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Department Chair Jason Kaiser – GEO 319	Faculty & Staff
Administrative Assistant Kelsy Mickelson – GEO 323	Student Success Advisors
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Overview of Programs

Geoscientists are playing an increasingly important role in solving many global problems from energy to the environment. The Department of Geosciences at SUU offers programs in Geology, Geosciences, Geospatial Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, and Geographical Information Systems that provide personalized learning environments aimed at critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. These skills are honed in dynamic classroom, laboratory, and field-based experiences as well as individualized research projects. Faculty mentors are dedicated to providing opportunities for scholarship, research, and internships that best prepares students for employment, or graduate school in their desired discipline.

SUU is ideally situated to take advantage of the region’s spectacular natural landscapes and environments. World-class undergraduate research opportunities within these programs are enhanced by the diverse geology of southern Utah, our partnerships with Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park, and membership in the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.

The Department of Geosciences maintains a cutting-edge GIS and spatial technologies laboratory. The SUU GIS Laboratory is equipped with the industry-leading technology, hardware, and software, which allows students to gain hands-on experience with advanced spatial technologies. The GIS Laboratory also offers service-learning opportunities to students through local and regional projects and internships.

Mission

The Department of Geosciences provides an environment that fosters academic excellence in the Earth and environmental sciences. We operate several special learning environments for students that include a nationally certified environmental water laboratory, a GIS lab, and a thin section preparation laboratory. We provide comprehensive classroom and experiential learning environments that accentuate critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and communication in the geosciences. We also serve as the center of Earth and environmental science knowledge and expertise for southern Utah.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

The ultimate goal of the Department of Geosciences is to provide students with the tools to solve problems in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Students should be able to define problems, develop hypotheses, execute experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions. Undergraduate students who successfully complete Earth and environmental science courses, appropriate required and elective courses outside of the department, and receive a B.S. or B.A. degree in a geosciences area demonstrate that they:

1. Understand and can utilize the scientific method.
2. Have attained a firm foundation in the fundamentals and application of current scientific theories within their program area.
3. Are able to identify and solve geoscience problems.
4. Are able to carry out, record, and analyze the results of experiments within their program area.
5. Are able to utilize field techniques, computational skills, and analytical methods in geoscience research.
6. Are able to use available library searching and retrieval methods to obtain information about a topic, technique, or an issue relating to their program area.
7. Are able to communicate the results of their work to other scientists and non-scientists.
8. Are ready for the next level of education or employment.

Other Information

Minimum Grade

• A grade of “C” (2.0) or above must be earned in each course required for all majors and minors in the Department of Geosciences.
• All pre-requisite courses must be passed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) or above.

Special Learning Environments

The Southern Utah University Geographic Information Systems Laboratory

The SUU GIS Laboratory is equipped with the industry-leading technology, hardware, and software, which allows students to gain hands-on experience with advanced spatial technologies. The GIS Laboratory also offers service-learning opportunities to students through local and regional projects and internships.

Programs

• Environmental Science (B.S.)
• Environmental Studies (B.A.)
• Geology (B.S.)
• Geosciences (B.A.)
• Geospatial Science (B.S.)

• Geographic Information Systems (Certificate)

• Geography (Minor)
• Geography Education (Minor)
• Geology (Minor)

Return to: Department of Geosciences