The Department of Geological Sciences addresses the development of sound scientific backgrounds, research potential, and interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving in the geological sciences. The principal areas of research are geochemistry, tectonophysics and structural geology, plate tectonics, seismology, paleoclimatology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy. The entering student is assigned an advisor who, together with the department advisor, assists in individual program planning. Students who have majored in other sciences are given opportunites to complete the necessary basic background in geological sciences.
Doctoral research stresses the development of new principles and concepts.
The entering student works with an advisory committee to develop an individualized program of study. The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in the Graduate Study at Northwestern University section of The Graduate School Bulletin. A department guide is available.