Explore geoscience in a living laboratory

Geology field camp students at Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah.
Geology field camp students at Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah.

At Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, the Geosciences Department offers more than just a degree—it's your gateway to understanding Earth’s dynamic systems and making a real impact. Geosciences encompass fields like geology, earth science, meteorology, and GIS, all rooted in uncovering how the planet works. With hands-on research, dedicated faculty, and unparalleled access to diverse field sites, FLC geoscience students graduate ready to shape the future of environmental sciences, geological engineering, and beyond. Surrounded by ancient canyons, rare Precambrian rock formations, and the winding rivers of the Colorado Plateau, the Four Corners region is a living lab for aspiring geoscientists.

Learn by doing in a natural playground

At FLC, geoscience isn’t confined to textbooks. You’ll dive into immersive field trips to world-renowned sites like the San Juan Mountains, exploring landscapes that scientists dream of visiting. Programs like Fort Lewis on the Water (FLOW) combine outdoor adventure with practical science—rafting rivers to study hydrology or hiking dramatic terrains to analyze rock formations. Plus, you’ll join a lifelong network of FLC faculty, alumni, and peers who share your passion for discovery. Start exploring our programs today and see how you can transform your love for the planet into a purposeful career.

By the numbers: FLC Geosciences Department

60+

Field trips exploring iconic landscapes from the San Juan Mountains to the Colorado Plateau.

$20k+

Awarded annually through dedicated scholarships, helping to make your degree affordable.

$70–$100k

Starting salaries in high-demand fields like environmental consulting and GIS analysis.

Make a real difference

A student looks into the distance during a field course in the San Juan Mountains.

Get hands-on with research that matters. Collaborate with professors to solve environmental challenges, such as analyzing drought-affected water supplies or identifying geological hazards in cities. At FLC, your research directly contributes to solutions that shape the future.

Your future in geoscience

Fort Lewis College geoscience graduates are changing the world—and earning competitive salaries while doing it. It’s not just about exploration—FLC equips you with cutting-edge tools like GIS software, drone imaging, and spectrometry, ensuring you graduate with the skills today’s geoscience jobs demand. Whether you’re planning to jump into the workforce or continue to grad school, you’ll have the knowledge, confidence, and portfolio to succeed.

Nicole Clary standing in a river in safety gear.

"The Geosciences Department gave me many opportunities to work with professionals in different fields to set my career up for success. I currently work for Equity Exploration as a junior exploration geologist. My work involves core logging, field sampling, field mapping, and assisting other geologists in gathering data about the current prospective area. Geology rocks!"

Nicole Clary
Class of '24

FLC Geosciences Department news & updates

News Briefs

Monsoon season

June 29, 2022

Chair & Associate Professor of Geosciences Jon Harvey is optimistic about recent rains arriving in the Southwest, signally what will hopefully be a robust monsoon season for the summer.

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