PENN STATE GEOSCIENCES
Earth's deepest secrets revealed.
Penn State and the Department of Geosciences
Demian Saffer
Department Head
Penn State Geosciences is the place for innovative and integrative Earth science research, education, and service.
Learn More about the Geosciences Department here.
Learn More about Demian Saffer, Department Head here.
Integrative Research
Faculty, students and staff bring together expertise in the Earth and planetary sciences, biology, chemistry and physics, creating a unique environment for the exploration of Earth-system behavior at the interfaces of the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere.
Education at the Cutting Edge
Students in Geosciences benefit from, and contribute to cutting-edge research in the Earth sciences. High-tech teaching facilities promote project- and team-based approaches, and high-quality online experiences support face-to-face as well as distance learning.
Serving Society
Through activities such as Africa Array, Penn State geoscientists are devoted to building a more diverse geosciences work force. We strive to create a better-informed public, prepared to make critical decisions concerning natural resources, natural hazards, and environmental impacts, for example by operating an open seismic network for Pennsylvania.
Demian Saffer
Department Head
Graduate and Undergraduate Degree Programs
Undergraduate Program
Focused on Problem Solving
Regardless of specialty, you will gain a solid foundation in chemistry, physics, and math along with coursework in classic geological methods and topics.
Our degree programs stress integrated problem solving and a breadth of skills to prepare you for a wide range of potential career opportunities or a future in academia.
Learn More
Graduate Program
Focused on Research
Dedicated to academic and professional excellence, our 35 faculty members emphasize a solid grounding in both fundamental and interdisciplinary study.
With exceptional lab facilities and research support, our faculty are able help you write proposals, carry out innovative research, publish papers, and participate in national meetings.
