Beneath our feet are layers of lessons—stories about the Earth. The study of geology allows you to read between the layers and see how time, materials, and change have shaped the structure of our planet.

Why study Geology at Sewanee?

Your geology classroom is on top of (and underneath) the 13,000-acre laboratory we call the Domain, with cliffs, bluffs, trails, and caves begging to be explored. You will learn how humans affect climate and learn how to use resources sustainably—protecting the planet’s inhabitants and their future.

Required coursework in geology is also integrated with coursework in forestry, soils, hydrology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Course topics include rocks, minerals, fossils, deep time, landforms and the processes that shape them, planetary formation and evolution, water quality, and climate change.

First Destinations: Geology Majors

Sewanee graduates secure positions in a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first jobs.

  • Geosteering and logging geologist, Diversified Well Logging, Permian Basin, Texas.
  • Staff geologist, TriAD Environmental Consultants, Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Surgical Assistant, Erlanger Hospital, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
  • Geologist, Geological Society of America, Canon City, Colorado.
GRADUATE SCHOOL & PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: GEOLOGY MAJORS

Sewanee graduates enjoy extraordinary acceptance rates to top graduate and pre-professional programs–about 95 percent to law school and over 85 percent to medical school. Below is a sampling of where Sewanee grads continue their education.

  • M.S. in Geology, Colorado School of Mines
  • Ph.D. in Geology, Vanderbilt University
  • Ph.D. in Geology, California Institute of Technology

A Sampling of Courses

Mineralogy
Geology

A study of the chemistry, crystal structure, and properties of minerals. Lectures focus on the connection between the atomic structure and chemical bonding in minerals and the macro-scale physical properties that dictate their role in society. Laboratory work combines the observation of physical properties in hand samples with microscopy and X-ray diffraction to identify the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s crust.

 

GEOL 221
Sedimentology
Geology

A study of sedimentary rocks and the processes that form them. Field and class studies stress the link between modern sedimentary environments and their ancient counterparts with an emphasis on the rocks of the Cumberland Plateau and other nearby areas.

GEOL 225
Hydrology
Geology

A study of the occurrence, movement, quality, and behavior of water in the hydrologic cycle with an emphasis on surface and underground water that includes the techniques and problems of measurement and utilization.  

 

GEOL 314
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Geology

Programs of Study & Related Programs

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Geology

Requirements for the Minor in Environmental Studies | Website

Requirements for the Major in Environment & Sustainability | Website

Requirements for the Major in Environmental Arts & Humanities | Website

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Forestry | Website

Requirements for the Major in Natural Resources & the Environment | Website

Requirements for the Minor in Religion & Environment | Website

Meet some professors

Max Dahlquist
mpdahlqu@sewanee.edu

Max Dahlquist earned a B.S. from the University of Southern Indiana and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. He studies tectonic geomorphology, landscape evolution, and mechanical weathering.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY
Elizabeth "Lily" Thompson
ecthomps@sewanee.edu

Lily Thompson earned a B.S. at the University of New Orleans, and an M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. Her areas of expertise include mineralogy, petrology, planetary science, and mineral physics.

Assistant Professor of Geology
Martin A. Knoll
mknoll@sewanee.edu

Martin Knoll, Chair of the Department, earned a B.A. at the University of the South, an M.S. at Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. at the University of Texas, El Paso. His areas of expertise include paleontology, paleoecology, hydrology, geoarchaeology of the Cumberland Plateau, and climbing.

Professor of Geology
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Contact

martin a. knoll
Professor of geology, Department Chair

mnoll@sewanee.edu

Snowden Hall 203 / Ext. 1713

The Domain: An Immersive Experience

Integrated Program in the Environment
6 Majors, 6 Minors, 13,000 Acres

Sewanee's Integrated Program in the Environment is one of the premier collections of environmental offerings in the country. A working farm, a 13,000-acre forest, and well-funded internships offer opportunities to apply your classroom learning. An expansive curriculum—including natural and social sciences as well as the humanities and fine arts—offers students multiple pathways for gaining an understanding of the ecological complexity and wonder of the earth we inhabit.

Explore Your Options
Stewardship & Sustainability
Hands-on Experience

The Office of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability offers students myriad opportunities to engage with the outdoors. Whether your passions are natural resources management, food production, animal care, field research, or sustainability, there's a place for you to get your hands dirty on the Domain!

Get Involved
The University Farm
Where Growth Happens

The University Farm offers students a transformative experience through the immersive and intimate practice of restorative agriculture. At the farm you'll find many opportunities to enhance your education and connect with the history of agriculture. And if you’re lucky, there will be some baby goats around during finals.

Yes, I love baby goats