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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 did an interview for the Science Moab podcast about his research and fieldwork in Bears Ears National Monument.

"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."

Randy Irmis

Twenty-Five Years of Paleontological Research in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah: Public Lands in Service to Science and the Public

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

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. 

Chad

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.

 

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Join weekly social events, lectures, and more!

 

Students in the field
Last Updated: 9/24/25