The Department of Geoscience at Stony Brook was originally part of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences. Stony Brook's Department of Earth and Space Sciences was founded in 1965 in the heyday of the U.S. manned space program, bringing together faculty with interests spanning the geological, planetary, and astronomical sciences. The early development of the department was spurred by its participation in the analysis of rock and soil samples returned from the Moon. A strong reputation in mineralogy, petrology, and isotopic studies resulted, with modern analytical laboratories and skilled research and technical staff forming the nucleus of the department. Over the past thirty years these strengths have been maintained. Moreover, the faculty has evolved significantly, bringing breadth, diversity, and an outstanding international reputation to Stony Brook.

The Department of Geosciences has 14 full-time faculty in geological sciences, covering the areas of crystal chemistry, geochemistry, mineral and rock physics, petrology, sedimentary geology, and seismology and tectonics. One of Stony Brook's strengths continues to be opportunities for interdisciplinary research in the geological sciences, both within the department and beyond. The geological sciences faculty maintains ties with Stony Brook's Marine Sciences Research Center, the Department of Ecology and Evolution, the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. A number of faculty work closely with researchers at nearby Brookhaven National Laboratory and Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory as well as other laboratories and departments through the world. The Earth and Space Sciences building also houses the Center for Environmental Molecular Science, the Mineral Physics Institute, and COMPRES-all of which are directed or presided by different Geoscience faculty.

Stony Brook's graduate programs in the geological sciences have also reached maturity. Over 40 Ph.D. and M.S. students are in residence and about ten new students arrive each year. The department strives to provide full academic-year and summer support to all full-time Ph.D. students in good academic standing. A wide range of research grant support (research assistantships) added to university support (teaching assistantships) generally allows us to attain that goal. Students take an active role in departmental functions, including serving on departmental committees, hosting visiting students, and obtaining research grants. Our graduate program is distinguished by the number of Ph.D. students who have taken positions at universities and research laboratories across the nation.