Geosciences
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Program Description
Geoscientists study the earth. Specifically, they investigate what it’s made of; how it works; its changes over both short and long timescales; what resources can be extracted; land use and land use changes; how natural disasters can be managed; how humans are affecting global systems; and ways to minimize or mitigate these effects, inform policy, and image, quantify, and communicate those aspects to a wide audience of stakeholders. Students who study Geosciences need to have a strong background in mathematics, chemistry, physics, computer science, and biology to help them solve problems and understand how each of earth’s systems interact and react to change.
Students majoring in Geosciences at CWI can obtain an Associate of Science degree and transfer to a four-year university to complete their bachelor's or other advanced degrees. Work and career paths for majors vary widely because geosciences are a broad and diverse group of sub-sciences. Geologists typically divide their time between the field, lab, and office. Geologists are employed by a variety of organizations, including the oil and gas industry, mining companies, environmental consulting firms, and national and state government agencies.