Provost > Office of Undergraduate Studies > Majors

Geology

Geology is the study of the Earth, including its materials, processes, and history. Basic materials studied are rocks, minerals, and fossils. Also included are resources such as metals, gemstones, fossil fuels, and groundwater. Processes are those found deep within the Earth where temperatures and pressures are high, as well as those that take place under low-temperature, low-pressure conditions at the Earth's surface, where organic as well as inorganic processes are found. The history of the planet is recorded in rock and mineral products and in the record of life as preserved by fossils.

Throughout the history of geology, research findings have been applied to the economic needs of our society. Geology graduates find employment in the oil and gas industry, in mining, in Earth-surface and subsurface water (hydrology), and in environmental concerns such as pollution and remediation of environmental hazards. Currently, with the high price of oil and economically important metals (e.g., gold and copper), jobs in geology are plentiful and financially rewarding. This boom in demand for geology graduates is good for students who choose to go into academia or government positions as well.