Geology Major
Geologists find the natural resources we need and protect the environment on which we depend. As a geology major, you’ll learn about the natural workings of our home planet and develop an appreciation for its rich geological history. Prepare yourself for entry into a geoscience career or graduate school, and come discover the Earth at SUNY Cortland.
Career Potential
- Licensed professional geologist
- Environmental or exploration geoscientist
- Research or academic scientist
What Will I Learn?
- Study the composition, structure, processes and history of Earth
- Fieldwork and hands-on learning are infused throughout the program
- Learn research skills for modern geology
- Develop writing and presentation skills for professional development
- Take course work in related math and sciences
Special Features
- New laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation
- Easy access to exceptional field sites in the Finger Lakes and beyond
- Summer field geology at our own Brauer Field Station
- Extensive collections of mineral, rock and fossil specimens
- Internships with geologic companies and government agencies
- Large, engaged alumni network in a wide range of positions
Get Involved
College is more than a classroom. Enhance your experience with extracurricular opportunities:
- Work with a faculty member on research with opportunities to present your work regionally, nationally or even internationally
- Become a lab teaching assistant or peer mentor to help other students and gain a deeper understanding of your courses
- Volunteer for community service with local environmental and school groups
Student Club
Next Steps
Contact Us
Office: Bowers Hall, Room 144
Phone: 607-753-2815
Fast Facts
- SUNY Cortland owns its own scenic gorge, Hoxie Gorge, just minutes from campus
- The Cortland Geology Department runs summer programs in field geology at the Brauer Field Station near Albany in an area of outstanding fossil-rich Devonian rocks
- Bear Swamp on the northwestern edge of Cortland County has a buried crater from a meteorite impact about 444 million years ago
- The Finger Lakes near Cortland were eroded by an ice sheet and the deepest, Seneca Lake, has a bedrock bottom that is over 1,000 feet below sea level
Type of Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Credit Hours: 120
Excellence
The Geology Department recognizes excellence by its students with four awards:
- Maxwell Hawkins Award
- Graham Heaslip Award
- John L. Fauth Award
- James Kradyna Award
Continuing students in the Geology program are eligible for four departmental scholarships:
- Robert C. Brauer Memorial Scholarship
- Kronman Family Scholarship
- James Kradyna Summer Field Camp Scholarship
- John and Barbara Fauth Geology Scholarship
See all scholarship opportunities
Related Majors
- Adolescence Education: Earth Science (7-12)
- Physics: Concentration in Geophysics
- Geographic Information Systems