Geological Science in USA

Within the geology and geophysics major, students study math, chemistry, physics, and enroll in coursework in physical and historical geology, earth materials, surface processes, plate tectonics, structural geology, sedimentation and stratigraphy, computer-aided analysis, field methods, and a summer geology field camp.  Students have a number of electives which can be used to take advanced coursework in seismology, crustal tectonics, engineering geology, hydrogeology, and a wide variety of other topics relevant to geologists. Faculty led classes, labs, and field experiences as well as undergraduate research (encouraged) are all components of this program.

The field has a broad variety of applications, from geographic information systems to environmental science to the examination of other planetary bodies. At JMU, we urge students to go beyond the classroom and into the real world to explore their scientific interests. Whether our students are interested in local projects in the Shenandoah Valley or international projects in locations like Ireland, our faculty strive to engage majors in field-based research. Because our geology department consists entirely of undergraduate students, our majors receive more individualized instruction from our professionally recognized faculty. We also have a research requirement for majors, which means our students are prepared for their future career goals and also often emerge from our program with professional publications and presentation experience. Our majors are more than just students—they are scientists.

The complementary fields of geology and geophysics are combined in one interdisciplinary department, with graduate degrees offered in both disciplines. The undergraduate degree is in geology and geophysics.

Geology offers unusual opportunities to interweave knowledge from many disciplines in the study of natural Earth phenomena. Those who enjoy the challenge of integrating different kinds of information into a unified interpretation will find geology particularly satisfying. Most geology students enjoy travel and have a strong interest in the natural environment as it is today and as it has developed through the past 4.5 billion years. A natural capacity for historical and sequential thought, inductive reasoning, and three-dimensional perception is helpful, and these skills will be developed. Geological investigations are becoming increasingly quantitative and experimental, and thus require some computer experience and a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

The student of geophysics is interested in developing a quantitative understanding of the structure and dynamics of the Earth's interior from the shallow crust to deep core. Courses in geophysics apply basic physical laws and processes, such as those governing gravity, magnetism, heat flow, and seismic wave propagation, to the study of the Earth. An undergraduate may choose to concentrate in geophysics, but professional employment in the field often requires an advanced degree. Most students who pursue advanced study and careers in geophysics major in geology, physics, mathematics, or engineering as undergraduates.

The Department of Geology offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Through formal courses, field work, and research projects, students develop an awareness of the geological processes that shape our planet, and their impact on society and the environment. The undergraduate major in geology offers concentrations in General Geology and Environmental Geoscience and leads to either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The BS degree in Geology is licensure qualifying: its coursework meets the education requirements for Professional Geologist licensure in New York State. For more information about eligibility for Professional Geologist licensure, visit the New York State Education Department's Office of the Professions.

Geology is the study of the Earth, its materials, and its processes. It concerns itself with solving basic scientific problems and utilizing knowledge of the Earth for the benefit of society. Its concerns include but are not limited to soil preservation, water production and quality, hazards mitigation, resource exploration and production, engineering of structures large and small, climate change, and the history of life on Earth and the search for life on other planets.

Training in geology requires knowledge of fundamental sciences (chemistry, math, and physics) combined with Geology coursework that applies these sciences to the study of earth’s composition and structure. Geology training places an emphasis on the characterization of earth materials (minerals, rocks, sediment, soil, and water) with techniques ranging from basic visual description to cutting-edge laboratory analysis. Geology students also take coursework in Geographic Information Systems, mapping with GPS, and the like to better understand spatial relationships and surficial processes.  Upper-division Geology coursework focuses on applying a wide range of approaches to scientific and societally-important problems in the large, complex, and dynamic environments that characterize our planet. 

Our program is designed to provide each student with a strong, broad background in Geology with ample opportunities for student research and internships as well as individual mentoring. Our department houses state of the art equipment such as a fleet of drones, 3 D printer/digitizer, research grade stream table and an updated computer lab. Our faculty's research areas range from ore deposits on Mars (part of the NASA Rover program) to paleontology, basin evolution and more. Our personal attention to your future gives you an edge on the competition for scholarships, jobs and placement in graduate programs. Last, with the entire program only requiring 69 credit hours, this allow students the opportunity to pursue minors or double-majors to have the best possible undergraduate experience.

Geoscience programs at Winona State University prepare students for a broad spectrum of careers and/or entry to graduate school through a discovery-based undergraduate curriculum rich with field and research opportunities. 

Geoscience graduates solve a broad range of environmental problems as consultants in both industry and government; they discover and manage our planet’s mineral and energy resources; they teach in our elementary schools, high schools and colleges; they work in museums and national parks; they practice environmental law and write for newspapers and magazines; they even explore other planets. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Geoscience is an interdisciplinary field that connects with many other disciplines in virtually unlimited ways.

