Information for geology students

Undergraduate Degree Programs Department of Geology

Students who major in geology may earn a bachelor of science degree in programs in Geology (GLY) or Adolescence Earth Science Education (AES). Within the Geology bachelor's program, they may choose a Concentration in Environmental Science (GLY-ENVS) or Water Resources (GLY-WRES). In the Adolescence Earth Science degree program (AES) students combine courses in the Geology major with a professional sequence leading to qualification for certification as teachers of High School Earth Science, Environmental Science, or Middle School General Science. Academic credit may be earned for field trips and internships which are open to qualified students in all programs. The Department of Geology also participates in the Earth and Sky Program for freshman involving immersion in courses in Astronomy and Geology, as a focus for entrance into one of these science majors. More detailed information pertaining to any of the degree programs listed above is accessible by clicking on active link for the desired program.

SUNY Cortland offers summer programs in field geology and field hydrology for its majors and for in-service teachers. These courses and activities are offered at the Brauer Memorial Field Research Station. The Field Station is located eight miles south of Albany near the geologically significant Helderberg escarpment, and a short distance from the geologically important spectacular Adirondack, Catskill, Taconic, and Berkshire Mountains.

Graduates of our programs qualify for employment in both the private and public sector, in government, consulting and corporations, and in both secondary and higher education. Currently there are excellent opportunities with environmental, engineering, hydrogeology, and geology consulting firms dealing with environmental problems and major construction projects.

Various government agencies are interested in our graduates, with opportunities existing in mineral and water resources, waste management, environmental protection, mined land reclamation, land planning, and soil conservation. Teachers receiving the Adolescence Earth Science dgree and New York State Certification are immediately employable, and recent job opportunities in high schools and middle schools have been greater than our ability to provide candidates!

A master's degree is considered a very important asset in securing and broadening employment opportunities in many fields of the geosciences, including pre-college teaching in New York, which requires receipt of a master's degree within 3 years of graduation. Cortland geology majors have completed advanced study and degree programs at the following institutions: Binghamton University, Idaho State University, Penn State University, the University of New Mexico, Syracuse University, the University of Tennessee, the State University at Albany, Western Michigan University, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and many others. Many students seeking N.Y.S. permanent certification for teaching secondary earth science have completed either the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) at SUNY Cortland, or the Master's Degree in Education, both offered at Cortland.

Graduate Programs in Earth Science Education

The Geology Department offers a graduate curriculum in Adolescence Earth Science Education (AES), leading to receipt of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. This program is mainly aimed at students already having the Bacherlor's Degree in a Science, but who wish to obtain New York State Certification in Earth Science Education, while obtaining the Master's Degree. Curriculum requirements for the program leading to the award of the Master of Science Degree in Education (MSED) is for students having certification in another area and wishing to obtain the required Master's Degree in Education. Requirements for these programs are listed in the Graduate Study section of the College catalog.

Student Activities and Research

Students enrolled in the Geology Department at SUNY Cortland enjoy a wide array of activities and opportunities to enrich academic and social aspects of college life. The main focus of student life in the Department is the Geology Student Room, a room equipped with a computer and printer, scanner, desks, lockers, a coffee machine, and chairs to relax and use for study and relaxation. The Geology Club also uses this room extensively for its many activities. Many of our students are active participants in independant and cooperative research projects with faculty. In recent years, many students have published papers of their research and presented papers at meetings of the Geological Society of America. Click here for a list of publications by our current and recent student authors.

The Geology Club at Cortland is very active and offers students an informal avenue to share experiences. The Geology Club also offers yearly excursions to points of geological interest such as mineral collecting trips in the Adirondack Mountains or local excursions to collect fossils.