Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department

Students explore geologic features during a Death Valley field trip.

Overview

SUNY Oneonta’s Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department aspires to be a leader in geosciences education. As an Earth and Atmospheric Sciences student, you’ll explore Earth’s dynamic systems and environmental challenges with SUNY Oneonta’s award-winning faculty through hands-on labs, fieldwork and real-world projects in an inclusive, supportive environment, preparing you for careers, graduate study and leadership. 

Explore Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Programs

Explore our majors in Earth Science, Geology and Meteorology.

We offer minors in Climate Science, Earth Science and Geology.

Adolescence Education majors may choose a concentration in Earth Science. 

Student exploring geologic features during the Death Valley field trip.

Student Opportunities

Gain real-world experience through travel, undergraduate research, clubs, activities and other opportunities that enhance your geoscience knowledge and skills beyond the classroom. 

Students hold up their Earth and Atmospheric Sciences scholarship certificates.

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Scholarships

Each spring, EAS majors can apply for department scholarships for the upcoming year. With amounts ranging from $600 to $2,400, these scholarships are made possible by EAS alumni and emeritus faculty.

Exterior view of the Skylab climate observation room sitting atop the science building.

Facilities

You’ll learn in specialized facilities, including a skylab observation room, rooftop weather station, SEM with 60,000x magnification, and an Emriver stream table for studying erosion and sediment transport. Labs feature modern equipment and a 24-computer classroom where students use tools like ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth and Python. We offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on instruments and equipment (e.g., weather station, ground-penetrating radar).

GEOFYRST

Department Goals

We educate students in Earth’s complex systems while addressing today’s environmental challenges. Grounded in experiential learning, inclusion and sustainability, we provide hands-on opportunities, value diverse perspectives and emphasize responsible coexistence with the natural world. 

EAS Advisory Council poses in front of a SUNY Oneonta Red Dragons sign.

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Advisory Council

The Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Council advises the department chair and faculty on long-range planning, policy and program development; supports resource development; offers guidance on recruitment and retention of a diverse student body; and strengthens relationships among the department, alumni and external organizations. Issues for the Council should be directed to the department chair. 

A car sits in high water as a flood recedes from a neighborhood.

Building Local Flood Resilience

SUNY Oneonta and the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services are working together to rebuild a flood monitoring system in the county. The collaboration seeks to build resilience to climate change threats in our local community by re-establishing gauges on our rivers and providing real-time information to emergency responders and highway departments during significant runoff events. 

Real-Time Weather in Oneonta

Want to know how cold or hot it is on campus? Click on the button to find out! There is up to a 30-minute delay with the weather measurements from the equipment to the dashboard. Brought to you by the Meteorology Program.

Contact the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department

Email the Chair
Address

209 Janet R. Perna Science Building
108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820
United States