Fact Sheet 07: Geology and Astronomy

Revised June 2007

Geology and Astronomy

The Department of Geology and Astronomy prepares you for careers in geoscience and geoscience education, and provides professional development opportunities for practicing geoscientists and geoscience educators. Geoscience is an integrated study of the Earth and its geologic history, composition and structure, resources, natural hazards, atmosphere and oceans, and environment in space. Geoscientists study such phenomena as earthquakes, landslides, floods, volcanoes, and coastal erosion, and how these natural hazards impact humans. They explore for mineral, energy, and water supplies. Geoscientists also attempt to make predictions about Earth's future based on the past. Since most human activities are related to interactions with the physical components of Earth, geoscience plays a unique and essential role in today's rapidly changing world.

Career Opportunities

A degree from the Department of Geology and Astronomy can lead to a career in:

Environmental geology
Geophysics
Hazards research
Hydrogeology
Land planning
Mineral exploration
Petroleum exploration
Resource management (mineral and water)
Teaching at the middle school or high school levels

Graduates of the department have been employed by:

Mobil Oil Company
National Air and Space Museum
Naval Research Laboratories
Pennsylvania Geological Survey
R.F. Weston Environmental Company
U.S. Geological Survey
Numerous environmental consulting firms nationwide

Also, graduates of the department have pursued advanced degrees at:

Bryn Mawr College
Colorado School of Mines
Lehigh University
Pennsylvania State University
Rutgers - The State University
Stanford University
University of Arizona
University of Missouri, Columbia
University of Montana
University of Pennsylvania
University of West Virginia

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Geoscience
Bachelor of Science in Education - Earth and Space Science

Bachelor of Science in Geoscience. This degree program offers two areas of concentration and prepares you for a career as a professional geoscientist. When you complete either bachelor of science degree program, you will possess the educational requirements needed to seek licensure as a certified professional geologist. The geology concentration leads to occupations in the environmental consulting industry, geology, and geochemistry, as well as for advanced-degree studies. The earth systems concentration is intended for those who want to concentrate on a broader understanding of geoscience and human interaction with the environment. This concentration is excellent preparation if you wish to pursue a career in fields such as resource management or environmental law.

Bachelor of Science in Education - Earth and Space Science. This is a professional degree program leading to certification in secondary earth and space science. The curriculum combines a broad science background with course work in geology, oceanography, meteorology, and space science. Many recipients obtain a second certification in general science or environmental education.

Minors

The department offers minors in astronomy, earth science, and geology.

Facilities

The department has excellent facilities designed to train you in the use of the latest technology. Facilities include:

The Light, Electron, X-ray and Scanning Probe Imaging and Analysis Center (LEXPIAC) contains a transmission electron microscope, three scanning electron microscopes, a confocal microscope, X-ray diffractometer, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and complete facilities for preparing geologic and biologic samples.
The field hydrogeology analysis laboratory is equipped to collect and analyze a complete set of physical and chemical data on surface waters.
The weather station is tied to the EarthWatch weather network and collects real-time meteorological data.
The petrography laboratory contains optical polarizing microscopes, an outstanding collection of rocks and minerals, and an image analysis system.
The geophysical laboratory has a ground velocity station seismometer, portable signal enhancement seismometer, and flux-gate field magnetometer.
Our museum houses several mineral collections of historic and scientific interest.
The astronomical observatory has a 10-inch fixed telescope, a 14-inch portable telescope with digital camera, a planetarium, and several field telescopes.
The student computer laboratory contains 15 personal computers.

Special Study Opportunities

The department emphasizes practical experience throughout the curriculum.

Field experience: Field trips are part of most courses. Field trips to international destinations and western U.S. National Parks are offered during the summer.
Research experience: Student research is incorporated in many courses. If interested, you can work with faculty members on research projects in one of the laboratories or in the field during the academic year and/or summer. You also can attend and present the results of your research at professional meetings.
On-the-job training: You can earn academic credit through the internship program.

All undergraduates have the option of spending a year studying at another college or university through the National Student Exchange program.

Typical Elective Courses

Environmental Geology
Geochemistry
Geology of the Solar System
Hydrology

Related Student Activities

Sigma Gamma Epsilon (honor society)

Advanced Degree

Master of Arts in Physical Science

Faculty

You can obtain a complete listing of faculty and their academic qualifications for this program from the contact person listed below.

For More Information

Dr. Marc Gagné, Chairperson
Department of Geology and Astronomy
215 Boucher Hall
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2727