For Prospective Students
Welcome to Geology at Humboldt State University
The Geology program at Humboldt State University provides a broad
background in geology that emphasizes logical thinking and geological
reasoning. Taking advantage of the unique educational opportunity
provided by HSU's setting in one of the most tectonically and
erosionally active parts of North America, the geology program
incorporates a strong fieldwork component. Humboldt students study
first-hand such dramatic geologic phenomena as seismic activity,
large-scale landsliding, shifting rivers and rapid coastal erosion.
And the quality of our program has gained HSU 
a
national reputation. Dr. Bert Slemmons, Geology Professor at the
University of Nevada, describes Humboldt's Geology program as "the
best in the country." Dr. Bernard Hallet, Geology Professor at the
University of Washington, calls our Masters program a "Hot spot."
Graduates of HSU's Geology program are employed as geologists or hydrologists with government agencies such as the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Geological Survey, Caltrans, and Corps of Engineers. Others work in geological or engineering consulting firms. Over 40% of our graduates go on to complete graduate studies, and ten of our alumni are now professors at major universities. On a per-capita basis, the HSU Geology and Oceanography programs are #1 in the country among public, non-Ph.D. granting institutions in the number of Bachelor's degree students going on to get doctorates in these fields, according to a National Science Foundation survey.
Faculty members in the Department of Geology are active scientists dedicated to teaching. Their expertise includes mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology, paleontology, tectonics, geophysics, geomorphology, and hydrology. Two of our professors have been recognized as Humboldt's "Outstanding Professor" and one as Humboldt's "Scholar of the Year." Another has been nominated for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education's "U.S. Professor of the Year" award.
