Earth Science

Overview

Earth Science Fundamentals

Earth scientists study earth materials, structures and processes and how they’ve changed through time. This knowledge may be applied to exploration for natural resources — including metals, petroleum and water; understanding natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides; addressing problems associated with environmental contamination; and investigating Earth’s history to understand the evolution of life and global climate change. Earth scientists are employed by natural resource companies, environmental consulting firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and universities.

The core courses of the Earth Science program of The University of Akron provide the fundamentals in:

• physical and historical geology

• mineralogy and petrography

• structural geology and plate tectonics

• sedimentology, paleontology and stratigraphy

Our Faculty

The Department of Geosciences faculty maintain research programs to study topics as diverse as:

• ground water

• pollution impacts

• microbe-mineral interactions

• environmental change

• biodiversity

• remote sensing of buried structures

External funding and alumni support allow faculty to support student research. The faculty provides a broad-based education focused on both academic and applied aspects of the geological and environmental sciences. 

Real-World Experience

Earth science students gain the skills necessary to compete in the workforce or continue in a graduate program. Students are provided opportunities through research-orientated courses, paid laboratory assistantships and summer internships to gain practical professional experience. Summer Field Camp in South Dakota and Wyoming further provides students practical experience in geology.

Research studies by students and faculty have been applied to solving local environmental issues such as:

• the effects of dam removal along the Cuyahoga River;

• monitoring ground water flow and contamination;

• mapping resources in Metro Parks; and

• laboratory analyses for local industries.

Before graduation, students are encouraged to produce a written research report of their work to demonstrate to potential employers their range of scientific abilities.

Career Outlook

Career opportunities continue to grow for geoscientists, especially as governments and industries establish policies to safeguard the environment. Graduates with work experience through academic laboratories, internships, fellowships or co-ops stand out among job seekers.