Prof. Sritharan, Ph. D.
About the Program
The earth we live in has been found to be a delicate system in which the use of natural resources by humans is affecting the total ecosystem. Knowledge of the distribution and nature of different societies around the globe is basic for the modern world. The advancement of societies depends on the wise use of natural resources made available to us from the earth and on the understanding of their global distribution. As the economies of different countries become more interdependent, the knowledge of geology will become very important. Geology is very important for oil and mineral exploration and in environmental work.
Career Opportunities
A major in geology can lead to career as a geologist, a meteorologist, an environmental scientist, an industrial analyst, an intelligence agent, a teacher or a college professor. Geologists can expect to earn up to nearly $40,000 per year after three years of service. The placement rate for students graduating from geology is nearly 95%. Recent graduates have found careers in petroleum industry, in school districts as teachers and in environmental organizations. Many graduates have pursued advanced degrees and those Centralians with doctoral degrees are teaching at prestigious universities both in the U. S. and abroad.
Special Interests
The faculty in the Department possesses outstanding academic credentials and years of experience as educators, researchers and professional leaders. Their specialties include geology, geomorphology, urban planning, water resources and environmental science. The Department engages distinguished professionals and professors from nearby universities as adjunct professors. The Department is housed in the C. J. McLin International Center for Water Resources Management. This $8.3 million facility consists of laboratories for instruction and research, conference room, classroom and a computer laboratory. The Department works closely with the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and their facilities for chemical analysis of soil samples are often available for geology students. The McLin Center contains the research laboratory where particle size and other geotechnical tests on geological samples are carried out. The mapping room and the remote sensing room are located in this new facility. The earth science/geology facilities in the Banneker Science Hall of the University include a geology lecture hall which also serves as the location for geological specimens and samples. The Department has a weather station within the campus. The programs encourage individual research and investigation by faculty and students. Faculty members work closely with the students and advise them on a regular basis. Often speakers drawn from the leading professionals in the fields of water resources management, geology, earth science and environmental science are invited to present seminars and lectures to students.
Central State University is one of America's foremost historically African-American colleges. Located in Wilberforce, Ohio, the University takes pride in the high quality educational experience it provides its students both inside and outside the classroom. A strong array of liberal arts courses and major programs provide the foundation for successful careers. Central State University students are highly recruited by major corporations, industry, the government and graduate and professional schools. Central State University offers an extensive program of financial aid. Students from the State of Ohio are eligible for Departmental Scholarships.
