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

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 ForestryWebsite

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

Requirements for the Minor in Religion & Environment | Website

Meet some professors

Contact

martin a. knoll
Professor of geology, Department Chair

mnoll@sewanee.edu

Snowden Hall 203 / Ext. 1713

The Domain: An Immersive Experience