The Department offers introductory 100-level courses in general geology and in specialized aspects of geological sciences, which all 3 cr. that meet N & M distribution requirements. Other 100-level and 200-level classes are foundation courses required for the geology major. Advanced undergraduate courses include further core courses for the major plus many topics as electives. These offerings also can be taken to fulfill requirements for a minor in geology or specialized courses for students in science education.

The Department offers graduate courses relevant to our varied research programs. Specific courses pertinent to particular research themes are listed in the brochures for each area accessible from the research page. Graduate credit is also available for many 400-level senior classes as preparation for advanced 500-level and 600-level coursework. Students also take research credits within both M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs, often complemented with topical seminars.

400-level and 300-level field courses are taught during the summer at our Field Station in Montana. In addition, field trips represent an integral component of many courses (see Map). For 100-level classes they tend to be local excursions. At 200-level and 300-level (e.g. mineralogy, perology, sedimentology) they include visits to relevant more distant localities, and each year a 400-level regional field trips is offered. G188 is a Summer course that included field-based exploration of the geology of the Sierra Nevada.