2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Department of Earth Sciences
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 Return to: College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment
Dr. Adam Wallace, Director of Undergraduate Programs
Email: afw@udel.edu
Department of Earth Sciences
Departmental Website
Faculty Profiles
The Earth is a dynamic, integrated system that includes rocks and minerals, water, the atmosphere, and living organisms. The Department of Earth Sciences in UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the natural world and how geological processes have operated over various time scales to create and influence the planet’s surface environments.
Our faculty and students explore land, rivers, beaches, and oceans around the globe. Whether they’re in a laboratory, in a classroom, or out in the field, students work hand-in-hand with faculty to develop the next generation of technologies used to address complex geological and environmental challenges. Earth sciences is inherently multidisciplinary and graduates are equipped to tackle complex environmental and resource problems affecting human society.
The department has a close collaboration with colleagues in the Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) and other programs throughout the University. DGS projects include creating maps of the state’s geology, monitoring seismic activity and studying Delaware’s hydrogeologic framework. Geologists often team up with marine studies specialists and make use of the college’s 146-foot seagoing oceanographic research vessel, the R/V Hugh R. Sharp.
Earth sciences graduates choose from diverse career options and, while many geoscientists have traditionally made careers in the oil industry, growing concern for the global environment and the need to consider geologic processes as part of an integrated global system have opened a wide variety of new employment areas. These professions focus on understanding geologic hazards and defining efficient uses of land, water, energy and mineral resources, and require integrative knowledge of the chemical, physical and biological processes above, on, and below the Earth’s surface.
Exciting educational opportunities are available in undergraduate degree programs in earth sciences and earth science education. Minors are available in earth sciences, and coastal and marine geoscience.
Earth Sciences
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences place special emphasis on the study and understanding of surface and near-surface processes, including coastal sediment transport, geomorphology, hydrogeology, geobiology, environmental geophysics, and Quaternary geology (the study of Earth’s most recent geological time period). Students study the planet, the processes that change natural landscapes, the history of life and the interactions between environment and society. Graduates gain practical and in-demand skills to collect scientific data, inform policy decisions and study the environmental impacts of things like fracking, oil and natural gas extraction, renewable resources, climate change and more.
Students pursuing a B.A. or B.S. in Earth Sciences learn in small classes and labs, where interactions with award-winning faculty members help foster a well-developed sense of community. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects in areas such as hydrogeology, geobiology, water science, and paleoclimate, as well as engage in geology-related summer field camps and experiences in places of geological significance like Death Valley and the Grand Canyon.
Earth Science Education
The Bachelor of Science in Earth Science Education prepares students for a future career in high school science education. Earth science educators are critically important to teach the next generation to respect and conserve the planet’s resources and to maintain and preserve a healthy, livable environment. This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and emphasizes a strong background in both liberal arts and content. While the earth science education program is designed to certify teachers, graduates can also go on to rewarding careers in informal education or earth sciences.
Students pursuing a B.S. in Earth Science Education learn earth sciences from faculty geologists and complete courses in UD’s School of Education to gain a foundation in science teaching methods, education theory and psychology. Student teaching takes place at one of Delaware’s fastest growing school districts during sophomore, junior and senior years, culminating with a 15-week student teaching practicum. On completing the program requirements, students receive the University of Delaware’s endorsement for teaching certification.
Because research is an important aspect of geological learning, students are encouraged to participate in research projects in areas such as hydrogeology, geobiology, water science, and paleoclimate, as well as engage in geology-related summer field camps and experiences.
ProgramsMajorMinorHonors Degree4+1Certificate
Return to: College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment
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