Graduate courses are offered in advanced structural geology, tectonics, sedimentation and tectonics, geophysics, and special topics such as thrust belts and microstructural analysis. Current or recently completed faculty and student projects include a wide range of topics in the Appalachians, Rocky Mountains, and Mid-continent area. Scales of investigation range from continental to sub-microscopic.
Most projects integrate field work with laboratory studies.
Computer applications and GIS are also stressed. In addition to all standard analytical facilities, the department is well equipped for modern structural studies. In addition, many students obtain external funding for their work from the Geological Society of America, Sigma Xi, and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. The others have found employment in the petroleum and minerals industries, or with environmental engineering firms.