SUNY Oswego's Earth Science department oversees majors in geology, geochemistry and meteorology and minors in astronomy and geology. Graduates of this department work in fields such as natural resource management, environmental preservation and weather forecasting.

Geology majors investigate the origin, history and composition of the earth while learning the principles of this diverse field. Professional geologists survey earthquakes and volcanoes; find oil gas and mineral sources; develop land-use plans; and monitor coastlines, lakes and rivers.

A degree in geochemistry involves the study of the chemical composition of the earth and other planets. This program fuses work in earth sciences and chemistry to tackle topics such as structural geography, mineralogy and physical chemistry.

Oswego's meteorology program studies the atmosphere, weather patterns and climate. One of only a handful of such programs in the Northeast with a national reputation, this major requires specialized study in topics such as atmospheric structure, dynamics, and physics, synoptic, meso, and micro meteorology, climatology, instrumentation, and air pollution.