About the College | Mission & Overview
"What we know is a drop. What we don't know is an ocean."
— Sir Isaac Newton
The oceans cover about 70 percent of the Earth's surface.
Our Mission
The mission of the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) is to advance understanding of Earth’s natural systems and the interactions of humans with the environment through engaged interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach.
Our Global Vision
Earth, ocean, and environmental scientists view the world on many temporal and spatial levels. From the microscopic realm of bacteria and plankton, to the changes caused by land-surface processes and the everyday domain of the coastal ocean to the panoramic perspective of satellites in space, our scientists and students look at the world through many lenses. We also study the human interactions with the planet and her systems to better understand our interconnectedness with our world. From the cultural and economic landscapes of countries that span the globe, to our own backyards and impacts in our local communities, Human Geographers and Marine Policy specialists strive to better understand how we impact and are impacted by the world in which we live. Here at CEOE, we strive to bring our picture of the Earth, her ocean and environment into ever-sharper focus and to educate well-rounded scientists and policy specialists with the broad vision needed to address today's global problems.
Concerns such as climate change, globalization and migration, marine pollution, watershed degradation, energy independence and fisheries decline are at the heart of our work at CEOE. Meeting these challenges often demands expertise in several disciplines, and our curriculum reflects this reality.
Degree Programs
Through the Department of Geography and the Department of Geological Sciences we offer undergraduate degrees in geography, geology, environmental science, environmental studies, geography education and earth science education.
The Department of Geography, the Department of Geological Sciences, and the School of Marine Science and Policy also offer master's and doctoral degrees in several areas: geology, geography, climatology, marine bioscience, marine policy, oceanography, and physical ocean science and engineering.
Excellent Preparation For The Future
Our interdisciplinary emphasis and commitment to the highest scientific ideals prepares students for rewarding careers in teaching, research, and public service.
Our graduates are interested in all interaction with the planet — from legal, economic, and political aspects of conflict resolution, to understanding and applying natural science principles for the mutual benefit of humankind and the environment. CEOE alumni hold rewarding careers around the globe, as professors, school teachers, research scientists, ocean engineers, development geologists, resource managers, geoarcheologists, business owners, environmental statisticians, doctors, lawyers, journalists, and diplomats.
Affiliated Programs and Organizations
CEOE is also the home of the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, part of a national network of programs located in each coastal state. The term "Sea Grant" was chosen to emphasize the parallel between this program focusing on the nation's marine resources, and the Land Grant program, which was created more than a century earlier to develop our agricultural resources. Sea Grant sponsored research projects under way at the University of Delaware address the wise use, conservation, and management of coastal resources through practical research, graduate student education, and public outreach.
The College is also home to the Delaware Geological Survey (DGS) and Delaware Geographic Alliance (DGA).
DGS's mission is: serving the state through geologic and hydrologic research and exploration, and dissemination of information through publication and public service.
A group consisting of K-12 teachers, higher education professionals, professional geographers, and students, the DGA believes that geography education is critical to the development of students' critical thinking skills, as well as deepening their understanding of the world. DGA works to improve Geography education throughout the state of Delaware by offering materials for classroom use and many professional development opportunities.
These organizations educate people about the important roles that the earth, ocean and environmental sciences play in issues such as resource management, economic development, and public health. Such support helps government officials, scientists, the public, and others make informed decisions about environmental resources.
