Earth Science Majors
Students entering the earth sciences have a natural curiosity about
the world around them; they enjoy science and nature and are intrigued
by processes such as volcanism, flooding and glaciation, or events such
as earthquakes, tornadoes and solar eclipses. Concerns about the Earth,
environmental issues and wise use of natural resources are also common
attributes of those considering becoming earth scientists.
The Department of Earth Science at the University of Northern Iowa encompasses
five curricular areas: earth science, geology, astronomy, meteorology
and earth science education. Because earth science is a very broad discipline,
a career may take many forms. A degree in one of the six majors at UNI
will start students working toward a rewarding earth science career.
Majors:
Air Quality, B.S.
Earth Science, B.A.
Earth Science, B.A.-teaching
Earth Science-Interpretive Naturalist Emphasis, B.A.
Geology, B.S.
Geology, B.A.
Geology with Environmental Emphasis, B.A.
Minors:
Astronomy, B.A.
Earth Science, B.A.
Earth Science, B.A.-teaching
Geology, B.A.
Meteorology, B.A.
(Click major/minor/certificate title to see typical courses for the program)
Degrees in the Department of Earth Science
The Department of Earth Science offers both B.A. and B.S. degree programs in geology and B.A. degree programs in earth science and earth science teaching. Students interested in astronomy as a profession should minor in astronomy along with a major in physics. Those interested in a possible career in meteorology should minor in meteorology along with a physics major.
Earth Science
Earth scientists work as explorers for new mineral or energy resources, consultants on engineering or environmental problems, researchers, teachers, writers, editors, naturalists, museum curators and in many other interesting and challenging positions. They often divide their work time between the field, the laboratory and the office.
Geology
Geologists investigate the materials, processes, products and history of the Earth. Graduate study is necessary for many fields of geology and most employers prefer to hire those who have completed a master’s degree. Geologists often specialize in one of the following areas:
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Environmental geologists work to solve problems with pollution, waste disposal, urban development and hazards such as flooding and erosion.
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Seismologists study the location and force of earthquakes and trace the behavior of earthquake waves to interpret Earth’s structure.
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Geomorphologists study Earth’s surface processes and investigate the nature, origin and development of landforms and landscapes.
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Hydrogeologists investigate the quantity, quality and distribution of groundwater.
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Mineralogists study the formation, composition and properties of minerals.
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Paleontologists study fossils to understand past life forms and their changes through time and to reconstruct past environments.
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Stratigraphers investigate the time and space relationships of layered rocks and their fossil and mineral content.
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Petroleum geologists are involved in exploration and production of oil and natural gas.
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Volcanologists investigate volcanoes and volcanic phenomena.
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Engineering geologists study geologic factors that affect engineering structures such as highways, bridges, dams, buildings and airports.
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Planetary geologists study the moon and other planets to understand the evolution of the solar system.
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Economic geologists explore and develop geologic materials that have profitable uses.
Teaching careers in the earth sciences are available at both the secondary and college levels. Well-qualified secondary teachers are in great demand. Community college teaching positions are open for those who obtain a master’s degree. University-level positions require a doctorate
Air Quality
The B.S. degree in Air Quality prepares students for careers in governmental regulation of air quality, industrial compliance with the Clean Air Act, and private consulting.
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Faculty with doctorates in their areas of specialization who are committed to quality teaching
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Opportunities for undergraduate research and working one-on-one with faculty
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Housed in Latham Hall, featuring well-equipped laboratories and classrooms
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Excellent computer facilities, including a student computer lab
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A 25-seat planetarium; 16-inch and 12-inch computer-controlled telescopes
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X-ray diffraction and fluorescence equipment
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Petrographic microscopes; thin-section equipment
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Unidata McIDAS weather display system; roof-top weather station
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Sigma Gamma Epsilon Earth Science honorary for students with earth science GPA of 3.0 or higher
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Home of the federally funded Science Center for Teaching, Outreach and Research on Meteorology (the STORM Project)
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Housed in the Latham Hall, featuring classrooms with state-of-the-art media facilities
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Specialized laboratories with modern equipment and testing devices
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Student computer laboratory for instructional and student use
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Faculty members are actively involved in field work, and the department regularly offers spring field trips and summer field courses. Past trips have included:
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Floating the Colorado River in Arizona
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Diving in coral reefs in the Florida Keys
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Investigating active volcanoes in Hawaii, Italy and the Caribbean
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Studying geologic sites in Iowa and surrounding states
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Observing solar eclipses in North Dakota, Missouri and the Caribbean
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Observing Comet Halley in Texas
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Studying the Big Bend area of Texas and Mexico
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Backpacking in Colorado
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Exploring caves in Iowa, Kentucky and New Mexico
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Investigating the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Canada
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Field studies in the Appalachians
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Geological and environmental studies of Alaska and the Canadian Rockies
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Field trips and activities of the Geological Society of Iowa and the Tri-State Geological Field Conference
To be considered for many University of Northern Iowa scholarships, you need only complete the application for admission. More information on department scholarships can found at Financial Aid.