Is UNLV's Geology program good?

I'm a high school junior looking into different colleges for geology programs. How does UNLV's geology program compare to others and what are the unique opportunities they offer?

UNLV's geology program is quite solid and offers a variety of unique opportunities for students interested in the field. The program is part of the Department of Geoscience, which also includes concentrations in environmental geoscience, geophysics, and hydrogeology. UNLV as a whole has a strong focus on research, which benefits the geology program as well.

One of the key advantages of studying geology at UNLV is its location. The university is ideally situated in Las Vegas, which provides easy access to a diverse range of geological formations and structures. Students can take advantage of field courses and research projects in the nearby areas, such as the Great Basin, the Mojave Desert, and the Colorado Plateau. These locations provide abundant opportunities for hands-on learning and valuable field experience.

While in the field, geology students at UNLV are often able to collaborate with faculty on various research projects. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as neotectonics, paleoseismology, geochemistry, geochronology, and more. The department's focus on research provides students with opportunities to gain experience with advanced laboratory techniques and even learn how to conduct their own, independent research projects.

On-campus, UNLV offers resources like the The Mineral Separation Laboratory, Shock-deformation Laboratory, and Cryptotephra Laboratory for Archaeological and Geological Research (CLAGR). These labs have state-of-the-art equipment related to various subfields of geology, so if you have a specific interest within the field as a whole, you'll be able to get hands-on experience with it.

To get a better understanding of how UNLV's geology program compares to others, you might want to research the faculty's research interests and publication records, compare program curricula, and investigate internship and job placement opportunities that each program offers, to make sure the program as a whole is a good fit for your specific interests and goals. You may also want to look into the possibility of participating in summer field camps, which can provide additional opportunities for hands-on learning.

Overall, though, UNLV's geology program is well-regarded and offers unique opportunities due to its location and focus on research. Just make sure to also consider the school's broader campus culture, to ensure UNLV will allow you to thrive personally as well as academically. Best of luck with your college search!