When you study Geoscience at Hobart and William Smith, you’re understanding the world, its phenomena and the roles humans play in impacting their environments. Through courses, research and internships in hydrology, geology and atmospheric science, you’ll be prepared to take on the pressing challenges of our time and those of the future.
Making connections concepts in her geoscience and physics courses, Ainsley won the Albert Holland Physics Lecture Competition for her presentation on applying Bernoulli’s equation for wind.
Geoscience students looking to engage more deeply in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Past examples of Honors projects include:
Conduct water quality research with the data buoy on Seneca Lake or work with local educators at the Finger Lakes Institute.
Through “GEO 299 – Geoscience Field Studies” you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the geological formations of Caribbean islands or chase storms across the Midwest.
At Hobart and William Smith Colleges, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.
Amplify your Geoscience degree with the skills, knowledge and ethical foundation needed to be a leader in the 21st century. In partnership with the Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, our department offers the opportunity to engage in leadership development that culminates in a degree with leadership distinction and provides a competitive edge when applying to internships, jobs and graduate or professional school.
To graduate with leadership distinction, you will complete a series of foundational, action-oriented and reflective milestones within the Geoscience and Leadership curriculum. We encourage you to begin your leadership journey as early as your second semester on campus.
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Conduct water research along the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or study the atmospheric effects of climate change in England.
Wherever you go, you’ll apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.
The Geoscience Department is dedicated to helping students find connection and build belonging. Faculty offer one-on-one office hours, including some flexible evening and weekend hours, to ensure students understand the material and have the support they need to succeed. “The Geo Club” offers students the opportunity to bond during field trips and activities surrounding geology, hydrology or atmospheric science. “Women in Geoscience” is a student-led group that empowers women to become leaders within each of the different spheres of geoscience.
Discover our world and the issues that influence it.
Take an in-depth look at many of the fundamental aspects of the atmosphere. Understand severe weather, factors influencing climate and how these phenomena impact every part of our lives.
Explore the form and function of the solid Earth using plate tectonics as the central theme.
Learn about hydrology using scientific quantitative reasoning to examine the characteristics and importance of water across environmental and geophysical sciences.
Seneca Lake and the greater Finger Lakes Region are an invaluable living laboratory for Geoscience students. Study on the water aboard The William Scandling and JB Snow research vessels, or use the Seneca Lake data buoy to collect water information. You’ll also have access to high quality, advanced equipment in Lansing Hall, where the Geoscience Department is housed, including the department’s meteorology and rock preparation labs.
As a student, JoAnna researched harmful algal blooms, work that has since been published in the science journal Water. This experience helped her land a position at Haley & Aldrich and guide her as a geologist.
