Meeting today's challenges 

Twenty-first century society depends heavily on the earth, beginning with its need for a vast amount of earth resources: fossil fuels, mineral ores, water, and soils.  Obtaining new energy and raw material sources necessitates exploration. Existing resources need to be evaluated, maintained, and in many instances, restored.  Waste products require safe and secure sequestration.   Ecosystems and human interaction need evaluation, and the potential for natural and man-made hazards must be assessed.  This provides for a number of exciting opportunities for modern earth scientists as explorers, evaluators, and managers.  Armed with a rigorous understanding of our planet’s materials and processes, geoscientists are able to provide and maintain these resources while expanding our view into the planet.

The Geosciences Program at Midwestern State University provides students with a variety of educational opportunities that prepares them for employment and/or graduate school. Courses incorporate the latest technology, information, and research techniques , and provide practical field experience along with classroom instruction. With a  Bachelor of Science in Geosciences, students pursue vocations such as water resource management, environmental assessment and consultation, and petroleum production/exploration.  

Two pathways to sucess  

Starting with the 2012-2014 Catalog, we offer a single degree fulfilled by your choice of two pathways of study.  The Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Geosciences may be satisfied through either the Environmental Science track or the Geosciences track.  The Environmental Science track is an interdisciplinary degree that requires a concentration option in biology, chemistry, or geoscience. Further details are on the Environmental Science webpage. The Geosciences track focuses on a traditional curriculum in geology coursework.  Both tracks provide rigorous preparation for employment or for further education in earth science.   

Affiliations 

Scholarships 

Tthe Geosciences Club, undertakes a host of MSU and geology-related projects.  The group also organizes and executes several field trips. The program also hosts the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, a national honor society for select geosciences majors. Students are actively involved in new chapter of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and participate within the North Texas Geological Society. 

A number of generous donors have provided for scholarship grants for qualified applicants. Scholarships applications are solicited each April and awarded to meritorious geosciences majors that maintain a 3.0 GPA, enroll in at least one geosciences/environmental sciences course, and take 12 semester hours.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities and Workshop (UGROW)  

Stanley L.  Mowrey Geosciences Laboratory 

Drs. Dodge and Price participate in UGROW, an interdisciplinary  summer research program that facilitates undergraduate research during Summer I session.  For summer 2012, Dr. Dodge is engaging in research on solar heating on the MSU campus, and Dr. Price is overseeing a study on laser ablation characterization of feldspar minerals. 

Improvements to the program’s computing facilities are underway, thanks to the generous support of Dan Mowrey and Hollis Sullivan to honor the memory of Mr. Stanley  Mowrey (B.S. Geology, 1952), a prominent local independant oil and gas operator and producer.  If you're in the neighborhood, come by Bolin 105 and see the progress.

Robert L. Bolin Distinguished Professor of Petroleum Geology

The Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Geosciences invites applications for the Robert L. Bolin Distinguished Professor of Petroleum Geology (a tenure-track position) to begin Spring 2013. We seek candidates with expertise in petroleum geology, source/reservoir characterization, or exploration geophysics. The successful candidate will teach introductory courses, Petroleum Geology, and other appropriate upper-level courses. Experience in developing a successful undergraduate research program will be given special consideration. Requirements include a Ph.D. in geosciences, strong interpersonal skills, and publications in refereed journals commensurate with experience. MSU is a comprehensive public university serving over 6000 students. The Geosciences Program has strong ties with regional petroleum exploration and environmental science communities and is poised for continued growth in the next five years. Send an application letter, CV, statements of teaching and research interests, and the names and contact information of three references to Dr. R.L. Dodge, Geosciences, Midwestern State University, 3410 Taft Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308. Review of applications will begin immediately, and this position will remain open until filled. This position is designated as security sensitive and requires the finalist to complete a criminal background check. EEO/ADAAA compliance employer .