The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State boasts a storied history, one that started in 1859 with the University’s first earth sciences courses and led to our official founding in 1896. For more than a century, we have been a beacon of intellectual leadership on issues of utmost importance to the welfare of the Commonwealth and the nation. Talented students come to the college from across the country and around the globe to be part of the discoveries and decisions that will shape our planet's future. We are creating tomorrow's leaders in earth, energy, and material sciences and engineering and plays an important role in preparing a diverse and talented workforce, as well as providing new knowledge that will drive the economic vitality of the state and the nation.
The Obelisk, the oldest monument on Penn State’s University Park campus, was built by our college in 1896. Magnus C. Ihlseng, Penn State's first professor of mining engineering and geology initiated its construction to enable students to study the weathering qualities of different stones.
Programs in all five departments in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences are consistently highly rated in many rankings, including U.S. News & World Report.
All five of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences' undergraduate engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
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Come meet the EMS family and let us show you why you are going to love college life at Penn State.
