Many students are already familiar with Geosciences through what is commonly called "earth science" in high school. Geosciences covers our Planet Earth - its soil, minerals, climate change, magnetic fields, earthquakes, water, plants, fossils, volcanoes and more.

Geosciences majors at UWM can organize their electives around a particular area of interest if they wish:

• Hard Rock - the study of structural geology, mineralogy, petrology, volcanology and tectonics
• Hydrogeology - the study of water resources
• Paleontology - the study of evolutionary patterns in history
• Sedimentary Geology - the study of sediments, strata, fossils, and landforms in the context of identifying Earths physical, biological, and chemical components through space and time

Geosciences touches on all aspects of the other natural sciences including chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics, so the ideal student for Geosciences loves all types of science and is curious about how they interrelate. Most Geosciences students also love the outdoors and traveling off of the beaten path.

Required outdoor field work prepares students for jobs with environmental and water resource management; energy and mineral industries; and government agencies.

UWM students often participate in research abroad in places as diverse as Iceland, Turkey, South America, Ireland, and New Zealand. Others gain hands-on experience in the dirt of Montana, the hills of South Dakota or the swamps of Florida.

Download our fact sheet to the right to learn more about Geosciences classes and careers.