Published: Oct. 25, 2016

CU Boulder geology students working in the field walk down a trail surrounded by mountain slopes, green grass, shrubs and trees.For the third year in a row, the CU Boulder has been ranked No. 2 in geosciences among the world’s universities, according to U.S. News & World Report, which today released its third annual global standings for 2017.

“We are pleased to be recognized as global leaders in the field of geosciences,” said Terri Fiez, Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation. “We have an innovative faculty that excels in research and teaching, and attracts some of the best and brightest students from around the nation and world.”

Geosciences, in which CU Boulder trails only the California Institute of Technology, is considered the study of Earth, from its structure to the history of its formation. Studies in the field of geosciences include geology, geophysics, geochemistry, climatology, oceanography and petroleum geology.

CU Boulder also ranks No. 26 among the best global universities in environment/ecology, a field that includes such subjects as environmental health, climate change, and environmental monitoring and management.

U.S. News & World Report’s annual global assessments, comprising 1,000 universities in 65 countries, are based on measurements of academic research performance and global and regional reputations, according to the publication.

Visit the methodology for details on the ranking system.