The mission is to:
- Maintain quality educational programs that provide basic geologic instruction to students.
- Maintain quality programs that prepare students for graduate education or careers in the geological sciences.
- Maintain a quality graduate program that provides M.S. and Ph.D. students with the skills necessary to carry out independent research and obtain employment in a specialized area of the geological sciences.
- Develop and maintain research programs that contribute new knowledge to the geological sciences. Provide service to the scientific community and the public. Assist in the sound and sustainable economic development of the region, state, and nation.