CMES Earth - The University of Utah

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
Geo Engineering
Earth Science Teaching
Earth & Environmental Science
Earth Science Minor

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

Bill at the Great Salt Lake

Utah’s other Great Salt Lake is Underground, Ancient, Deep….and Fresh

Under the Great Salt Lake playa lies a potentially vast reservoir of pressurized freshwater that has accumulated over thousands of years from mountain-derived snowmelt, according to new research from University of Utah geoscientists.

Frederick Albert Sutton Building

2026 Undergraduate Scholars

View the Geology and Geophysics undergraduate students who were accepted into UROP, Wilkes, and other scholarly programs for Spring 2026.

Gabe Bowen

Cool Science Radio - Human Footprints in the Geology of the Great Salt Lake

Listen to Gabe Bowen on Cool Science Radio discuss "striking evidence that human activity has permanently altered the natural rhythms of Utah’s Great Salt Lake."