Change Your World

Geology is a multi-disciplinary scientific study of the earth, its origin, structure, composition and history. It includes the processes that have given rise to its present state and how they are interconnected. Geologists play a leading role in the discovery, utilization and management of natural resources, evaluating how natural processes impact life of earth, and how humans interact with the earth.

Geology Concentrations

  • The geology professional concentration provides the necessary background for students planning to become professional geologists. Students who successfully complete the curriculum are prepared to enter positions in the industry or to undertake graduate study in geology. The program includes a group minor composed of courses in mathematics, chemistry and physics. No other minor is needed to meet graduation requirements.
  • The hydrogeology concentration prepares students for graduate study or employment in the environmental industry. It focuses on those aspects of geology and related sciences that pertain to the occurrence, movement, supply and quality of water. The program is designed to provide a strong technical base. Students will be educated in skills that are required to gather and process data with particular attention to water related problems.
  • The general geology concentration is for those who seek a general liberal arts education in geology or who are interested in a career combining geology with fields such as business, patent law, technical writing or industrial health and safety.

What is Earth System Science?

  • Understand the planet by studying its individual components, including the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.
  • Investigate interactions among the components.
  • Focus on individual components of the Earth system that produce complex planetary-scale phenomena, such as climate change.
  • Interact with faculty and fellow students in a friendly environment.
  • Learn relevant dynamic interactions of chemical, physical and biological processes that extend over spatial scales from microns to the size of planetary orbits, and over time scales of milliseconds to billions of years.
  • Think logically and creatively to develop good problem-solving skills.
  • Learn how to collect and interpret data accurately, and to visualize all four dimensions.

Enroll in an In-Demand Career

Geology is a highly satisfying, rewarding career. Geologists are in demand and commonly earn two to three times the national average per capita income.

Sample career opportunities

  • Petroleum and mining - find and produce natural resources
  • Environmental industry - assess impact of construction, protect water resources
  • Government - assess and monitor geologic hazards, study planetary geology