About the Program
Geology is the study of the Earth — including lab and field-based approaches — and is a rapidly growing field. The Department of Geology defines earth science broadly, focusing on the Earth's interior, surface and atmosphere. Topics include climate change, groundwater, marine geology, volcanism, environmental geology, rocks and minerals, earthquakes, fossils and dinosaurs and much more. This delivers a strong, broad-based education in the modern earth sciences, while offering you the flexibility to explore your own interests.
What Makes Us Different
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Senior Project
This year-long project involving research, internships, education or science communication could be on topics ranging from Jupiter's moons to forest litter decomposition.
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Rankings
#14 Best Science Lab Facilities (The Princeton Review 2025)
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Departmental Trips
Join the fun on these short, in-state excursions that usually take place over a weekend. Previous trips have hiked Skyline Drive and canoed down the James River.
Applied Learning
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Courses
Take courses that fit your various interests from Age of Dinosaurs (GEOL 203) to Watershed Dynamics (GEOL 314).*
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Regional Field Geology Course
Sign up for this summer course held in a new location every year. Previous locations have included California, Colorado, the Bahamas, Hawaii and Norway.
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Research
Present your research at weekly brown bag seminars and join the list of students who have published their research in popular journals.
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Student Organizations
Join the Association for Women Geoscientists (AWG), Sigma Gamma Epsilon (SGE) and the Geology Club (GeoClub).
Outcomes
Over 75% of geology majors secure internship or job opportunities through W&M's alumni network. Many recent graduates have been hired straight out of W&M to work as environmental consultants, GIS analysts, geoengineers, shoreline planners, alternative energy consultants, science policy interns, petroleum geologists or earth science teachers. Employers include the U.S. Geological Survey, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Peace Corps, NASA and the National Park Service. Other graduates are pursuing fully-funded master's or Ph.D.s at universities across the country.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
Department of Geology
Contact Us
- Get an inside look: Contact a current geology major
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Department of Geology
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
