About The Program
What is Earth and Environmental Geoscience?
Geology is the science of the whole Earth system—exploring how the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere interact to shape the minerals, rocks, water, soil, air and life that sustain our planet. It also examines the relationship between humans and their environment, helping address real-world challenges such as natural hazards, environmental degradation, resource sustainability and climate change. The Geology program is dedicated to hands-on education, with an emphasis on field experiences that prepare students to understand Earth’s processes and make an impact in a changing world.
What Geoscientists Do
(and Why It Matters)
Is Geoscience For You?
You will thrive here if you:
- Enjoy exploring the natural world and asking how the world works
- Like hands‑on science and solving practical problems
- Are curious, observant, and eager to apply data and evidence to issues such as critical minerals, energy, climate change, natural hazards, water quality, and sustainable resource use
Contact Us
Harrington Hall, Room 215
Phone: (920) 424-4460
Email: geology@uwosh.edu
Is Geoscience For You?
You will thrive here if you:
- Enjoy exploring the natural world and asking how the world works
- Like hands‑on science and solving practical problems
- Are curious, observant, and eager to apply data and evidence to issues such as critical minerals, energy, climate change, natural hazards, water quality, and sustainable resource use
Contact Us
Harrington Hall, Room 215
Phone: (920) 424-4460
Email: geology@uwosh.edu
How You’ll Learn
We emphasize experiential learning and close mentorship. You’ll build skills through:
- Field experiences across regional landscapes
- Laboratory analyses of rocks, minerals, sediments, soils, and water
- Geospatial tools and data visualization to analyze and communicate results
- Collaborative projects that link science to community needs
What Sets Us Apart?
What Sets Us Apart
- Mentorship in small classes where faculty know your strengths and help you grow
- Place‑based learning that turns our region into your outdoor classroom
- Purpose‑driven projects that connect geoscience to community and environmental needs
Contact Us
Harrington Hall, Room 215
Phone: (920) 424-4460
Email: geology@uwosh.edu
What Sets Us Apart?
What Sets Us Apart
- Mentorship in small classes where faculty know your strengths and help you grow
- Place‑based learning that turns our region into your outdoor classroom
- Purpose‑driven projects that connect geoscience to community and environmental needs
Contact Us
Harrington Hall, Room 215
Phone: (920) 424-4460
Email: geology@uwosh.edu
Degree Pathways
The Geology program offers multiple ways to tailor your interests:
- B.S. in Geology (major) with two emphases
- Geology minor
- GIS certificate
- Secondary Earth Science Education (major or minor) offered through the School of Education & Human Services for students planning to teach
Advisors will help you pair coursework, field experiences, research, and internships to match your goals—whether that’s a career right after graduation or advanced study.
STUDY GEOLOGY
Geology Major
A geology major provides students with the tools to understand how our planet works and to make a real impact in Earth, environmental, and sustainability fields. Our program prepares you for a wide range of careers—from environmental consulting to energy, water resources, geospatial science, and more—or for graduate study in the geosciences. A flexible curriculum lets you shape your experience by focusing on areas that interest you, including Geoscience, Environmental Geoscience, and Geospatial Science (GIS).
Geology Minor
A geology minor adds depth and real world relevance to your major by helping you understand the Earth’s materials, processes, and environmental challenges. It’s an excellent complement to programs such as Environmental Studies, Geography, Biology, Engineering, Education, Sustainability, and Archaeology, giving you valuable scientific and analytical skills that set you apart in today’s environmentally focused job market.
GIS Certificate
A Geographic Information Science (GIS) certificate provides you with the digital mapping, spatial analytics, and geospatial skills used everywhere—from environmental conservation and urban planning to public health, business, emergency management, and beyond. With hands-on training, industry software, and real-world projects, you’ll learn to analyze patterns, solve complex problems, and communicate insights that drive smarter decisions. Employers across every sector need professionals who can make sense of location data—and GIS is the language they’re looking for.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–OSHKOSH
Geology
Harrington Hall, Room 215
geology@uwosh.edu
(920) 424-4460
About the Program
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