Geosciences

Further your understanding of Earth, its materials, processes, systems, and history. When applied to contemporary challenges — from climate change to risk assessment — geosciences offers foundational knowledge to support resilient communities and a better future.

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What sets our Geosciences Department apart? Small class sizes, an emphasis on active learning and being outdoors, workshop-style courses at the introductory level, and a great community led by dedicated faculty who encourage exploration.

What will you learn?

On the geosciences major track, you’ll begin your studies with Earth Systems Science with Lab and then move on to upper-level courses in topics that interest you most. Choose from classes including earth history, natural resources, climatology, and hydrogeology. You will round out your major with additional introductory coursework in GIS, chemistry or physics, and a quantitative skills course by junior year.

Where will you go?

Geoscientists are in demand and opportunities are on the rise, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether you’re hoping to advance your studies or go to work in a rewarding field, Skidmore’s geosciences program can help you get a foothold.

Career paths	Recent employers	Graduate schools and programs
Atmospheric scientist Civil engineer Earth science teacher Geochemist Geologist Geophysicist Hydrologist National park ranger Oceanographer Renewable energy consultant Science writer/illustrator	Aon Bank of America Barnard College Freeport McMoRan Los Alamos National Lab NY State Geological Survey NY State Museum NY DOT ROUX Environmental Sevenson Environmental Services US Geological Survey	Boise State University Colorado School of Mines Lamont-Doherty at Columbia University Rutgers University University of Iowa University of Missouri University of Southern California

A group of students stand to the right of a waterfall with layered rocks and green moss surrounding

Our location rocks

For geosciences students — whose lab is the outdoors — Skidmore’s campus is ideally situated near fossiliferous gorges, glacier-carved lakes and hills, limestone caves, granite mountains, and garnet mineral formations.

A student is on hand's and knees in a dig site, surrounded by stone walls, tools, and partially uncovered earth.

Can you dig it?

Aimee Holland ’25 applied her combined interests in geosciences and anthropology as she spent five weeks uncovering centuries-old history in a small town in County Meath, Ireland.

Read Aimee’s story

Get a bird’s eye view

Whether you’d prefer to do local research or work with an organization like NASA — or do both, like geosciences major Oliver Wilson ’23 and environmental sciences major Sam Haas ’24 did — you can make discoveries that make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about studying geosciences at Skidmore? Here’s what future students often ask — about fieldwork, research opportunities, careers, double majors, and how geosciences connect to real-world change.

A natural classroom right outside the lab
Skidmore’s location in Saratoga Springs places you at the intersection of major geological regions. Students have direct access to ancient mountain roots, fossil-rich limestone, active fault zones, and glacial landforms. From world-famous stromatolites to New York’s only volcanic pillow basalt, the region offers a geoscientist’s dream. At Skidmore, fieldwork isn’t a trip. It’s part of your everyday experience.

Yes! In fact, we encourage you, as a geoscience student, to conduct your own original research. This experience will allow you to put your skills to use, advance the fields of geoscience, and learn more than you thought you ever could. Most importantly, research will allow you to get involved in professional geological societies and start networking for a job or graduate school.

Independent research allows you to:

Design your own research project
Conduct your own fieldwork
Analyze your own data
Present your findings at regional or national geological conferences, Academic Festival, and other venues.

Getting started is easy:

Find an aspect of geoscience that interests you.
Find a faculty member who has a similar interest.
Reach out to that person about doing research.

Learn about geoscience awards and grants

Faculty

Award-winning. Creative. Thoughtful and supportive.

Meet your professors

Geosciences Contact

Office

Billie Tisch Center for Integrated Sciences (CIS) 280A
518-580-5948

Chair

Jennifer T. Cholnoky
Geosciences Senior Lecturer
jcholnok@skidmore.edu
CIS 280A

Administrative Assistant

Alyssa B. Meyers
ameyers1@skidmore.edu