Stanford Geology Department?

Hi everyone, I'm looking into majors at Stanford and I'm drawn to geology. Does anyone know about the quality of their geology department? Are there great research or internship opportunities? Thanks!

Hello! The Stanford Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences department, which houses the geology major, is highly regarded for its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach. The department spans multiple areas, such as geophysics, environmental science, energy resources engineering, so students can explore various aspects of geology and related fields.

Stanford provides ample research and internship opportunities in geology. Undergraduates often participate in faculty-led research, and there's the opportunity to engage in independent projects as well. Many students take advantage of the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, which can place them in research experiences alongside graduate students and faculty over the summer.

Stanford also has a strong culture of undergraduate research, and you can receive financial support for your projects through programs such as the Major Grant, Small Grant, or Chappell Lougee Scholarship.

As for internships, those are available on and off-campus. The department often provides information about internships related to energy or environmental fields, such as with energy companies or government agencies. Additionally, Stanford has an extensive, loyal, influential alumni network that can provide connections to various opportunities in the geology field.

Finally, several student organizations are dedicated to earth sciences, like the Energy Club. Joining these clubs may help you meet like-minded students and professionals, and provide you additional opportunities to engage with your interests as you discuss current geological discoveries with them.

In summary, Stanford has a strong geology program with plentiful research and internship opportunities, which makes it a great choice for students interested in this area. Do make sure you consider Stanford's overall campus culture as well, to ensure it's a school where you'd thrive personally as well as academically.

If you decide Stanford is the place for you, and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle each of their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-stanford-university-essays. After all, Stanford is one of the most selective schools out there, and the essays are often just the thing that distinguishes one talented, qualified applicant from another.

Best of luck!