Civilization exists by geologic consent, subject to change without notice.~ Will Durant |
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Global society is based on geology. Our energy resources,
construction and manufacturing materials, food and agricultural
products, and building sites all depend on the geologic environment.
Dramatic geological processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
or floods impact many areas of the world. Less dramatic, but ongoing
processes such as rivers and wind, soil erosion, and glacial movement,
sculpt the landscape and change how humans use the Earth's surface.
Geology brings long-term perspectives to these issues, as we study how
processes such as continental drift and climate change influences the
earth and our lives.
Geoscience is a multidisciplinary field, including courses in
geology, oceanography, environmental geology, and conservation of
natural resources. It provides you with the opportunity to deal with a
broad range of scientific challenges and experiences.
Pacific Lutheran University offers a unique setting for the study of
geosciences. The natural environments of the Pacific Northwest region
are unsurpassed in providing a rich variety of geologic field studies
in the Cascade Mountains, the Columbia River Basalt Plateau, the
coastal areas of the Puget Sound, the Pacific Ocean, and Olympic
Peninsula.
The student/faculty ratio in geosciences at PLU allows students to
work closely with faculty in classes, laboratories, and field studies.
Faculty members are available to work individually with students in
small seminar groups and on research projects.
Several degree programs are offered: