Geology students take note of a special rock formation during their field topics course

Geology (Professional Geology) (B.S.)

Say "geologist" and most people think of petroleum — oil and gas. But that is only a small sliver of potential careers in geology, and more broadly, in the geosciences.

Program Contact
Chair and Professor of the Department of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences
Secretary for the Department of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences
illustration of Carver Hall

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.

    Courses and Curriculum

    Bloomsburg Initial - B -  inside a keystone shape

    Bloomsburg Because

    Licensure and Certification

    It's a profession with a license

    In Pennsylvania (as in most other states), geologists must be licensed to become a Professional Geologist (PG). We'll get you ready for Part 1 - the Fundamentals of Geology (FG) exam. You can take it as a senior, and we've had great success with our students passing on the first attempt. If you pass, you'll immediately be competitive for a job (or a salary bump if you already have a job). Then you work for a firm under a licensed PG for 5-years - a kind of apprenticeship - before you take Part 2, the Practice of Geology (PG) exam. Once you pass this, you are a licensed Professional Geologist and you can sign official documents in that capacity. Your salary will also go up!

    Professional licensure laws and regulations vary from state to state and are subject to change without notice. Currently, our EGGS: Professional Geology track meets — and in many cases — exceeds the education requirements for all states that have geology licensure. If you are planning to pursue a professional license in a state other than PA, it is highly recommended you contact the appropriate state licensing agency to seek guidance and verify requirements before beginning a program.

    The Husky Difference

    14%
    Job Growth Projected
    Good news - geology pays well, and it is a growing job market!
    College of Distinction
    College of Distinction
    Bloomsburg has earned national recognition as a College of Distinction, honored for its quality and high-impact practices.

    Geoscientists

    Geology Contacts

    Michael Shepard

    Michael Shepard, Ph.D.

    • Chair and Professor of the Department of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences
    Cheryl Smith

    Cheryl Smith, B.S.

    • Secretary for the Department of Environmental, Geographical, and Geological Sciences

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