<p>The LAC list is a good one. Personally, I’ve seen a lot of Wooster, Beloit, Earlham, and Whitman geologists out in the world (I’m one of those Carleton geo Ph.D folks). This link might be helpful as well: <a href=“http://legacy.earlham.edu/ir/bac_origins_report/earthsci.html[/url]”>http://legacy.earlham.edu/ir/bac_origins_report/earthsci.html</a></p>
<p>It lists the top 10 earth science Ph.D. producers (so geology plus related sciences like atmospheric science and oceanography, since there is a lot of transfer among these), plus some peer schools that are similar to Earlham. Plug for Earlham: one of my good girlfriends just started as a visiting prof there, and she’s a badass so… You should look there!</p>
<p>For characteristics of a department that lead to a lot of advanced degrees, it’s research and culture. Do a senior research project whether it’s required or not… REU (research experiences for undergraduates) is a great program to fund field work no matter what school you end up at. I believe all of the schools I listed either require or strongly encourage a senior thesis, I’m less familiar with the others. As for culture, pick someplace where graduate school isn’t a weird choice. I’ll give an example from my experience.</p>
<p>Grad school hadn’t even crossed my mind. I come from a not-especially-academic family, and the only people is heard of going to school after college were doctors and lawyers. So, at the beginning of my senior year of college, my wonderful professor, Bereket, calls me into his office.
Bereket: So, what are you planning to do next year?
Me: Well I’m not sure yet Bereket, I’m still thinking about it.
Bereket: You are going to grad school.
Me: What?
Bereket: Grad school. You are going.
Me: Oh… Ok?</p>
<p>Turns out, that little kick in the ass was what I needed. I went and got a Ph.D. and now have a great job in my field. In a place without the right culture, I would have never gotten that. So, go to a LAC with a history of producing the degree you want.</p>