Student Profile
Brian
Zimmer
Rochester, New York
Major: Geology, History
"The field trips that are a part of every geology class give us an
opportunity to study geology first hand - in the natural environment."
As a child, Brian Zimmer roamed woodland trails and streams, gathering
interesting rocks, then breaking them open to peer inside.
Brian has decided to major in geology and couldn’t be happier. “I
knew I wanted to work in the natural sciences, and geology seemed like
the purest science in nature,” he says. (Plus he gets to look inside
bigger rocks.)
Learn more about Brian here.
The Geology Department
Allegheny's Geology Department stresses a close, hands-on
approach to education with abundant and varied outdoor field experiences.
Both the Geology and Environmental Geology programs emphasize students interacting
closely with faculty, doing independent research, and gaining a deep understanding
of how the Earth works.
Major and Minor Programs
The Geology Department has three major programs: Environmental
Geology (B.S.) and Geology (B.A. or B.S.).
- Both B.S. programs meet the educational requirements needed for Environmental
Geologist/Geologist certification now required by most states for many
facets of environmental and energy resource-related work.
- Both B.S. programs meet requirements for certification/registration
now mandated by most states for those employed in environmental fields
such as groundwater contamination and exploration, geologic land use (e.g.
coastal zones, landslides, flooding, earthquakes) and geologic resources
(e.g. fossil fuels, mining and reclamation, geothermal energy).
Major in Environmental Geology (B.S.)
This program is designed to prepare students for graduate
study involving Earth-surface processes or for employment as environmental
geologists. It emphasizes those areas with most immediate societal relevance
-- hydrogeology, coastal processes, geomorphic processes, energy resources,
land use, geochemistry of water and soils, etc. Students take at least eight
geology courses, plus the Junior Seminar and Senior Project, as well as at
least one environmental science course, two chemistry courses, two math courses
and one physics course.
Major in Geology (B.S., B.A.)
- B.S. Program: Designed to prepare students for graduate study in all
aspects of geology or for employment as professional geologists. Students
take at least eight geology courses, plus the Junior Seminar and Senior
Project, plus two courses each in chemistry, math and physics.
- B.A. Program: This flexible program can accommodate a variety of objectives,
such as preparation for graduate programs in law or business or entry into
a career field. Students take a minimum of six geology courses, plus the
Junior Seminar and Senior Project, and one course each in environmental
science, math and chemistry. Electives and science courses can be chosen
to support individual student goals.
Minor in Geology
A minor in geology requires the successful completion of
Environmental Geology or Physical Geology, Historical Geology and three upper
level courses.
