Welcome to the university of utah's
department of geology and geophysics
Welcome to the department of geology & geophysics
As Geoscientists, we apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to understand the composition, structure, and history of the Earth and the processes that govern it. Our students use this knowledge to address societal needs and problems, such as locating and characterizing mineral, energy, and groundwater resources, assessing seismic and other geologic hazards, and evaluating and remediating environmental contamination.
Geoscience
Emphasis in Geology or Geophysics
Educates students to apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathamatics, and biology to understand the composition, structure, and history of the Earth.
Geological Engineering
An engineering approach to solving important problems related to geological hazards (such as earthquakes and landslides) and natural resources (such as surface water and groundwater).
Our degree is ABET accredited, so graduates are ready to become licensed, practicing engineers. This program is also one of the only 13 programs nationwide.
Earth Science Teaching
A secondary education teaching degree for physical science and Earth science instructors in high schools and middle schools.
Earth & Environmental Science (EES)
An interdisplinary degree that enable students to study the interconnected nature of earth systems, including the fields of atmospheric science, geology, and ecology.
Earth Science Minor
Curriculum comprises core courses on earth systems and history. Electives include: geologic hazards, sustainable energy, paleontology and geobiology, and oceanography.
DEPARTMENT RESEARCH & NEWSView all news
Geology and Geophysics Professor, Bill Johnson, received the 2026 Friend of the Lake award on May 8th, 2026.
Building America's Critical Minerals Pipeline
Lauren Birgenheier, who serves as both a faculty member in Geology and associate dean in the college, explains that the search for minerals has evolved significantly in recent years, now focused on a long list of elements that are considered critical, and found in many different minerals in a variety of geologic and geographic settings.
The Dynamic Science of The Great Salt Lake
Professor and Department Chair of Geology & Geophysics Gabriel Bowen tells us a pretty clear story of human influence on the lake. Bowen looks at sedimentation of Great Salt Lake, the terminal point for not only water but solid particles (sand, mud, organic bits), and he catalogues events impacting the lake via that sedimentation.
GET INVOLVED
Join weekly social events, lectures, and more!
