             Sound Experience, Port Townsend, WA.

1997    Lori J. Shallow    M.S., Economic Geology - Mackay School of Mines
- University of NV, Reno

1997 Erika Wilder M.S. (Civil Engineering), Arizona State University

1998    David A. Melum       Hydrogeologist, Northern Environmental, 
                          Waupun, WI

1998    Steven R. Schubring  M.S., Volcanology - Indiana State University

1999 Beth Erdman Senior Hydrogeologist, Wisconsin Department of Commerce

1999 John A. Meyer Eighth Grade Science Teacher, Neenah Joint School District

2000 Matthew Dahlem M.S., University of Kentucky
M.E. candidate (Environmental Engineering), University of WI-Madison
Geologist, GaiaTech, Inc.

2000 Peter Dillett M.S., University of Kansas. Earth Scientist with
Chevron in CA.

2000    Nicole (Young) Kaminski      M.S., University of Minnesota-Duluth
         H.S. Earth Science Teacher, Waukesha, WI

2000    David J. Zolp        Geologist - Geosyntec Consultants

2001    William R. Jacobson  M.S., Emporia State University

2001    Jennifer Pollard     H.S. Earth Science Teacher, Paddock Lake, WI

2001    Erin (Hensel)   Geol. & Astronomy H.S. Teacher - Anchorage, AK
Schneider

2001    Kelley Steffen       M.S., University of Miami

2001    Andrew Turner        M.S., University of Missouri-Rolla

2002    Dominic Druke        M.S., New Mexico State, Las Cruces

2002    Jane Gustavson       M.S. candidate, University of Florida

2002    Jason Odette         M.S., New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

2002    Keith Pari           Assistant Hydrogeologist - Layne Christensen Co., Pewaukee, WI

2002    Eric Swanson         STS Consultants, Ltd., Oshkosh, WI

2003    Stephanie Hocker     M.S., Laurentian University, Ontario

2003    Ben Kessel           M.S., Utah State University. Geologist - Anadarko Petroleum
Corp., TX

2003    Jon Koenig           M.S., Baylor University, Geologist - Anadarko
Petroleum Co.

2003    Jared Leisner      M.S., University of California, Los Angeles, Ph.D., UCLA; Researcher -
University of Iowa

2004 Andrew Wendt Engineering Technician - STS Consultants, Ltd., Oshkosh WI

2004 Nicholas Geboy M.S., University of Maryland

2004 Susan Mickiewicz M.S., Central Washington State University

2004 Jordayna Gross M.S., New Mexico State, Las Cruces

2004 Andy Wendt Engineering Technician, STS Consultants

2005 Kim Kramer Science Teacher, Oshkosh Area School District

2006 Gabe Graf M.S., New Mexico Tech, Socorro

2006 Kate Kramer Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis

2006 Michael Tappa M.S. candidate, University of North Carolina

2007 Margaret Seibel M.S. candidate, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

2008 Cole Edwards M.S. candidate, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

2008 Brad Jeffrey M.S. candidate, Wichita State University

2008 Kelsey Putman M.S. candidate, University of Missouri-Columbia

2008 Kevin Stack, M.S. candidate, University of Alaska-Fairbanks

2009 Ryan Dhillon, M.S. candidate, Baylor University

2009 Andrew Jansen, M.S. candidate, Washington State University

2009 Derrick Wagner, M.S. candidate, Portland State University

GRADUATE SCHOOLS ATTENDED BY
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-OSHKOSH GEOLOGY GRADUATES

UW-Green Bay
UW-Madison
UW-Milwaukee
Acadia University, Nova Scotia
University of Alabama
University of Alaska-Fairbanks
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Baylor University
Bowling Green State University
Brigham Young University
University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Davis
University of California-Los Angeles
University of Chicago
Colorado School of Mines
University of Colorado
University of Delaware
Emporia State University
University of Florida
Florida State University
Georgia Tech
University of Idaho
Northern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University
Indiana State University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
The Johns Hopkins University
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Kentucky at Richmond
Louisiana State University
Southwestern Louisiana State University
University of Maryland
McGill University
University of Miami
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Michigan Technological University
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Duluth
University of Missouri-Columbia
University of Missouri-Rolla
New Mexico State University
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
University of Nevada-Reno
University of New Orleans
University of North Carolina
Ohio University
Oregon State University
University of Pittsburgh
Portland State University
Queens University-Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Rice University
University of South Carolina
Stanford University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Sul Ross University
Syracuse University
University of Tennessee
Texas A & M University
University of Texas-Arlington
University of Texas-Austin
University of Utah
Utah State University
University of Vermont
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Washington State University
University of Washington
Central Washington State University
Eastern Washington State University
Wichita State University
Wright State University