Overview
Welcome to the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University!
The Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University has a rich tradition of integrating experimental, analytical, and field-based research techniques for understanding the earth and other planetary bodies. The research activities of our world-renowned faculty are ranked among the top 15 public research universities by the National Research Council. The Department is also home to the internationally recognized Mineral Physics Institute, which combines experimental and theoretical studies of Earth's deep interior and novel high-pressure materials.
The Department has 19 faculty, covering the areas of geochemistry, crystallography, mineral and rock physics, petrology, sedimentary geology, seismology, tectonics, geophysics, environmental geology, and planetary geology. One of Stony Brook's strengths continues to be opportunities for interdisciplinary research. We maintain active collaborations with other departments at Stony Brook, including Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Chemistry, and Physics & Astronomy. Faculty and students benefit from close ties to the National Synchrotron Light Source at nearby Brookhaven National Lab, participate in partnerships in national and international seismic networks and observatories, and have direct involvement in NASA's lunar and planetary science missions. Our faculty maintain state-of-the-art lab facilities and conduct research world-wide. The Geosciences Department, including the Mineral Physics Institute, garners about $5M annually in external funding to support research and graduate students.
The Department of Geosciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs leading to Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees, as well as Masters degree programs for secondary school teachers. Our graduates fill the ranks of faculty at leading universities and research labs, and we have trained professionals throughout the energy industry and at environmental companies, as well as at state, local, and federal agencies. Our undergraduate and graduate programs are ideally suited to meet the expanding job market in geoscience-related fields, now expected to grow by more than 14% through 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Stony Brook University is recognized as one of the nation's top research universities and is a member of the prestigious AAU. Situated on a glacial moraine overlooking the north shore of Long Island, Stony Brook University offers the pastoral scenery of New England yet is little more than one hour away from New York City. Whether your interest is in undergraduate or graduate studies, I invite you to look through our web page to learn more about Geosciences at Stony Brook.
