Welcome to the university of utah's
department of geology and geophysics
Welcome to the department of geology & geophysics
As Geoscientists, we apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to understand the composition, structure, and history of the Earth and the processes that govern it. Our students use this knowledge to address societal needs and problems, such as locating and characterizing mineral, energy, and groundwater resources, assessing seismic and other geologic hazards, and evaluating and remediating environmental contamination.
Geoscience
Pick an emphasis in Geology or Geophysics
Educates students to apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathamatics, and biology to understand the composition, structure, and history of the Earth.
Geological Engineering
An engineering approach to solving important problems related to geological hazards (such as earthquakes and landslides) and natural resources (such as surface water and groundwater).
Our degree is ABET accredited, so graduates are ready to become licensed, practicing engineers. This program is also one of the only 13 programs nationwide.
Earth Science Teaching
A secondary education teaching degree for physical science and Earth science instructors in high schools and middle schools.
Earth & Environmental Science (EES)
An interdisplinary degree that enable students to study the interconnected nature of earth systems, including the fields of atmospheric science, geology, and ecology.
Earth Science Minor
Curriculum comprises core courses on earth systems and history. Electives include: geologic hazards, sustainable energy, paleontology and geobiology, and oceanography.
DEPARTMENT RESEARCH & NEWSView all news
"Randy Irmis, a paleontologist and curator at the Natural History Museum of Utah, discusses his research on the Chinle Formation, (Triassic, ~201 to 230 million years ago) located in southern Utah."
Authors: Titus, Alan L., Irmis, Randall B, Sampson, Scott D., Zanno, Lindsay E., Albright, L. Barry, Sertich, Joseph J.W., Roberts, Eric M., Farke, Andrew A., et al.
Thure Cerling's Accomplishements in 2025
So far in 2025, Cerling has earned the Penrose Medal from the Geological Society of America, and has published 5 papers. Click the link above to read more about what Cerling has been up to.
Oxygen came late to ocean depths during Paleozoic
The findings, published this week in Science Advances, challenge some conventional views of ocean oxygenation, according to lead author Chadlin Ostrander, an assistant professor in Utah’s Department of Geology & Geophysics.
GET INVOLVED
Join weekly social events, lectures, and more!

Events
-
Oct 06
Monday
Ongoing through 10/13/25Fall 2025: Fall Break (Oct 4 - Oct 12)
-
Oct 08
Wednesday
Geo Refreshment Hour
Sutton Building - Frederick Albert (FASB)
-
Oct 13
Monday
Fall 2025 Second Half - Classes begin
-
Oct 15
Wednesday
Geo Refreshment Hour
Sutton Building - Frederick Albert (FASB)
-
Oct 16
Thursday
Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS) with Geology & Geophysics
Sutton Building - Frederick Albert (FASB)
Follow us on Instagram