Explore geoscience in a living laboratory

Geology field camp students at Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah.
Geology field camp students at Double Arch, Arches National Park, Utah.

At Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, the Geosciences Department offers more than just a degree—it's your gateway to understanding Earth’s dynamic systems and making a real impact. Geosciences encompass fields like geology, earth science, meteorology, and GIS, all rooted in uncovering how the planet works. With hands-on research, dedicated faculty, and unparalleled access to diverse field sites, FLC geoscience students graduate ready to shape the future of environmental sciences, geological engineering, and beyond. Surrounded by ancient canyons, rare Precambrian rock formations, and the winding rivers of the Colorado Plateau, the Four Corners region is a living lab for aspiring geoscientists.

Learn by doing in a natural playground

At FLC, geoscience isn’t confined to textbooks. You’ll dive into immersive field trips to world-renowned sites like the San Juan Mountains, exploring landscapes that scientists dream of visiting. Programs like Fort Lewis on the Water (FLOW) combine outdoor adventure with practical science—rafting rivers to study hydrology or hiking dramatic terrains to analyze rock formations. Plus, you’ll join a lifelong network of FLC faculty, alumni, and peers who share your passion for discovery. Start exploring our programs today and see how you can transform your love for the planet into a purposeful career.

By the numbers: FLC Geosciences Department

60+

Field trips a year exploring iconic landscapes from the San Juan Mountains to the Colorado Plateau.

Geo field info

$20k+

Awarded annually through dedicated scholarships, helping to make your degree affordable.

Scholarship info

$70–$100k

Starting salaries in high-demand fields like environmental consulting and GIS analysis.

Plan your path

Where are they now?

At FLC, our geoscience grads launch careers in fields like environmental geology, geological engineering, mining geology, hydrology, and GIS. Check out our interactive map to see where an FLC education can take you.

Nicole Clary standing in a river in safety gear.

"The Geosciences Department gave me many opportunities to work with professionals in different fields to set my career up for success. I currently work for Equity Exploration as a junior exploration geologist. My work involves core logging, field sampling, field mapping, and assisting other geologists in gathering data about the current prospective area. Geology rocks!"

Nicole Clary
Class of '24

FLC Geosciences Department news & updates

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Geosciences home gallery
A group of several students observe and take notes on geology in a desert landscape.
Two students take samples in a snow-covered forest.
A student takes notes on a small notepad while perched on a large rock outcrop shelf.
Students tents at geology camp against a background of red sandstone cliffs.
David Gonzales, Ph.D. talking with a group of four tables during mineralogy lab.
Students observe and take notes on a vertical rocky outcrop in the desert.
Melissa Clutter, Ph.D. runs a test review trivia session. A table of four students writes down their answer on a small whiteboard.
Geology club members take stream samples wearing gaiters in the middle of a small river.
A student drawing a pencil sketch of the surrounding topography.
A student uses a Brunton compass to calculate the dip and strike angle of a small boulder.