CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Geologic knowledge is essential to planning for innovative and environmentally friendly management of solid and liquid wastes and conserving natural resources. Geologists are involved in all aspects of water-resource management, waste-water treatment and disposal, and in the exploration, permitting, exploitation, and reclamation of mineral deposits. As a result, job opportunities are now growing at a moderate rate.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (B.S.) degree in geology typically find entry level positions with companies or agencies involved in environmental work. For example, geologists gather information about sites used in the past for disposal of chemical or mine wastes and develop reclamation and clean-up strategies based on that information. Field work frequently is emphasized. Typical employers include engineering and environmental consulting companies, state and federal agencies, and the mining and oil and gas industries.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in secondary education can expect to find employment in public and private secondary schools.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The kinds of work described above are inherently interdisciplinary in nature, and a goal of Lock Haven's B.A. program is to develop a strong foundation of geologic knowledge combined with exploration of other science disciplines. It also prepares you for graduate study and specialization.

Lock Haven's geology program stresses "hands on," practical field and laboratory experiences. Small classes enhance our ability to provide you with individualized attention. Modem, specialized computer software supplements work in advanced courses, and you are encouraged to take advantage of the on-line scientific data and bibliographic services available at the University for all course work.

Field experiences are provided by individual and class projects in many advanced courses and by eight different 3-day field courses (GEOS251-258) that focus on geology, mineral resources, and environmental concerns throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding states. Our membership in the Wallops Island Marine Science Consortium allows you to obtain field experience in marine geology, biology, and oceanography at the WIMSC station in Virginia.

In an effort to supplement formal classroom and field studies, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of summer internships. Recently, LHU geology majors have worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, Soil Conservation Service, PA Department of Environmental Resources, the Wallops Island Marine Science Consortium, and with engineering and environmental companies and local and county agencies.

About half of our B.A. students attend graduate schools. Most have been successful in receiving research and teaching assistantships that cover all of the expenses of their graduate education.

Outside of classes, you may participate in the Geoscience Club and the Tri-Sci Club, an unstructured cooperative composed of students from the biology, chemistry, and geology disciplines. Other activities include caving, mineral and fossil collecting, hiking and camping, and visits to active mineral extraction operations and museums. Students serve the local community by participating in the highway cleanup program and private demonstrations for school children.

The Geosciences have significant relevance to our global society. Problems relating to natural geologic hazards, conservation and use of natural resources, protection of our environment, and design and maintenance of infrastructure all require geologic expertise. Students interested in the field are strongly encouraged to take as much high school science and mathematics as possible.

FACULTY: Sixty-seven percent of our faculty have Ph.D.'s, and they are experienced in a wide range of subject areas. In addition to teaching, one member serves as Director of Ulmer Planetarium, which offers shows to schools and the general public . Another member, has over 20 years of teaching experience in mineralogy, structural geology, economic geology, hydrogeology, and geophysics. Another member has 15 years of experience with the Pennsylvania Geological Survey, including geologic-mapping and technical writing skills, and a background in environmental geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and paleontology.

FACILITIES: The geology program is housed in labs and offices in Ulmer Hall. Facilities were recently renovated and include a wealth of equipment. Students have access to hands-on use of a variety of analytical, geophysical, and computer equipment, both within the Department and through arrangements with allied departments and state agencies. Equipment includes: petrographic microscopes, portable hydro-analysis labs, an x-ray diffraction unit, global positioning system (GPS) units, a water current meter, a weather station and an electron microscope.