Geology is the study of the Earth, including its water and atmosphere, and its relationship to humans and other living things. Geology applies chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology to answer questions about the Earth. Geologists conduct studies in the field, in the laboratory using advanced analytical equipment, and in the office using specialized computer software. Geology is particularly focused on the Earth’s history, resources, hazards and resources including groundwater. Sub-disciplines of geology include economic geology, geochemistry, geologic hazards, geomorphology, hydrogeology, petrology, and tectonics. A B.S. in geology is preparation for a variety of career paths, including hazard assessment with government or private companies, ground and surface water monitoring and development, oil and gas, mining, and many other careers that draw on a background in the natural earth, including law, public policy, and public health; the program is also excellent preparation for graduate school.

The paleontology option gives motivated students a chance to combine a solid foundation in geology with an exploration of its interdisciplinary connections with botany or zoology. Geology courses emphasize the various fields of study within the discipline, including mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, structure, field methods and paleontology. Field geology teaches you techniques used in field mapping, such as use of a pocket transit, GPS receiver, laser transit and other specialized equipment. Upper-level courses include the study of geologic maps, earth structures and the rock and fossil record. As a geology major, students will also take courses such as introductory calculus, chemistry and physics or biology.

Geology is the study of the earth's physical structure — its substance, history and processes. As a student in the Youngstown State University Geology program you'll not only learn about the earth's surface, but everything underneath it and how it all works together.

Within the major, you can focus on environmental geology and be involved in water and soil testing, or you may prefer the engineering side of the field and apply your expertise of rock strength to infrastructure testing and building. Whatever your career path is, the program prepares you with the knowledge and skills that industries, government and businesses look for in employees.

Geospatial intelligence informs and influences policy, military, diplomatic, environmental and disaster relief and recovery decisions, and operations by governments at every level. Increasingly, in non-governmental sectors, it is informing and influencing public health, business, infrastructure, energy, regulatory, and advocacy decisions.

The Geospatial Intelligence Program unites three fields of study: the history of geospatial intelligence; the science and mathematics of digital geography and its related databases; and the art of converting geospatial data into written, spoken, and visual intelligence. Students analyze historical intelligence examples to understand the development of the concepts and practices behind collection, analysis, reporting, and technology. They also will focus on current challenges in the profession, among them the analytics and technology needed for the volume of current and future collection, the challenges of new sensors, and the development of new non-governmental geospatial communities.

The master of science in geo-information science is a multi-disciplinary program of advanced study of geospatial technology and its applications whose purpose is to develop geospatial professionals that are proficient in the acquisition, analysis, use, and management of spatial information. GIS and related geospatial technologies, such as remote sensing from satellites and aircraft, are integral to a variety of applications, including mapping and surveying, environmental analysis and natural resource management, transportation and urban planning, business planning, crime analysis, and disaster management, to name only a few areas. An integrated and applied curriculum provides practical, real-world training in the utilization of leading geospatial technologies for research, planning, spatial data management, and project implementation.

The Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences is a technical program in Earth Science. This program provides knowledge and experience through lecture, laboratory, and field courses that will equip students to solve some of the most pressing problems of our region and society as a whole.  Students will develop their understanding of physical and chemical Earth processes while gaining skills in spatial reasoning and analysis of complex systems.  Within active, applied, and authentic learning opportunities, students will gain insight into geologic hazards, natural resources, and Earth's history. The region that surrounds Utah Tech University provides an ideal natural laboratory to apply the concepts of geological sciences to issues that impact the future of humanity.

Geology is designed for students who are interested in studying Earth systems. This major provides a fundamental background and solid understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the earth. Coursework includes petrology and mineralogy, sedimentology, structural geology and tectonophysics, seismology, isotope geochemistry, geomorphology, and the Earth's interior.

The geology program at Southern Utah University is located in one of the most geologically spectacular settings in the country. The program stresses field-based experiences and undergraduate research opportunities while students earn their geology degree in this stunning setting.

The Sciences and Letters Curriculum in Geology (BSLAS), administered by the Department of Geology, is designed for students who want a more flexible course of study than is provided by the Specialized Curriculum in Geology and Geophysics. It may be used by those wishing to obtain a more liberal education and/or background in geology for use in fields such as anthropology, business, mineral economics, regional planning, journalism, law, sales, or library and information science. It is not intended to prepare a student for graduate work in the geological sciences unless the student selects additional courses in mathematics, chemistry, and physics comparable to those required in the Specialized Geology and Geophysics Curriculum. Students must choose from the following: Geology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, or Earth Science Teaching.  The Earth Science Teaching Concentration is designed for students preparing to teach earth science at the secondary school level.