Departmental Mission
- To provide a focal point for studies of the earth and the environment at Centenary College
- To promote the study of the earth and our physical environment as a fundamental part of a liberal education
- To provide a background in the earth sciences for students not majoring in geology who need earth-awareness in the chosen professions
- To provide a systematic understanding for the bachelor's degree candidate seeking a career as a professional geologist
Degrees Offered
The department offers course work leading to both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees in Geology.
The Bachelor of Arts degree provides a solid foundation in the earth sciences for students not interested in being as a professional geologist. Careers for which the B.A. degree might be appropriate are secondary education, environmental law, earth science related marketing, regional and urban planning, and even some types of outdoor recreation such as park service work.
The Bachelor of Science degree gives a comprehensive introduction to geology for those students who want to pursue careers in geology. For most people wanting to be professional geologists, it is necessary to earn the master's degree. Recent graduates have completed graduate degrees at the University of Texas, the University of Arkansas, Washington State University, and Auburn University. Our graduates are working with independent petroleum companies (both large and small) and various environmental firms and governmental agencies.
The department is also an active participant in the Environment and Society Minor.
Faculty
Scott Vetter (info)
Chair of Geology Department; Woolf Professor of Geology
B.S., Millersville University, 1981; M.S., North Carolina State University, 1984; Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1989.
Mary Barrett (info)
Professor of Geology
B.S., 1978; M.S., 1980, Stephen F. Austin State University; Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, 1987.
David Bieler (info)
Associate Professor of Geology
A.B., Oberlin College, 1971; A.M., Dartmouth College, 1974; Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1983.
