Geology is the study of the composition, behavior, and history of the Earth and other planets. What does this mean? As a professional geologist you will be equipped to apply techniques from many different scientific disciplines to study such things as the formation and composition of the Earth, the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the causes of Ice Ages and the origin and evolution of life.

Geology is an immensely practical subject and geologists study many phenomena which affect our daily lives. Geologists make major contributions to our safety and prosperity through:

• The study of natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides and floods.
• The search for new energy and mineral resources and their safe exploitation.
• Maintaining high quality water supplies in support of public health.
• Disposal and monitoring of domestic, industrial and nuclear waste to provide a safe environment.
• The study of short and long term climatic change.

Why is the Geology Department at USI so special? Good question. Our professors have a wide range of expertiese, some of which include: volcanism, mapping of the Himalayan Mountains, and a former chief geologist at Yellowstone National Park.

Geology majors have assisted professors on research projects in Indiana, Montana, Oregon, Texas, and in the Himalayas . Students have also been successful in presenting their own research ideas at national and regional Geological Society of America meetings. Majors also have the opportunity to partake in independent research, which can allow them to take a 1-2 week long field trip in the summer; some past destinations have been: Canada, Maine, Minnesota, the Black Hills, and Wyoming . This upcoming summer, several majors will be traveling to Hawaii .

The classes at USI can be tough, but with the low professor to student ratio, the professors are easily accessible, and always ready and willing to assist you. And, in what other major do the professors actually invite you to their house? At the beginning and end of the year, professors will invite you to their house for a great meal, great company, and you may get to hear a stories or too while you are there.

If you major in Geology, you will receive a great education, and you will make lifelong friends in the process. Also, let’s not forget about the Geology Club. The Geology Club is a student-run organization that strives to promote camaraderie and scholarship through social activities, and instructional field trips. All that is required to be a club member is to have a interest to know more about the world which we live in.

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