Geosciences Department
Fort Lewis College

Explore geoscience in a living laboratory

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 a year exploring iconic landscapes from the San Juan Mountains to the Colorado Plateau.

Geo field info

$20k+

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

Scholarship info

$70–$100k

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

Plan your path

Where are they now?

At FLC, our geoscience grads launch careers in fields like environmental geology, geological engineering, mining geology, hydrology, and GIS. Check out our interactive map to see where an FLC education can take you.

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"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

New $250,000 grant aims to build bridges to graduate school for STEM students

The grant, through the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, focuses on developing culturally responsible faculty mentoring and creating hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate students.

FLC students to conduct groundbreaking subduction zone research

Associate Professor Carolyn Tewksbury-Christle, Ph.D., and collaborators secured a $930,000 NSF grant to study subduction zones—Earth’s most powerful earthquake and volcano sites—through rock formations in Greece and California. $120,000 will fund FLC student research, fieldwork abroad, and lab analyses, providing hands-on experience to advance our understanding of deep Earth...

Associate Professor Jon Harvey co-authors new study on tectonic activity in Nepal Himalaya

FLC Geosciences Associate Professor Jon Harvey, Ph.D., co-authored a recent article exploring tectonic evolution in western Nepal. Published in Lithosphere, the study uses low-temperature thermochronology to reveal insights into seismic hazards in regions vulnerable to earthquakes, including the devastating 2023 Jajarkot event.