Geology is the science that studies planet Earth. The geological sciences incorporate areas of study in:

• Earth materials including mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, volcanology, ore deposits, and structure.
• Geologic Earth history including historical geology and paleontology.
• Earth surface processes including geomorphology, paleoclimatology, glacial geology, and permafrost.
• Earth’s environmental systems including hydrogeology, environmental geochemistry, and geophysics.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the geological sciences to prepare them for graduate studies, government and industry employment, and teaching. A Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences is available for undergraduates.

The geological sciences faculty are highly motivated to transmit their knowledge and passion for the geological sciences and focus on combining classroom education with laboratory and fieldwork. Students who enjoy working outdoors, have a strong scientific background and are interested in earth processes will find the geological sciences a rewarding area of study.

The program requires completion of a basic science curriculum in chemical, physical, and mathematical sciences in addition to core and elective courses in geological sciences. The undergraduate degree in geology also offers a special track in environmental geology. This track requires core geology courses plus upper-division electives that focus on environmental topics including environmental geochemistry and hydrogeology. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with geological sciences faculty to choose the direction of study suiting their goals.

The Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences program can be completed in four years by students who have adequate high school preparation in the sciences and math.