The Bachelor of Science in Geology prepares students for a career as a professional geologist or for further education in graduate school. The program provides a well-rounded geology curriculum and set of related science and math requirements. The curriculum promotes hands-on learning and independent geological research that includes critical thinking, data analysis and interpretation, applying scientific method and understanding the role of geology in everyday life. It is rich in field and lab studies and includes two major capstone experiences: a required immersive study-away geology field course, where students evaluate geology in real-life field conditions, and a required undergraduate thesis, where students work one-on-one with a faculty adviser to conduct original research. The degree prepares graduates to enter the geology work force in fields, such as geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, environmental geology, hydrocarbon geology/exploration or other geology-related fields.
Geological Sciences is the study of Earth through time, including its physical nature, chemical composition and dynamics, as well as its origin and evolution. In addition to the quest for understanding the way Earth works and its relation to the solar system, Earth scientists are involved in the search for energy, mineral and water resources, the evaluation and remediation of environmental hazards, and the prevention and/or prediction of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, coastal erosion and floods. Earth scientists are employed by private industry, (primarily by engineering, environmental, petroleum and mining companies), government agencies, educational institutions and research centers.