Why Study Here?

The Roy M. Huffington Department of Earth Sciences has achieved international recognition in the research areas of seismology, geothermal studies, and paleoclimatology.

If you are interested in relevant global issues such as pollution, global warming, extinctions, planetary evolution, plate tectonics and Earth history, mineral and energy resources, earthquake prediction, or nuclear arms treaty verification, the SMU Department of Earth Sciences is the right place for you!

Undergraduate degrees
Graduate degrees

Department Features

Coursework student in lab coat

Coursework

Students learn globally relevant material and participate in exciting field experiences.

Faculty heather deshon

Faculty

10 distinguished faculty members with international reputations in research.

Research mountains

Research

Undergraduate and graduate students have access to internships and hand-on research opportunities in state-of-the-art laboratories.

Get involved

SMU-led research is now a major Smithsonian Institution exhibition student

SMU-led research is now a major Smithsonian Institution exhibition

“I have had the incredible opportunity and once-in-a-lifetime experience to be involved in a research project that will be seen by millions of people from around the globe.” -Myria Perez

Learn Relevant Material student at event

Learn Relevant Material

Pros and cons of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, learn to read a road-cut at 65mph, find fossils and when to plan a vacation to Florida if you want to miss a hurricane.

Geothermal Lab student at event

Geothermal Lab

The Geothermal Lab strives to broaden the understanding and use of geothermal energy, from the simplest form - geothermal heat pumps for buildings, to the large-scale deployment of geothermal power plants providing energy for our cities.

Sea Monsters Unearthed: Life in Angola’s Ancient Seas student at event

Sea Monsters Unearthed: Life in Angola’s Ancient Seas

“This experience allowed me to work on a project far bigger than myself. Exhibits just like this one excited me as a young child and led to my study of science. I’d love to think that my work will have the same impact on kids today.” - Evan Snyder '19