When asked whether movies like Deep Impact and Armageddon have increased interest in the GeoSciences department, Dr. Larry Kolenbrander, department head for Natural Resource Management and Geoscience, laughed and replied, "No, I don't think so. Student interest in our departments has remained pretty steady."

The department's three programs, Geology, Geography, and Natural Resource Management, have attracted students from all over the country. The difference between Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Kolenbrander explains, is that the former regulates and monitors industry's use of the environment, while the latter manages land and water supplies while preventing problems.

The three fields overlap substantially, encouraging cooperation while at the same time offering a diversity of subjects virtually unparalleled elsewhere at Western Carolina University. Subjects offered range from Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology to Foundations of Silviculture to the Geography of China. Students in the Department are encouraged to broaden their perspectives by experiencing subjects outside their major in and outside the Department.

The unique environment of western North Carolina offers many opportunities for students to carry out local field studies, whether they be in urban, rural or physical/environmental areas. Students can also study in other parts of the state, country, and world. Field trips and individual study broaden the students' horizons and provide valuable work experience.