Thinking about becoming a geoscientist?
Many geoscientists are involved in the search for mineral and energy resources, as well as the economic and environmental impacts of resource extraction and use. Other geoscientists study natural hazards and environmental geoscience, and are involved in projects to understand watershed science, to maintain clean water sources, and to clean up and reclaim land. Some geoscientists specialize in a particular aspect of the Earth, such as global climate change and oceanography and others even study planetary geology to understand planets like Mars.
CMU Geosciences Video
Thinking about becoming a geology major? Check out our video!
Colorado Mesa University is situated in a geological paradise straddling the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau. Our program is very field oriented and includes field trips to places such as the rugged, glacially sculpted San Juan Mountains, the Colorado River, the world renowned Book Cliffs, Arches and Canyonlands, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and the breathtaking formations of Colorado National Monument. Our location also provides Colorado Mesa students with some of the best recreational opportunities in the nation.
Geosciences Job Outlook
"Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is projected to spur demand for geoscientists."
"As of December 2020, 91% of geoscience graduates who earned their degree between 2014-2018 were employed, while 75% of graduates from 2019 and 80% of graduates from 2020 reported the same. For geoscience graduates who earned their degree in 2020, 31% of bachelor's, 50% of master's, and 91% of doctorates had secured employment by December 2020."
CMU Geosciences News
Fall 2021: Geosciences Program Welcomes New Geology Professor
Javier Tellez is a Colombian geologist with a Ph.D. and M.S. in Geology from the University of Oklahoma. He worked for Occidental Oil and Gas for seven years after completing his B.S. in Geology at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Javier joins us this fall and will be teaching Historical Geology, Geology of Colorado, and Principles of Physical Geology Lab, and Depositional Systems with Dr. Andres Aslan. Welcome to the GeoTeam, Dr. Tellez!
Grand Junction Geological Society: Monthly Speaker Information
All geosciences students are welcome and encouraged to attend the monthly GJGS events.
Student Learning Outcomes
All CMU baccalaureate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking, communication fluency, quantitative fluency, and specialized knowledge/applied learning. In addition to these campus-wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this program will be able to:
- Articulate the fundamental knowledge base and ideas of the major fields of geoscience (specialized skills in geoscience)
- Collect and interpret geoscience field data (problem solving skills)
- Collect and interpret geoscience laboratory data (problem solving skills)
- Use technology (e.g. computer software) for evaluating quantitative geoscience data (technology skills)
- Write an effective report on a geoscience study (communication skills)
- Give an effective oral presentation on a geoscience study (communication skills)
- Understand and reflect on responsibilities surrounding local, national, and/or global Geoscience problems including those related to accessing field areas on public land. (personal & social responsibility)