Geological Sciences

The Department of Geological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences. Students can choose from innovative concentrations that are built around a core sequence of courses in the department which give all students in the program a solid foundation in Geology, while emphasizing applied skills in the geosciences necessary for careers in sustainability, environmental, forensic education, and scientific research related fields. All majors are required to participate in our field geology courses in New England and/or the Western United States. The self-sponsored field course program is one of the unique strengths of our department. Along with our field program, each student is required to conduct an independent and original scientific research project in collaboration with a faculty mentor or an internship. https://www.salemstate.edu/academics/college-arts-and-sciences/geological-sciences/internships-geological-sciences These serve as our department capstone experience and better prepare the students for their professional life in the sciences.

The concentrationshttps://www.salemstate.edu/academics/college-arts-and-sciences/geological-sciences in the B.S. in Geological Sciences are designed to help students develop skills for careers in the Geological Sciences. Examples of the career opportunities include Forensic investigations,environmental science and sustainability, public policy, hydrogeology, coastal zone management, watershed management, geologic mapping, mineral exploration, site assessment, oceanography, geophysics, tectonics, teaching in grades K-12, or to prepare students for law school or graduate work in Geology.

Students intending to teach in Grades K-12 should follow the Earth Sciences Concentration and consult with the departmental education coordinator. Candidates for teacher licensure in Massachusetts must also take and pass the Massachusetts Educators Certification Test. For information on admission to teacher licensure programs, please visit the School of Education section of this catalog. For information on Secondary Education requirements, please visit the Secondary Education Minor section of this catalog.

Faculty of the Geological Sciences Department are active scientific researchers. The faculty actively publish results from funded research activities that span North America from New England to the Rocky Mountains as well as Africa, Turkey, and Iceland. Students of all stages of degree completion have an opportunity to participate alongside the faculty as research collaborators directly

The department maintains state of the art geological and environmental equipment including: https://www.salemstate.edu/academics/college-arts-and-sciences/geological-sciences/research-facilities-and-analytical-instrumentation marine seismic sub-bottom profiler, elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), hand-held X-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF), high pressure ion chromatography (HPIC), ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity meters, geomagnetic sensors, electromagnetic induction equipment, sediment coring systems, water chemistry probes, rock saws, petrologic microscopes, and surveying equipment.

The Viking Environmental Stable Isotope Lab (VESIL)https://www.salemstate.edu/vesil is housed within the Geological Sciences Department. The facility is dedicated to providing analytical services to students, researchers, and faculty from Salem State and institutions nationwide. We offer stable isotope and elemental analysis of several light elements, including carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Our continuous-flow EA/IRMS setup maximizes our sample throughput, providing high-quality services with short turnaround times. We are funded in part by NSF, USGS, ACS, Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) and Massachusetts Bay National Estuary Program (MassBays).

Earth Science Association

The Earth Science Association is a student organization open to any Salem State student interested in the earth sciences. The Association sponsors field trips, lectures, and social events in cooperation with the Department of Geological Sciences.

Honors Programs

Candidates for departmental honors in the Geological Sciences shall fulfill the honors program requirements as well as departmental requirements and specifications.