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 minor allows students to pursue a comprehensive understanding of Earth systems that will complement their primary academic interests.
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 Course 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.
Structural Geology
Study the mechanics of crustal deformation in the context of plate tectonics.
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Discover the principles of stratigraphy and of sedimentary processes as they relate to modern depositional systems and their ancient analogs.
Oceanography
Dive into the geologic, chemical, physical and biologic aspects of the Earth's oceans.
View all courses
For more information and a description of each class please visit the COSB website.
Environmental Studies (Minor)
Biology (B.S.)
Biology (Minor)
Chemistry (B.A.)
Chemistry (B.S.)
Chemistry (Minor)
Computer Science (B.S.)
Computer Science (Minor)
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.
She double majored in Spanish and environmental studies (an interdisciplinary second major) and minored in geosciences at Trinity, spending time procrastinating in Coates Library, munching on alpaca and piranha when studying abroad, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at Playfair and Bid Day.
“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.”
“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.”
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.