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.

Welcome!

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