About the Earth Science Department at UNI

Web design by Siobahn Morgan

Latham Hall as it is seen today. Art work in front is entitled Nature's Secret by Janet Lofquist.

Old postcard showing Latham Hall, circa 1961.

The Oldest Department Web site at UNI - established in 1994

The Earth Science Department has four major curricular areas: geology, astronomy, meteorology, and earth science education. Geology students have numerous opportunities to conduct field investigations as well as laboratory based research in the department's well equipped facilities. Astronomy students use two on-campus observatories, as well as have access to numerous on-line data bases, including those at NASA and the Hubble Space Telescope Science Institute. Meteorology students have access to the latest computer forecasting models and weather data from around the world. The department offers B. A. degrees in Earth Science (both teaching and non-teaching) and Geology. Those who want to become professional geologists may take a B. S. degree in that field. UNI's B. S. geology curriculum meets the rigorous guidelines of the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

Like the Earth itself, the Department of Earth Science's history is long and interesting. The department formed as a unique entity in 1970. For 25 years, the head was Dr. Wayne I. Anderson, the authority on the geological history of Iowa. Over the years more faculty were added to the department until the present time when professionals in the fields of Astronomy, Meteorology, Earth Science Education, and of course Geology, work together to make the department one of the most eclectic at U. N. I.

If you are interested in obtaining literature about the department or would like to set up an appointment to discuss majoring in the department, please use the following information:

Mailing Address:

Dr. James Walters, Head

Department of Earth Science

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0335

Telephone: (319)-273-2759

FAX: (319)-273-7124

Main Office Location:121 Latham Hall

E-mail:Dr. James Walters, Head

If you would like to visit the department, and see the various exhibits and displays with your school group or other group, you'll find information at this link.

Information about visiting the observatory can be found at this link.

Information about the history of Latham Hall is available from the Rod Library Special Collections