Welcome!

Changing climate, dwindling energy resources, natural hazards, and deteriorating environmental quality are among the most challenging of societal problems. Geoscientists, who study Earth processes and resources to understand and help address these and related issues, are in high demand. A degree in geology or meteorology opens the door to career opportunities that involve:

• innovative technologies
• outdoor adventures and world travel
• work that helps sustain society and protect the planet

Already decided on a major? Adding Geology or Meteorology as a second major will further enhance your career path. Check out our department’s 4-year course plans for combining Geology as a secondary degree or Meteorology as a secondary degree with Engineering, Environmental Science, and Biology.

Commitment to Inclusive, Quality Teaching

Our department is committed to building and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment to ensure the learning and success of all students.

• We ascribe to the Principles of Community at Iowa State, specifically highlighting richness of diversity, respect, and freedom from discrimination.
• Since 2000, nine of our faculty have been recognized one or more times with college or university-wide teaching awards.
• Our Earth, Wind, and Fire Learning Community helps students build strong connections with their peers, as do our active student clubs.
• Our American Meteorological Society student chapter was recently named the top such student group in the nation for the second year in a row (and three out of the last four years).
• Our summer geology field camp in northwestern Wyoming has a long and outstanding tradition of experiential learning

Research

Department faculty members maintain well-funded research programs in several focus areas:

• Mesoscale/Microscale Meteorology
• Hydrological Sciences
• Climate and Quaternary Studies
• Solid Earth Processes
• Geoscience Education

These programs fuel discovery and provide the basis for active graduate programs in geology and meteorology and for undergraduate research and employment opportunities.