Beneath our feet are layers of chronological lessons—stories about the earth. The study of geology allows you to read between the layers and see how time, materials, and change have shaped the structure of our planet.

Why study Geology at Sewanee?

Your geology classroom is on top of (and underneath) the 13,000-acre laboratory we call the Domain, with cliffs, bluffs, trails, and caves begging to be explored. You will learn how humans affect climate and learn how to use resources sustainably—protecting the planet’s inhabitants and their future.

Required coursework in geology is also integrated with coursework in forestry, soils, hydrology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Course topics include rocks, minerals, fossils, landforms, earthquakes, glaciers, volcanoes, and environmental pollutants. Students learn about climate change and geological features, while recognizing that the patterns of geological history allow us to forecast the earth’s future.

First Destinations: Geology Majors

Sewanee graduates secure positions in a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others, are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first job.

  • Geosteering and Logging Geologist, Diversified Well Logging, LLC, Permian Basin, WV.
  • Staff Geologist, TriAD Environmental Consultants, Nashville, TN.
  • Surgical Assistant, Erlanger Hospital, Chattanooga, TN.
  • Geologist, Geological Society of America, Canon City, CO.
GRADUATE SCHOOL & PREPROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: GEOLOGY MAJORS

Sewanee graduates enjoy extraordinary acceptance rates to top graduate and preprofessional programs–about 95 percent to law school and over 85 percent to medical school. Below is a sampling of where Sewanee grads continue their education.

  • M.A. in Geology, Louisiana State University.
  • Professional Certificate, Geographic Information System, Georgia State University.

A Sampling of Courses

Mineralogy
Geology

A study of the occurrence, crystal structure, chemistry, and origin of minerals, with special emphasis on geological environments that form or modify them. Laboratory work includes hand-lens, microscopic, and X-ray diffraction analysis of minerals. Lecture, laboratory, and field work.

GEOL 221
Paleoecology
Geology

A study of individuals, populations, and communities of plants and animals of the geologic past: their taphonomic histories, interactions with changing environments, and relationships to the sedimentary rock record. One weekend field trip.

GEOL 230
Hydrology
Forestry

Occurrence, movement, quality, and behavior of water in the hydrologic cycle with emphasis on surface and underground water. Includes techniques and problems of measurement and utilization.

FORS 314
View All

Geology

Programs of Study & Related Programs

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Geology

Requirements for the Minor in Environmental Studies | Website

Requirements for the Minor in Archaeology | Website

Requirements for the Major in Environment & Sustainability | Website

Requirements for the Major in Environmental Arts & Humanities | Website

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Forestry | Website

Requirements for the Major in Natural Resources & the Environment | Website

Requirements for the Minor in Religion & Environment | Website

Meet some professors

Martin A. Knoll
mknoll@sewanee.edu

Martin Knoll earned his B.A. at University of the South, M.S. Vanderbilt University, and Ph.D. 1988, University of Texas, El Paso. His areas of expertise include paleontology, paleocology, hydrology, geoarchaeology of the Cumberland Plateau, and climbing.

Professor of Geology
Bran Potter
bpotter@sewanee.edu

Bran Potter is the Annie Overton Brinkley Snowden Professor of Geology. His areas of expertise include structural geology, tectonics, and sedimentology. He earned his B.A. at Williams College, and both his M.S. and Ph.D. at University of Massachusetts.

Professor of Geology
Sarah Sherwood
sherwood@sewanee.edu

Sarah Sherwood is an Anthropological Archaeologist with a specialty in Geoarchaeology. On the Southern Cumberland Plateau, she is specifically interested in prehistoric land use, change over time, and site formation processes of sandstone rockshelters. She also works on the development of indigenous horticulture. In Eastern Europe, she worked in Romania and Serbia on “urban” tells where Neolithic and later Bronze Age people congregated.

Associate Professor, Co-Chair Department of Earth and Environmental Systems, University Archaeologist Co-Editor Geoarchaeology.

Contact

Sarah C. Sherwood
Associate Professor and University Archaeologist

sherwood@sewanee.edu

Snowden Hall 220, Ext. 3396

C. Ken Smith
Professor and Assistant Dean of the Environment

ksmith@sewanee.edu

Cleveland Annex 101A, Snowden Hall 209, Ext. 3219

The Domain: An Immersive Experience

Integrated Program in the Environment
6 Majors, 6 Minors, 13,000 Acres

Sewanee's Integrated Program in the Environment is one of the premier collections of environmental offerings in the country. A working farm, a 13,000-acre forest, and well-funded internships offer opportunities to apply your classroom learning. An expansive curriculum—including natural and social sciences as well as the humanities and fine arts—offers students multiple pathways for gaining an understanding of the ecological complexity and wonder of the earth we inhabit.

Explore Your Options
Sustainability & Stewardship
Hand-on Experience

The Office of Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability offers students a variety of opportunities to get involved with land management, sustainable practices, etc.

Get Involved
The University Farm
Where Growth Happens

The University Farm seeks to give you a transformative experience through the immersive and intimate practice of restorative agriculture. The Farm offers opportunities to enhance your education and connect with the history of agriculture—especially how these ideas affect the plateau. And if you’re lucky, there will be some baby goats around during finals.

Yes, I love baby goats