
The Major
Students work with minerals, rocks, fossils and water; learn scientific methods of data collection and analysis; and apply quantitative reasoning, observations and deductions.
Learn moreStudents work with minerals, rocks, fossils and water; learn scientific methods of data collection and analysis; and apply quantitative reasoning, observations and deductions.
Learn moreDirect exposure to earth materials through field work is an integral part of studying Geology at Amherst.
Learn moreStudents participate in research in courses or during the summer, with faculty or independently—in the field, on campus or via internships.
Learn moreOne of New England’s largest natural history museums, the Beneski is a learning resource for geology students.
Learn moreLearning and investigating the Earth together, students and faculty work on a first-name basis and form an effective scientific team.
Summer research opportunitiesAmherst Geology majors develop critical thinking skills that help them succeed in any career they choose.
Alumni DirectoryOur courses explore the science of the Earth—its physical makeup, its history and how it works. Geology at Amherst is not confined to classrooms and labs: field trips take students from the mountains to the beach.
Participants in this course will be introduced to fundamental concepts in earth science: rock types and their origins; plate tectonics and crustal dynamics; weathering, glaciation and the carving of landscapes.
This course looks at Earth’s climate and its surface environment from a geologist’s perspective. We will develop an understanding of the atmospheric, oceanographic, geological, and biological systems that interact to modulate the climate.
Students will study the tectonic evolution of the Apennines and the geologic history of the Umbria-Marche Basin in order to prepare for spring break field work in the Apennines, Italy.
There are abundant opportunities for students to do research with faculty in our department. These opportunities provide invaluable experience doing laboratory and field geology research.