Overview
The study of geosciences provides Tigers an understanding of Earth’s systems and the transformation of those systems through time. Tigers learn about the exploration and conservation of natural resources as well as human environmental impacts upon the Earth. The department offers two concentrations in the B.S., including a concentration in Geology and a concentration in Environmental Geosciences.
Fast Facts
- A majority of courses integrate a fieldwork component
- Tigers perform research with faculty who are active scholars
- Most Tigers who pursue graduate work receive full financial support
What You'll Study
Dig Deeper
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Program Curriculum
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Refer to the Courses of Study Bulletin for full program requirements.
Suggested Geosciences degree plans
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Search for Classes
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Use Search for Sections in TigerPAWS for the most current class offering information.
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Courses of Study Bulletin
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Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must fulfill the requirements for a major as listed in the courses of study bulletin. The courses of study bulletin is the official source of information regarding degree requirements, academic policies, and academic majors and minors at Trinity University.
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Pathways Curriculum
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Students must complete the Pathways Curriculum in order to receive a baccalaureate degree. The Pathways Curriculum has six curricular requirements, and three optional elements that provide the foundation in the liberal arts and sciences for all the bachelor’s degrees awarded by Trinity University. Through these requirements, students acquire the necessary skills and disciplinary perspectives to navigate complex questions at Trinity and in their post-graduate lives.
Field Geology in China
Experience the geological, cultural, and historical wonders of China, working closely with Trinity faculty, Chinese researchers, and Chinese students.
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Discover the principles of stratigraphy and sedimentary processes as they relate to modern depositional systems and their ancient analogs. Students in this course engage in research projects to deepen their understanding of these complex systems.
Paleontology
Investigate fossil evidence for past life and learn to apply the principles of paleontological investigation to geologic history.
Structural Geology
Study the mechanics of crustal deformation and use that knowledge to unravel complex questions about faults, folds, and mountain formation.
Dynamic Earth
Delve into the study of the dynamic processes and natural systems that shape the Earth beneath your feet.
Earth Materials
Explore the origin and classification systems of minerals and rocks and how these earth materials tell geoscientists about past geologic environments.
View all courses
For more information and a description of each class please visit the COSB website.
Environmental Studies (Minor)
Biology (Minor)
Chemistry (B.A.)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Chemistry (Minor)
Computer Science (Minor)
Computer Science (B.S.)
Mathematics (B.A.)
Mathematics (Minor)
Faculty
Down to Earth experts in their Field
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Trinity faculty are active researchers who lead students beyond the classroom, acting as mentors to students and partnering with these Tigers on groundbreaking research that is published in tier-one journals. |
Student Opportunities
Break New Ground
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Geoscience students are eligible for financial assistance from a range of internal and external sources.
Departmental Honors are awarded at graduation, by a vote of department faculty, to students whose activities and achievements in Geosciences are...
Geosciences students take advantage of a wide range of research opportunities and are encouraged to take advantage of the many internship and...
Geosciences students can engage in the fascinating geology of Iceland and China, and Tigers also can study abroad as part of geoscience coursework...
Students have access to state-of-the-art faculty laboratories, computer workstations with specialized geoscience software, research-grade microscopes...
The Geology Club is for students who share an interest in geology and want to extend their knowledge to others within the Trinity University and San...
Tinker Fund Outstanding Senior Award, Ed Roy Outstanding Research Award, Field Camp Award
In the Geosciences Seminar, students engage with visiting speakers in formal and informal settings.
When You Graduate
Shift the Field
Our graduates have been to the ocean floor, commanded spacecraft, used military seismic networks, and installed instruments in Antarctica. Armed with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, Tigers make contributions that shift the field itself, and graduates’ liberal arts backgrounds provide a solid foundation for future leadership roles.
“In every Trinity class we were expected to present and defend our ideas, whether it was through written papers or class presentations,” says Schwed. “That translates nicely into my collaborative work environment today where I constantly have to express my technical work and defend it.”
Fermentation never sleeps, according to Christian Palmaz ‘07, CEO of Palmaz Vineyards. During harvesting season, fermentation happens when you’re sleeping, when you’re eating...or when you’re fighting fires.
“I love geology because it’s the story of how the earth was created—how it evolved. And at Trinity, we learned in the real world. We’d take trips to field sites in Colorado, the Guadalupe Mountains, and West Texas. All of the time you learn social skills, and you learn how to work as a team.”
Careers
Geosciences graduates pursue careers across the fields of energy, geology, policy, environment, and beyond. Tigers are valued as professionals with a high level of technical expertise and problem-solving ability blended with a versatile and adaptable skill set stemming from their liberal arts background.
Graduate Schools or Programs:
- Baylor University
- Colorado School of Mines
- New York University
- Northwestern University
- Penn State University
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- Stanford University
- University of Kansas
- University of Texas at Austin
Career Areas:
- Academia
- Energy industry
- Environmental and geological consulting
- State and federal environmental and geological agencies
Notable Companies who have Hired Trinity Graduates:
- Energy companies like Chevron and ConocoPhillips
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Other government agencies such as the CIA and FBI
- Southwest Research Institute
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- U.S. Geological Survey
Take the next step
Have more questions or want more information? Learn more about becoming a Tiger, and how you can accelerate what’s next for your education.