UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

DIRECTOR OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
Dr. Matthew Becker
office: 760 Natural Sciences Complex
phone: (716) 645-6800 ext 3960
email: mwbecker@geology.buffalo.edu
website: Dr. Matthew Becker's webpage

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Geology at UB offers several degree options to help you on your life path by combining what you love with your career. We believe a degree in Geology offers you a tremendous amount of flexibility while challenging you to learn to think spatially and create models, obtain a solid knowledge of computers, gain an ability to deal with uncertainty, and relate complex problems to other people.

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

Even if you are not sure you want a career in the Geosciences, a degree in Geology gives you the tools you would need in related fields such as Environmental Law, Politics, or Education. In fact, a Geology Degree is a great asset in these fields because of the increasing importance of understanding the Earth in environmental issues. And if nothing else, a degree in Geology will help you with the important life issues like where to build (or not build) your house, an appreciation for waters or energy resources where you live (or lack thereof), and hazard concerns (which would relate to types of insurance you may want)!

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Our department provides a small college atmosphere in the midst of a large university. Courses for geology majors are small, typically 15-25 students, and 98% are taught by faculty. Our entire department, including faculty offices, classrooms, and laboratories, is located on the top two floors of the Natural Sciences Complex on the west end of "the spine" on the North Campus.

While our department is small relative to others at UB, we are totally integrated into the University as a whole, and thus are able to offer the advantages obtainable only at a large research institution. Our entire faculty conduct active research programs that include close collaboration with faculty in chemistry, geography, biology, environmental engineering, and several other departments, as well as with national research groups (e.g. NASA, National Science Foundation). Many undergraduates participate in our research programs, providing a real head start for those who continue on to graduate school or a professional career.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK