Department of Geology & 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
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

The Mystery of Utah's Deep Quakes

U seismologists are learning what continental mantle earthquakes, occurring far below Earth's crust, reveal about what lies beneath northeast Utah and southwest Wyoming.

Bill Johnson collects groundwater data from one of the mounds that have appeared in Farmington Bay’s playa. Photo by Brian Maffly, University of Utah

A Friend of the Lake

Geology and Geophysics Professor, Bill Johnson, received the 2026 Friend of the Lake award on May 8th, 2026.

An aerial view of the new Silicon Ridge mine in Utah County. Credit: Ionic Mineral Technologies

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.