The Department of Geology was founded by Dr. Walter ver Wiebe in 1926 when Fairmount College became Municipal University. Through the years, the department has trained students for jobs in the energy and minerals industries, environment remediation companies, government agencies, and education. During World War II, the department trained Army Air Force cadets in aerial photo reconnaissance.
The department is currently housed in the Geology Building, which was originally designed to house the mathematics and physics departments. It was known as the Math-Physics Building from the time it opened in 1958 until 2000 when the geology department became the primary occupant. During its construction in the 1950s a unique process was used which emphasized the relationship between international style architecture and technology. After the basement floor slab was poured, the roof was framed and poured on top of it. The roof was then jacked to its intended position, followed by the third and second floor slabs.
Timeline of Department Chairs
| Chair | Years Served | Photo |
| Walter ver Wiebe | 1926 - 1954 |  |
| J. Robert Berg |
1954 - 1963 1975 - 1981 |
 |
| Jack G. Blythe | 1963 - 1970 |  |
| James N. Gundersen | 1970 - 1975 |  |
| Daniel F. Merriam | 1981 - 1987 |  |
| John C. Gries |
1987 - 1994 2004 - 2007 |
 |
| William D. Bischoff | 1994 - 1997 |  |
| Collette D. Burke | 1997 - 2004 |  |
| Wan Yang | 2007 - 2010 | |
| William C. Parcell | 2010 - Present |  |