<p>I'm most interested in environmental geoscience and oceanography, two majors that UT doesn't have, but know that UT has a smaller college of geoscience in terms of students (and that it is probably better-funded). However, I have been assured that I'd have ample research opportunities should I go to A&M. What I'm asking is which university is better-known/better-respected when it comes to geoscience as right now, for the above reasons, they're pretty much tied in my consideration.</p>
<p>Both are outstanding in terms of their geoscience reputations. As an UG I suggest you choose based on which environment you’d prefer. You might also want to look at the faculty roster of each school’s geology department and see if any are researching in the fields you think you might be interested in. Also check the course listings and see if you can find relevant courses with oceanography/ environmental geology. See how often they’re offered and if possible, who teaches the courses. </p>
<p>I’ll also caution you that you’ve likely been exposed to very little geology which means your interests might change dramatically over the next four years. When I went to OU, I thought I was interested in geomorphology but after getting exposed to mineralogy, I’ve begun to love feldspar cleavage, something I had never heard about prior to coming to college.</p>
<p>I’ll add that even if the university doesn’t offer any environmental geology or oceanography options (something I find highly unlikely given how prominent both A&M and the Jackson School are in the field), there are ways to get involved with research. One of the mods on this forum went to a school where oceanography wasn’t offered but via a combination of summer research and courses at another school, he was able to gain admission to one of the best grad schools in the world for the field. Then there’s weekly geology colloquiums which many departments host. At my school (admittedly much weaker in the geosciences than the two main Tx institutions), a prominent Rutgers oceanography professor is speaking this week about his research. I’m scheduled to meet with him for dinner with only three other people.</p>
<p>Wow! This is very helpful! Thanks! </p>
<p>By “environment you’d prefer” do you mean physical environment like hill country vs. prairie, or academic or political environment?</p>
<p>^Both. A&M and UT are very different schools politically and they have very different vibes. You should visit both.</p>
<p>Both UT and A&M are among the best schools for geology / geosciences though, so you can’t go wrong either way.</p>
<p>Oh! As for vibes, I’m pretty liberal, I’m not straight and I love art…stuff, but I have family in Bryan-College Station and thought it was safer and cleaner than UT. Sooo I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place, so to speak.</p>
<p>I thought OU was very well respected in geosciences compared to TAMU. But maybe I just got that from the fact that it ranks so well in meteorology and such?</p>
<p>I’m referring to grad school. At the UG level OU is pretty darn impressive.</p>
<p>You mention your interest in oceanography? Have you considered looking at schools that offer marine geo as a major?</p>