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Meet Christina Cisneros

The program offers four bachelor’s degrees, with professional software training that incorporates Geographic Information System (GIS) technology into coursework. Because the San Luis Valley is a fantastic geological library, your classroom studies are complemented by hands-on fieldwork. And with Adams State’s low student-to-teacher ratio, you’ll have opportunities to work one-on-one with faculty members on the kind of research normally reserved for graduate students.

Adams State is set in the Rio Grande Rift Valley, in between the outdoor laboratories of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountains, with natural features such as Wheeler Geologic Area and the Great Sand Dunes. The Geosciences Program houses an advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory and offers opportunities for professional software training, and for incorporating GIS and remote sensing technology into course work.
geoscience students on a field trip in the San Luis Valley

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

Geosciences Program Highlights

The San Luis Valley, located in southern Colorado, geological past includes a lake that once encompassed the entire valley floor, the largest land volcanic caldera in the western San Juan Mountain Range, and the up-trust mountains to the east, the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, with continues to grow the length of a pencil width every year and includes Mt. Blanca, one of Colorado’s 14teener. Mining discoveries during the early settlements met with gold, silver, and turquoise, among other minerals.

This rich geological history makes for the best location to study the geosciences. Adams State University, located in the largest community in the SLV, Alamosa, will prepare students for future careers in the industry. Facilities include a soils research laboratory, excellent teaching faculty, small classes, opportunities for world travel, and Advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory, and opportunities for professional software training. GIS and remote sensing technology is incorporated into course work.

 

Geosciences Program Outcomes

100%
Geosciences majors acceptance rate to graduate school
94%
Outdoor education jobs achieved by Geosciences majors
94%
Natural resource jobs achieved by Geosciences majors

Our excellent academic programs guide students on the right path to successful careers. Adams State focuses on student experience and student outcomes. That focus has led us to the highest job placement rates of any institution our size in Colorado and the nation.

Environmental Careers

You’ll acquire the comprehensive foundation in general sciences that’s necessary to tackle the world’s pressing environmental issues. Upon graduating, you’ll be prepared for professional careers related to natural resources planning and management, including hydrogeologist, environment manager, forestry technician, cartographer, conservationist, naturalist, and more.

Geology and Physical Geography Careers

Bureau of Land Management
Petroleum and Mining related fields
United States/Colorado Geological Survey
Geotechnical assessment
Hydrogeologist
Environment Manager
Forestry Technician
Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist
Soil Conservationist
Regional Geographer
Cartographer
Naturalist in Park Service
Secondary Education
Urban and Regional Planner

Surge Flow on Medano Creek

Geo Club


You do not have to be a Geo-Major to be in this club, they welcome all who are interested. Contact the CoRE office for more information.

Geosciences Program Faculty

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Matt Nehring, Ph.D.
Program Chair of Geosciences
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Chayan Lahiri, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Geosciences
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Andrew Valdez
Adjunct Lecturer of Geosciences