Physical Geography was first taught in 1869. From 1884 to 1898, geology courses were taught by the Department of Zoology, Entomology and Geology. Separated from the Department of Zoology, Entomology, and Geology, the Department of Geology was established in 1898 and it was then coupled with the Department of Mining Engineering until 1920 when it was administer by its own head. In 1910, the Department first offered graduate work leading to the Master of Science degree. In 1915, work leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degrees was added, but it was eliminated in 1933. In 1954, doctoral work was offered as a divided major. On July 1, 1965, the name of the Department was changed to the Department of Earth Science. In 1967, the Department reopened major work leading to the Doctor of Philosophy and cooperated in interdepartmental program leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. in Water Resources. In 1969, the Department expanded to include earth science, geology and meteorology. The name of he Department was changed in 1989 to the Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences.



Chairs:



Samuel W. Beyer(1898-1931)

Charles S. Gwynne (1932-1936) Acting

John T. Lonsdale (1936-1946) On leave 1943-46

Charles S. Gwynne (1943-1946) Acting (while Lonsdale on leave)

Harold V. Gaskill (1946-1948) Acting

Chalmer J. Roy (1948-1963)

Keith M. Hussey (1963-1975)

Bert Nordlie (1975-1989)

Karl Seifert (1989-1991)

Carl Vondra (1991-1997)

Paul G. Spry (1997-2001)

Carl E. Jacobson (2001-2011)

Neal Iverson (2011- ) Smith Family Foundation Departmental Chair