B.S in Geology or Geophysics

The undergraduate curriculum in geology emphasizes the development of sound scientific skills, including the ability to think, observe, analyze, classify, describe, and interpret data, and the application of these skills to the study of rocks, minerals, fossils, structures, landforms, and other geologic phenomena. The undergraduate curriculum also emphasizes the practical aspects of geology, including its applications to petroleum and mineral exploration, environmental management, and siting of man-made structures.

The first two years of the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Geology, which are identical to the B.S. in Geophysics, provide students with the basics of geology and geophysics and the allied fields of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. The junior and senior years involve more advanced study in the field of geology, including the opportunity to concentrate study in specific disciplines such as petroleum geology and geophysics, environmental and engineering geology, hydrogeology, and others. Students are also encouraged to become involved in research problems with faculty members during their undergraduate studies, which can be accomplished through classes in Directed Studies (GEOL 285 and 485).

The B.S. degree is considered the preparatory degree in the field of geology. Those students desiring employment in industry are encouraged to pursue a M.S. degree. Students planning a research or university teaching career should pursue Ph.D. degree.