Geosciences

Department Chair - David A. Gonzales
Email: GONZALES_D@fortlewis.edu

Professors - James D. Collier, Gary L. Gianniny, David A. Gonzales, and Ray Kenny
Associate Professors - 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 prepare students for a wide variety of disciplines in the geosciences that focus on the materials, processes, products, physical nature, and history of the Earth. The Environmental Geology option is designed for students who are interested in natural resource and waste management, and environmental impact assessment and remediation. The Geology and Environmental Geology options will prepare students for graduate school and careers as professional geologists. 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, La Plata Mountains, San Juan Basin, and the San Juan volcanic field are some of the 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 as well as a GIS Certificate program. Geography classes are recommended for students wishing to enhance their understanding of such topics as world cultures, physical landscapes, globalization, weather and climate, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS software is used to make maps, create and maintain databases, and analyze spatial relationships. The GIS Certificate complements majors and concentrations in biology, geology, environmental studies, engineering, anthropology/archaeology, business administration, and many others. For more information on the GIS Certificate, visit the program’s web page at http://www.fortlewis.edu/geology/GISCertificate.aspx, or contact the program’s coordinator, Dr. Scott White.

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

NOTE: The following additional courses are recommended for Geology majors who plan to attend graduate school:

ML - French, German, or Spanish Language

Majors and Minors in Geosciences:

Geology Major - Earth Science for Secondary Teachers Option

Geology Major - Environmental Geology Option

Geology Major - Geology Option

Geology Minor