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Explore geoscience in a living laboratory

Geology field camp students at Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah.
Geology field camp students at Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah.

At Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, the Geosciences Department offers more than just a degree—it's your gateway to understanding Earth’s dynamic systems and making a real impact. Geosciences encompass fields like geology, earth science, meteorology, and GIS, all rooted in uncovering how the planet works. With hands-on research, dedicated faculty, and unparalleled access to diverse field sites, ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ geoscience students graduate ready to shape the future of environmental sciences, geological engineering, and beyond. Surrounded by ancient canyons, rare Precambrian rock formations, and the winding rivers of the Colorado Plateau, the Four Corners region is a living lab for aspiring geoscientists.

Learn by doing in a natural playground

At ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ, geoscience isn’t confined to textbooks. You’ll dive into immersive field trips to world-renowned sites like the San Juan Mountains, exploring landscapes that scientists dream of visiting. Programs like Fort Lewis on the Water (FLOW) combine outdoor adventure with practical science—rafting rivers to study hydrology or hiking dramatic terrains to analyze rock formations. Plus, you’ll join a lifelong network of ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ faculty, alumni, and peers who share your passion for discovery. Start exploring our programs today and see how you can transform your love for the planet into a purposeful career.

By the numbers: ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Geosciences Department

60+

Field trips a year exploring iconic landscapes from the San Juan Mountains to the Colorado Plateau.

Geo field info

$20k+

Awarded annually through dedicated scholarships, helping to make your degree affordable.

Scholarship info

$70–$100°ì

Starting salaries in high-demand fields like environmental consulting and GIS analysis.

Plan your path

Where are they now?

At ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ, our geoscience grads launch careers in fields like environmental geology, geological engineering, mining geology, hydrology, and GIS. Check out our interactive map to see where an ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ education can take you.

Nicole Clary standing in a river in safety gear.

"The Geosciences Department gave me many opportunities to work with professionals in different fields to set my career up for success. I currently work for Equity Exploration as a junior exploration geologist. My work involves core logging, field sampling, field mapping, and assisting other geologists in gathering data about the current prospective area. Geology rocks!"

Nicole Clary
Class of '24

ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Geosciences Department news & updates

ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Geosciences Associate Professor Jon Harvey, Ph.D., co-authored a recent article exploring tectonic evolution in western Nepal. Published in Lithosphere, the study uses low-temperature thermochronology to reveal insights into seismic hazards in regions vulnerable to earthquakes, including the devastating 2023 Jajarkot event.
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David Gonzales, Ph.D. talking with a group of four tables during mineralogy lab.
A student drawing a pencil sketch of the surrounding topography.
Geosciences home gallery
A student uses a Brunton compass to calculate the dip and strike angle of a small boulder.
A group of several students observe and take notes on geology in a desert landscape.
Two students take samples in a snow-covered forest.
Geology club members take stream samples wearing gaiters in the middle of a small river.
Students observe and take notes on a vertical rocky outcrop in the desert.
A student takes notes on a small notepad while perched on a large rock outcrop shelf.
Students tents at geology camp against a background of red sandstone cliffs.
Melissa Clutter, Ph.D. runs a test review trivia session. A table of four students writes down their answer on a small whiteboard.