Welcome to the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences!

It is a truly exciting time to be an earth and environmental scientist. New discoveries are being announced almost daily that increase our knowledge of Earth's long and eventful history and the processes that continually bring about planetary change. In addition, this earth and environmental science knowledge will be critical for human communities during the 21st century, as we strive to wisely explore for and produce natural resources, protect communities from natural disasters, and protect the quality of the environment for future generations. Thus, a career in the earth and environmental sciences can be both exciting and rewarding. Well trained earth and environmental scientists are in demand by private companies, government agencies, and educational institutions.

Ours is a small, personal department with faculty dedicated to teaching excellence and meaningful interactions with students, a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on applications, and numerous research and internship opportunities for students. 

The history of earth and environmental science education at Weber State dates to the earliest days of the institution, and our department has evolved, with the University, over time. Today our mission is to provide an exciting learning environment that prepares our majors for successful careers and/or graduate study. Students can earn a degree in Geology (BS/BA), Applied Environmental Geoscience (BS), or Earth Science Teaching (BS). We are also strongly committed to improving general science literacy and offer a number of courses that can be taken to satisfy Weber State's general education requirements.

A complete education as n earth and environmental scientist requires study both in the laboratory and outdoors, "in the field." Because we are located along the boundary between the Rocky Mountains and the Basin & Range Province, and within a short drive to the Colorado Plateau, the area around Weber State University is a unique outdoor laboratory for field studies, including afternoon and multi-day field trips. 

Earth and environmental science students also have access to modern equipment and facilities, including our Geospatial and Environmental Applied Research (GEAR) Lab with industry-standard GIS software and hardware, the Educational Water Well Field located on campus, and the George and Dolores Dore Eccles Nanotechnology Lab with a new environmental scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM).

We also have two very active student organizations, the Geology Club and Sigma Gamma Epsilon (Geoscience Academic Honor Society), that sponsor a number of fun activities and community-service projects each semester.

Whether you wish to become an environmental geoscientist, Earth science teacher, mining geologist, petroleum geologist, or just want to take classes to expand your "geo" knowledge, we are here to help you reach your goals.

I encourage you to explore this website, visit the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, talk with our students and faculty, take GEO courses, and learn more about your planet. Lastly, please do not hesitate to email or call me if you have any questions about the earth and environmental sciences or our programs.

Dr. Rick Ford,
Department Chair