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Department of Geosciences

Together we can build a bridge to your career in the geosciences.

Devil's Bridge in Andermatt, Switzerland

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Research, education, and outreach addressing the nature of the Earth

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Department of Geosciences

The Department of Geosciences can help you construct a path to a thriving career as a leader in Earth science. Our faculty aim to build deep critical thinking skills, a solid foundation in the fundamentals, and practical disciplinary expertise, to place our graduates at the forefront of tomorrow’s career opportunities and global challenges.

Geosciences students and faculty investigate Earth processes at scales that range from atomic to planetary. As described in our , we are connected by profound curiosity for the Earth and other planets. We are a welcoming community that is committed to making fundamental discoveries and having an impact on the world around us.

Our is dynamic and designed around the individual, with an array of experiential opportunities including a successful study abroad program. We offer a B.S. degree in six focus areas:

· Geology
· Geochemistry
· Geophysics
· Geobiology and Paleobiology
· Environmental and Engineering Geosciences
· Earth Science Education

Our successful offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees across a range of . Our graduate students work with internationally-known scholars and enter the professional realm at the top of their field.

Finally, the Department is committed to raising the general public’s awareness of the geosciences. We host the , which is open to the public and located in Derring Hall, and participate in an array of outreach activities.

Thanks for visiting and learning about what we do. You can read more about us in the .


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Study Here

Our Research

Our Museum

Featured Videos

  • Video Item
    Ryan Pollyea is unearthing new ways to store carbon dioxide
    Date: Jan 21 -
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    Uncovering the mystery of dark matter, one rock at a time
    Date: Oct 13 -
  • Video Item
    What's your Science? - Savaria Parrish
    Date: Sep 19 -

Geosciences News

  • Article Item
    Kevin Kochersberger holds a drone while speaking to attendees at Science on Tap, a Center for Communicating Science event held at Rising Silo Brewery in Blacksburg.
    Date: Apr 22 -
  • Article Item
    A photograph of the 91Â鶹 logo in silver on black.
    Date: Apr 20 -
  • Article Item
    Simba smiles as he looks down at a fossil in his hands
    Date: Apr 15 -
  • Article Item
    Dense urban area seen from above
    Date: Apr 08 -
  • Article Item
    Three people stand in the woods.
    Date: Mar 24 -
  • Article Item
    podcast logo with Brian Romans
    Date: Mar 02 -

FYI

What's Shaking?

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Seismogram of Mag 5.8 Cuba Earthquake March 17, 2026
M 5.8, 49km SSW of Maisi, Cuba shown at 0030 EDT 17 March, 2026. Seismogram images courtesy of 91Â鶹 Seismological Observatory, Dr. Martin Chapman, Director.


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Safety Corner

Campus Safety and Preparedness:ÌýVery useful information for students, faculty, and staff in this message from the 91Â鶹 Police Department and the 91Â鶹 Office of Emergency Management.

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Study Abroad

Interested in the Study Abroad Program? Spend a semester studying at the Steger Center for International Scholarship, our beautiful campus in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland.Ìý



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Current Geosciences Department Contact List

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Special Requests

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Get Jumpin'!Ìý

At each home football game, we record seismic data generated by Hokie Fans during the team's electrifying Lane Stadium entrance set to Metallica's Enter Sandman.