Geosciences

Department Chair - James D. Collier
Professors - James D. Collier and Ray Kenny
Associate Professors - Gary L. Gianniny, David A. Gonzales, Kimberly A. Hannula, and Scott White

The Geosciences department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with three different options: Geology, Environmental Geology, and Earth Science for Secondary Teachers. The Geology option is designed to meet the needs of students wishing to continue their education in graduate school or to work as professional geologists. The Environmental Geology option is designed for students planning to work in the areas of natural resource management and environmental impact assessment and remediation. The Earth Science for Secondary Teachers option is designed for students whose specific goal is to teach earth science at the secondary school level. To obtain requirements for teacher certification, please contact the Teacher Education Department.

The study of geosciences at Fort Lewis College is strengthened by the College’s proximity to the remarkable natural geological laboratory in the Southern Rocky Mountains and adjacent areas of the Southwest. The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Shiprock, and the San Juan volcanic field and mining district are representative of classical geological localities nearby. The numerous outcrops and mine and oil field workings are sources of excellent real-world experiences for students. Also, the sequence of rocks in the Animas River Valley represents literally hundreds of millions of years of earth history. Laboratory and field equipment and geological holdings in the College library are available for research and reading.

Advanced graduate work in geology is required for positions in state and federal surveys, petroleum and mining companies, and college teaching. Employment with engineering firms, governmental agencies, mining companies, and environmental consulting organizations, among others, is available for persons with bachelor’s degrees in geology and environmental geology.

The department also has course offerings in Geography. Geography classes are recommended for those students who wish to enhance their understanding of such topics as geopolitics, world cultures, globalization, weather and climate, natural landscapes and mountain environments, in addition to technical topics such as computer mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

A minor in geology is available for students majoring in other disciplines.