Bachelor of Science in Geology
The B.S. in Geology will give you a strong foundation in geology and a background in other sciences and mathematics.
Careers
This degree will prepare you for careers in the:
- Environmental and energy industries
- Federal and state agencies
- Private sector and nonprofit organizations
The B.S. in Geology is the appropriate degree for students intending to pursue graduate study in geology:
- Master of Science — Students desiring employment in the petroleum industry are encouraged to a pursue a M.S. degree.
- Doctor of Philosophy — Students planning for a research or university teaching career should pursue a Ph.D.
Electives can be selected to refine the B.S. degree in preparation for graduate study within particular subfields.
Curriculum
The first two years of the B.S. in Geology cover the basics of geology and the supporting fields of chemistry, physics and mathematics. The junior and senior years involve more advanced study in the subfields of geology. You'll also have the opportunity for concentrated study in specific disciplines through the selection of technical electives.
To remain in satisfactory academic standing, students must maintain a 2.0 or better GPA in all technical courses (geology, geophysics, chemistry, math and physics). Some courses require field trips.
Summer Field Camp
The geology and geophysics department offers summer field camp (GEOL 350) in the western U.S. You'll apply your geologic knowledge to collect data and solve real problems on site.
Group Research Capstone
Seniors will take part in a group research capstone course (GEOL 450), in which they work in teams with a faculty advisor to solve a current problem and communicate their findings and experience.
Individual Research Opportunities
Students also have opportunities to become involved in individual research projects with faculty members and can receive course credit for this activity through GEOL 291 and GEOL 491.
Environmental Geology Preparation
Some of society’s most pressing problems, including groundwater contamination and remediation, water resources, and geologic hazards such as landslides, flooding and subsidence are addressed in the field of environmental geology. Environmental geologists typically find careers with environmental and engineering consulting companies and other industrial corporations, governmental agencies or academia.
Students are well-prepared for the Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology exam, which is required for appointment as a Professional Geologist or Geoscientist in many states. Specific elective classes recommended include CVEN 365, GEOG 331, GEOG 390, GEOL 351, GEOL 410, GEOL 412, GEOL 420, GEOL 440, and approved classes in other departments, including soil science, chemistry, physics and civil engineering. An Environmental and Engineering Geology Certificate is available to qualified students enrolled in geology and geophysics undergraduate degree programs.
Petroleum Exploration and Extraction
Geologists may be employed in petroleum exploration and extraction. Some of the required geology classes prepare you for this field or graduate study. They also provide training for those who may be interested in service jobs in the oil and gas industry between their undergraduate and graduate education.
Bachelor of Arts in Geology
The B.A. in Geology will give you the skills to understand Earth systems and the interactions between human societies and Earth processes.
Careers
The B.A. degree is designed for students who will use a foundation in geologic knowledge in careers such as:
- Environmental law
- Science journalism
- Non-profit organizations
- Business
- K-12 science education
- Resource management
- Sustainability
- Environmental monitoring
- Conservation
- Public health
- Public policy
- Public service
The B.A. in Geology also allows students to build an interdisciplinary degree combining geology with other disciplines such as biological, anthropological and social disciplines in preparation for interdisciplinary graduate work.
Disciplinary Themes
You will supplement your geology coursework with courses from a disciplinary theme that aligns with your career goals. Disciplinary themes are elective courses designed to prepare you for professional programs and employment in careers that would benefit from a solid geological and STEM foundation. The B.A. degree requires a minimum of 18 credit hours in a disciplinary theme.
Theme courses may be combined with additional electives to form a minor in other programs; however, completion of theme courses does not in itself confer a minor. With the exception of the business minor, application to most minor programs is made through the department that houses the minor.
Themes not listed on the course catalog can be approved in consultation with a Department of Geology and Geophysics Faculty Program Coordinator.