About Geology & Geophysics
Geology
The field of geology includes the scientific study of all aspects of solid Earth and the fluids within it, including the fundamental processes that shape it and the stewardship of its resources that benefit society. The undergraduate curricula in geology foster critical thinking and the application of scientific skills to the study of Earth's materials (rocks, minerals, fossils, structures, landforms and subsurface fluids) and geologic processes. Courses provide a broad background in geology, emphasize knowledge transfer from other sciences to geologic problems, incorporate hands-on application of knowledge through laboratories and field trips, and promote application to practical problems in petroleum exploration, environmental management and civil engineering.
Geophysics
Undergraduate Majors
Bachelor of Arts in Geology
The B.A. in Geology provides a foundation in geology for students who are not planning a career as a geologist. This program provides a basis for science-related careers, such as environmental law, pre-college teaching, science journalism, and resource management and marketing. Graduates will supplement their curriculum in geology with a minor designed around their career goals. The minor requires a minimum of 15 credit hours in one discipline, to be chosen in consultation with an advisor.
The B.A. program has less rigorous mathematics and physics requirements and less comprehensive geology requirements than the B.S. in Geology; therefore, the B.S. is the more appropriate option for students considering graduate study in geology.
Bachelor of Science in Geology
The B.S. in Geology is considered the preparatory degree in the field of geology. Graduates will be prepared for careers in the energy and environmental industries, and for advanced study at top-ranked graduate programs. The first two years of the B.S. program in geology provide students with the basics of geology and geophysics and the allied fields of chemistry, physics and mathematics. The junior and senior years involve more advanced study in the field of geology and the opportunity to concentrate study in specific disciplines through the selection of technical and geology electives.
The B.S. is the appropriate degree for students intending to pursue graduate study in geology. Students desiring employment in industry are encouraged to pursue an Master of Science degree. Students planning a research or university teaching career should pursue a Ph.D. degree. Particular selections of elective can be used to refine the degree.
Bachelor of Science in Geophysics
The first two years of the B.S. in Geophysics are similar to the B.S. in Geology, providing students with the fundamentals of geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. Courses in geophysics during the junior and senior years emphasize knowledge transfer from the fields of math and physics to techniques and problems in both theoretical and applied geophysics. Technical electives allow students to focus on specific career objectives. The environmental and petroleum tracks prepare students for the most common career paths for geophysicists.
While graduates from the geophysics program will have employment opportunities in industry, the rigor of this degree is designed to prepare students for advanced study. The M.S. degree is generally considered to be the entry degree for professionals in the petroleum industry. Students interested in teaching in a university or conducting research in an academic, government or industrial laboratory should seek a Ph.D.
5-Year B.S. + M.S. Degree Programs
Fast-Track Program in Geology and Fast-Track Program in Geophysics
The fast-track program in geology and fast-track program in geophysics are accelerated five-year paths leading to a B.S. and a thesis-option M.S. in Geology. This program is designed to quickly prepare exceptional students to either enter into the job market with an advanced degree or apply to Ph.D. programs. Because the M.S. degree requires a thesis, it is highly recommended that interested students become involved in a research project early in their undergraduate career.
There are 150 total credit hours in the two degrees: 120 at the undergraduate level and 32 at the graduate level, including two hours of dual credit.
Application and Eligibility
- Students may apply for entrance to the graduate program when they reach 90 hours applied to their degree program, normally in the spring of their junior year.
- Applicants to this program must submit two letters of advocacy from faculty members, one of whom is willing to serve as the M.S. thesis advisor.
- At this time, we do not require applicants to report GRE scores, and we will not consider GRE scores in the application review process.
- Students admitted into the fast-track program must finish the entire 150 credit hours to obtain both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees. These students will be conferred with two degrees once they complete all requirements.
- Students not accepted into the fast-track program will complete the 120-hour bachelor’s degree under the standard four-year curriculum. These students may still apply to the traditional graduate program.
Students enrolled as M.S. students in the fast-track program will not be eligible to become teaching assistants. They may be supported by faculty as research assistants, and they may apply for departmental and other fellowships.
You should plan on applying to the M.S. program in the spring of your junior year to transition to graduate status the following spring; this means that you should be working toward a pace where you can reach 120 hours by the end of your seventh semester.