Geology investigates the origin, history, composition and structure of Earth, enabling professional geologists to survey earthquakes and volcanoes; find oil, gas and mineral resources; develop land-use plans; monitor rivers, lakes and coastlines; and much more.
Our program provides a foundation in the principles of geology and its related sciences with four laboratories, a seismograph and field experiences. A newer track on environmental earth sciences integrates a set of cross-disciplinary environmental science experiences from biological sciences, chemistry, meteorology and physics.
Oswego is ideally located for field studies of Lake Ontario, carbonate and clastic sedimentary rocks of the Lower Palaeozoic age, Precambrian rocks of the Adirondacks, Pleistocene glacial features and the pollution of rivers and ground waters. Field trips may include southeastern Pennsylvania, the Chesapeake Bay, Ithaca, Whitaker State Park, and the Catskill Mountains.
You also can perform research with professors around the country or learn firsthand about field-based research and much more in our Geology Field Program. Build your resume through internships and co-op opportunities and complete an independent research project under the direction of a faculty adviser. Study geology abroad through regular coursework or research placements.
Outcomes
Ability to work as part of a team or individually, and communicate the results of the endeavours
Ability to use critical thinking skills when comparing and evaluating different positions on scientific issues
Literature review, professional writing and oral communication skills
Quantitative skills, including ability to generate, display, analyse and interpret a wide variety of data
Collection of quality data and/or samples in both field and laboratory setting
Understanding of ethics in science
Career Opportunities
Urban planning
Environmental restoration
Defence intelligence
Oil, gas and mineral exploration
Teaching
Geophysics research
Environmental consulting
Federal, state and local government agencies
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
January 2025
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
601 Culkin Hall,
OSWEGO,
New York,
13126, United States
Applicant possesses the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.
Applicant demonstrates a minimum grade point average (GPA) equivalent to 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale.
An English proficiency score of 71 TOEFL or 6.0 IELTS is required for non-native speakers of English. A Duolingo English Score (DET) of 100 is also currently accepted. Additional scores may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
99 percent of SUNY Oswego graduates are employed or continuing education within six months, and 91 percent work in the field of their choice.
