Earth Sciences

Alfred Stamm, Chair
333 and 124A Piez Hall
315-312-3065
www.oswego.edu/earthsci

Distinguished Service Professor: Alfred Stamm

Professor: David Valentino

Associate Professors: Robert Ballentine, Scott Roby, Paul Tomascak

Assistant Professors: Diana Boyer, Steven Skubis, Scott Steiger

Geology, the study of earth, explores the surface processes, inner workings, and history of our planet. How do mountains, continents and oceans form? What are the best ways to manage earth resources and reduce pollution? How did life on earth evolve? Geologists apply scientific principles to field and laboratory observations to answer these and other questions.

Oswego’s geology programs prepare students for a wide range of careers or graduate study in geology, engineering, and other fields. Roughly a quarter to a third of our graduates go on to graduate school. Many of our recent graduates are employed in environmental applications of geology at consulting firms, corporations, and environmental laboratories. Our graduates also work in the petroleum industry, museums, teaching, materials testing and other fields.

Students pursuing a BS in Geology benefit from exposure to a range of upper level elective courses as well as a required research or internship component. Students in both the BS and BA Geology degree programs must take at least one year each of math (including calculus), chemistry, and physics.

Our location on the shore of Lake Ontario and near classic geological regions including the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands, and the Finger Lakes allows us to incorporate many field and research activities in our program. Students are strongly encouraged to work with faculty on an independent research project. We have excellent facilities for conducting a wide range of research activities. We consider our small class sizes and ability to work with students one-on-one our most valuable assets.

Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and, as such, is a challenging applied science. A practitioner must use the basic tools of mathematics and physics in the investigation and understanding of fascinating and sometimes dangerous atmospheric phenomena. The student who majors in meteorology at Oswego will become acquainted with the fields of synoptic, dynamic, meso- and micrometeorology as well as atmospheric and cloud physics, climatology, instruments and air pollution. An unusually wide variety of meteorology courses is available as well as occasional special topics courses, internships and independent study opportunities. The BS degree in Meteorology requires courses in meteorology, chemistry, physics, calculus, computer science and others. The BS degree meets all recommendations of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Service. In addition, students are advised to enhance their educational preparation and employment prospects by pursuing a double major in meteorology and chemistry, physics, math or computer science. Meteorology majors find it relatively easy to pursue a minor in physics, chemistry or mathematics.

Standard weather observation equipment is available which constantly monitors changes in the weather both on campus and through a local meso-network. In addition, the meteorology program has a software program, GARP, that displays current weather, model forecasts, satellite and radar imagery, and a host of additional meteorological information. Oswego’s location, on the shores of Lake Ontario, provides excellent opportunities for study of many spectacular weather events. Students are encouraged to work with faculty on their research as well as to pursue internships and independent studies in their own interest areas. A meteorology honors degree is also available.

Geochemistry Major (BA) 

• The Department of Earth Sciences cosponsors this program.