
Junior and Senior Years
We are so very glad you declared a geology major! You will have a challenging, fun, and rewarding time here in the department and out in the field.
You will work with your advisor to fulfill your degree requirements and to think about the additional opportunities available to you. As majors you will be considering more than just courses; you will also be thinking about going to a conference, doing research and writing a thesis, taking comprehensive exams, and looking for a job or at graduate programs. Your advisor and all the faculty are available to talk with you about questions and goals while you are here — and after W&L. Below is a list of events and deadlines that you will want to be aware of, with detailed info provided on the pages on the menu to the right.
Junior Year
Fall Term
- September: GSA – even before classes start you will be asked to think about going to the Geological Society of America (GSA) Conference, which is usually held in late October/early November
- October: AGU – you will be asked to think about going to the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting which is usually the same week as fall term final exams
- October: Graduate school panel with alumni
- December: Thesis information session (senior thesis/honor thesis proposals are due the March of your junior year – start contacting professors to talk about doing a thesis with them)
- December: Summer opportunities in the geosciences information session, attendance required
Winter Term
- January: Summer Research Scholars applications due; be in touch with professors if you are thinking of doing a thesis
- January to March: deadlines for external summer research and internship opportunities
- March: thesis proposals due
- March: Geoscience and Environmental Career Panel
- Early April: End of year picnic and department awards
Senior Year
Fall Term
- August: Start connecting with professors at grad schools of interest – you may be able to talk to them/students at the school at GSA, which is usually held in late October/early November
- September: GSA – even before classes start you will be asked to think about going to the Geological Society of America (GSA) Conference, which is usually the same week as fall term final exams
- October: AGU – you will be asked to think about going to the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting
- October: Graduate school panel with alumni
- December: Comprehensive exams information session
Winter Term
- February (the week after Washington Break): comprehensive exams
- March: Geoscience and Environmental Career Panel
- Early April: Thesis presentations, End of year picnic and department awards (very fun!)
Graduation Week
- Lunch get-together for geology seniors, faculty, and staff
- Graduation breakfast the morning of graduation for graduates and their families
Department Info
- P: 540-458-8800
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Earth and Environmental Geoscience Department
204 West Washington Street
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia 24450