Geosciences
Geoscience is the study of planet Earth, its materials, the processes that act upon them, and the history of the planet and its life forms since its origin. The mission of Skidmore's geosciences program is to apply the understanding of Earth processes to contemporary issues such as Earth resources, land-use planning, and global change. The program's curriculum includes ocean and atmospheric sciences, Earth surface processes, and the history of global change. Our courses are designed for students with a general interest in the geosciences as well as for students planning to pursue a graduate degree. We accomplish this mission by providing an environment in which students acquire sound scientific problem-solving, research, and communication skills.
Geoscience students obtain a strong foundation for lifelong learning, professional development in the geosciences, and enhanced career opportunities in other fields that require a broadly based background in this discipline. A liberal arts degree in geosciences prepares a student for a number of professional activities related to resource management, climatology, oceanography, hydrology, Earth hazards, land-use planning, and environmental consulting. Our department contributes to the broader mission of the college by providing courses that enhance student awareness of, and appreciation for, Earth's dynamic systems and the scientific methodologies by which they are understood. Our program complements and is complemented by Environmental Studies in additional to other natural sciences.
THE GEOSCIENCES MAJOR
Students majoring in geosciences are required to:
In cooperation with the advisor, a student majoring in geosciences should construct a program to include a broad knowledge of the geosciences in general, as well as specific knowledge of one area of geosciences in greater depth. GE371 is strongly recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate studies or a career in the field.
HONORS: To be recommended for honors in geosciences, students must meet the college requirements of a grade-point average of 3.0 and a 3.5 in the major. Students must also earn at least an A- in GE 371, thereby demonstrating superior accomplishment in the major.
THE GEOSCIENCES MINOR: The geosciences minor includes six GE courses. At least two of these six courses must be at the 200-level and at least two at the 300-level.
For course listings, please see the Skidmore College Catalog.
Geoscience is the study of planet Earth, its materials, the processes that act upon them, and the history of the planet and its life forms since its origin. The mission of Skidmore's geosciences program is to apply the understanding of Earth processes to contemporary issues such as Earth resources, land-use planning, and global change. The program's curriculum includes ocean and atmospheric sciences, Earth surface processes, and the history of global change. Our courses are designed for students with a general interest in the geosciences as well as for students planning to pursue a graduate degree. We accomplish this mission by providing an environment in which students acquire sound scientific problem-solving, research, and communication skills.
Geoscience students obtain a strong foundation for lifelong learning, professional development in the geosciences, and enhanced career opportunities in other fields that require a broadly based background in this discipline. A liberal arts degree in geosciences prepares a student for a number of professional activities related to resource management, climatology, oceanography, hydrology, Earth hazards, land-use planning, and environmental consulting. Our department contributes to the broader mission of the college by providing courses that enhance student awareness of, and appreciation for, Earth's dynamic systems and the scientific methodologies by which they are understood. Our program complements and is complemented by Environmental Studies in additional to other natural sciences.
THE GEOSCIENCES MAJOR
Students majoring in geosciences are required to:
- Fulfill the general college requirements.
- Complete the following:
- GE101, and either GE102 or 112
- An approved course in GIS
- CH105, 106 by the end of the junior year
- MA111, 113, or MA108, 109 and MA113 by the end of the junior year
- GE216 and two additional 200-level courses
- GE304, 377 and two additional 300-level courses, excluding GE399
- One additional GE course at the 200- or 300-level, excluding GE399
- GE101, and either GE102 or 112
In cooperation with the advisor, a student majoring in geosciences should construct a program to include a broad knowledge of the geosciences in general, as well as specific knowledge of one area of geosciences in greater depth. GE371 is strongly recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate studies or a career in the field.
HONORS: To be recommended for honors in geosciences, students must meet the college requirements of a grade-point average of 3.0 and a 3.5 in the major. Students must also earn at least an A- in GE 371, thereby demonstrating superior accomplishment in the major.
THE GEOSCIENCES MINOR: The geosciences minor includes six GE courses. At least two of these six courses must be at the 200-level and at least two at the 300-level.
For course listings, please see the Skidmore College Catalog.
