Why EMS? | Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

Discover your place at Penn State and join the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Be part of a diverse network of students aspiring to become scientists and engineers who seek to find solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in earth sciences, energy, the environment, and materials.

We are a small college within a large research university. That combination means that you can enjoy small class sizes, get to know your faculty, participate in research, and still have the opportunities of a large university. Many students think of our student hub, the Ryan Family Student Center (RFSC) as a home away from home. In between classes, students frequently take breaks in the RFSC. It is a place to study, chat with friends, relax, grab coffee or talk with advisers, tutors, and staff who want to support you as you find your niche and pursue your educational goals.

Learn from world-class faculty

Highly esteemed in their research fields, our faculty are advancing the frontiers of knowledge and improving quality of life through their research. Our faculty are also dedicated to teaching the next generation of leaders and are approachable mentors who help our students learn and prepare for their careers.

Join a community of ambitious student leaders

Hundreds of students participate in the EMS Student Council, which provides opportunities to make friends, get involved in service activities, and build leadership skills. We also offer organizations to support underrepresented students in EMS such as Women in Earth and Mineral Sciences (WEMS) and Minorities in Earth and Mineral Sciences (MEMS), and partner with organizations such as Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (OSTEM). You can explore a multitude of student organizations to find students with passions like yours.

DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

We will help you take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom. You can study abroad, complete internships at prestigious companies, work side-by-side with researchers in their laboratories, serve the community, and more. The college supports the student experience through the Director of Student Engagement as the central coordinating resource for these opportunities.

Learn from accomplished alumni as you prepare for the start of your career

The Graduates of Earth and Mineral Sciences (GEMS) alumni group plays a key role in our students’ experience. Alumni regularly volunteer their time to come back to campus and discuss their life and career experience with students, including volunteering at EMEX and TEEMS.

Get Support from Dedicated Faculty and Staff

At the Ryan Family Student Center, you can speak with academic advisers about classes to schedule, a technology tutor to learn new skills, a writing tutor to fine-tune the writing of your papers, and a math tutor to gain a better understanding of challenging math problems.