Geology (Professional Geology) (B.S.)

What geologists do

Geologists are heavily involved in engineering, especially large-scale construction (engineering geology, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering). An entire branch of geology is dedicated to finding and managing water — hydrogeology and hydrology. Many geologists are involved in helping communities avoid hazards by mapping earthquake zones, flood plains, or areas susceptible to volcanism.

Other branches look for and assess resources — sand, gravel, iron, nickel, precious metals, rare earth minerals, and yes, oil and gas. And finally, many geologists work on a variety of projects as consultants.

They may be asked to help forensic scientists find unmarked graves, the military locate unexploded ordinance, engineers locate leaks in a landfill, or developers map unmarked caves, voids, or old pit mines. It is a highly flexible career; depending on your interests, you can get a job working mostly in an office, in a laboratory, outside, or some combination of all three.

Graduate School or Engineering?

We will get you ready for your career. But suppose you want to go on, either for a Master's in Geology, or maybe a Master's in Engineering. We've laid out the course work you need to be competitive in those paths. We've had numerous graduates accepted into first-class master's and Ph.D. programs in geology and engineering.