Another exception includes liberal arts colleges that preferentially draw outdoorsy students. These colleges continue to be able to attract students in earth science classes, particularly if their curricula are filled with field trips. Finally, departments in research universities that rank highly in National Research Council evaluations, particularly if few non-earth science departments in these institutions rank highly in their respective disciplines, seem to have a halo about them. But for most departments, the news is not good. In most cases it was easy to see why.
Geologists dominate earth science departments.
The roots of geology, like the roots of hydrology are very practical, and the source of employment for most geologists has historically been dominated by the needs of mining and petroleum companies. The need for geologists in the environmental sector has not made up for this decline. Without a strong need for professional geologists, student enrollments in earth science departments, both at the graduate and undergraduate level are in a slump with no end in site. Unfortunately, from a practical standpoint it is likely that given the diminished need for geologists, the size and number of earth science departments across the country, is probably too large. It seems inevitable that there will be downsizing of geology faculty in departments and elimination of many stand-alone geology departments altogether, particularly given the bottom line approach to management of contemporary university administrators.