Welcome to the OSU Department of Geosciences!

We are dedicated to understanding and teaching the history, processes and human dimensions of the surface earth, solid earth and earth systems.

Central to OSU's signature area in sustainable earth ecosystems (a "healthy planet"), the Department of Geosciences is committed to serving the people of Oregon and the world with high quality, high value teaching and research in earth science and sustainability. Our nationally- and internationally-recognized work on the climate, solid earth, water and other earth resources using geographic information science and other earth science tools being developed at OSU are central to our Top 10 status among land grant schools. More importantly, understanding climate, earth hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes and water resources are critical to healthy people and a healthy economy in Oregon and beyond.

The Department of Geosciences has six core research areas: (1) volcanology, igneous petrology and economic geology; (2) geographic information science; (3) climate studies; (4) surface processes; (5) active tectonics and earthquake geology; and (6) Earth and water resource policy and management.

In carrying out our mission, the department is home to about 120 undergraduate majors in geology, geography and earth sciences, and 80 graduate students in geology, geography, environmental science and water resources. We grant BA, BS and PhD degrees. Our faculty oversee research funded by grants and contracts of over $9.9 million annually.

Aaron Wolf
Chair and Professor
Department of Geosciences 

OSU's Department of Geosciences was ranked among the top 10 programs nationally (Science Watch, 2007).