UNC Earth Sciences

The Earth Sciences Program at the University of Northern Colorado provides students with a unique and rigorous curriculum that prepares them for professional opportunities in Earth Science fields and in education. Students have the option of studying in one of four emphasis areas:

Degrees Offered:

Earth Science Program Mission

Solutions to current and future problems facing the world demand the ingenuity of Earth Science specialists — terrestrial, atmospheric and oceanographic — and of a populace informed about the importance of Earth structure, processes, and place in space and geologic time.  The Earth Sciences Program helps to fulfill this demand for the College and University, and for the local community and beyond, by supporting as its mission:

  • Foundational undergraduate education for the liberal arts introducing scientific inquiry and real-world applications within the contexts of geology, meteorology, climatology, hydrology, oceanography, and the environment. 
  • Pre-professional preparation of Earth Science specialists through undergraduate degrees emphasizing fundamental theories and applied skills in geology, meteorology, environmental earth sciences, or secondary earth science education.
  • Flexible, research-based graduate programs tailored to meet the needs of individual students having uniquely diverse interests, preparation, and motivations for professional growth in geology, meteorology, or earth science teaching.
  • Extra-curricular learning experiences through field studies, research internships, broadcast meteorology internships, (classroom experience), and pre-professional student club activities.
  • Rigorous and significant faculty research, including externally supported activities and both undergraduate and graduate research experiences.
  • Effective student advising and mentoring for all students regarding curriculum and career planning.
  • Outreach and service programs providing expertise and information for the general public, local schools, and media outlets.

Facilities & Resources:

  • Dedicated Classroom and Laboratory Space.
  • An extensive Rock and Mineral specimen library
  • A Linux computer network, including a data server and 13 client PCs. The server receives live meteorological data, while the PCs are configured with Unidata software and the WRF model.
  • Real time weather station and weather cam.
  • A NWS cooperative observing weather station on campus.
  • Affiliations with CSU's nearby Chill Radar.
  • Easy access to the USGS
  • Easy access to the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and NWS forecast offices in Boulder, CO and Cheyenne, WY.
  • Broadcast Internship relationships established with the major Denver news stations.

Contact Us:

  • Office Manager: Vicki Ouellette
  • Director of Earth Sciences and Physics: Dr. William Hoyt
  • Mailing Address:

    Earth Sciences Program
    Campus Box 100
    501 20th Street
    Greeley, CO 80639

    Phone: (970) 351-2647
    Fax: (970) 351-4197