Choose the Earth
Prospective Geology and Geophysics Students
Geoscientists study the Earth’s physical structure and substances and the wild processes that act on them.
They also research the most economic and sustainable ways to utilize the Earth’s resources. Reflecting the complexity of the natural world in which they work, most geoscientists possess interdisciplinary skills (including chemistry, biology, engineering, and computer science) and often work in teams with other scientists whose expertise complements their own.
We recommend setting up an advising appointment with our Undergraduate Student Advisor, Sean Meyer
Geology and Geophysics offers a variety of degree opportunites, learn more about each below.
Geoscience
Educates students to apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathamatics, and biology to understand the composition, structure, and history of the Earth.
Emphasis in: Geology or Geophysics
Geological Engineering
An engineering approach to solving important problems related to geological hazards (such as earthquakes and landslides) and natural resources (such as surface water and groundwater).
Earth & Environmental Science
An interdisplinary degree that enable students to study the interconnected nature of earth systems, including the fields of atmospheric science, geology, and ecology.
Earth Science Teaching
A secondary education teaching degree for physical science and Earth science instructors in high schools and middle schools.
Earth Science Minor
Curriculum comprises core courses on earth systems and history. Electives include: geologic hazards, sustainable energy, paleontology and geobiology, and oceanography.
Additional information
All of the department’s majors are open, in the sense that a student does not need to pre-qualify to declare a major in the department. If you wish to declare a major in our department and/or if you have specific questions about our programs, please contact the academic advisor by visiting the academic advising webpage.
Shortly after declaring a major in our department, you should meet with the academic advisor who is designated as an undergraduate advisor for your major, so that you can take an informed approach to completing the required and elective curriculum to earn your B.S. degree. The first majors-oriented course required of all degree programs in the department is GEO 1100 (Evolving Earth), so that course should be taken as soon as possible. Also, it is advisable to begin taking your math, Chemistry, and General Education courses in Fine Arts (FF), Humanities (HF) and Social/Behavioral Science (BF), as early as you are able to fit them into your schedule.
The University of Utah adheres to a mandatory advising program for undergraduate students.
First-year students: Any student admitted as a new freshman and who is in his/her first semester of enrollment at the U of U must meet with an academic advisor. This can be done in the University College before declaring a major, or it may accomplished in the department at the time the student formally declares a major.
Second-year students: Students with two or three prior semesters of enrollment and 60 hours or less of completed coursework are required to meet at least once with their academic advisor in their major department.
Transfer students: All new transfer students are required to meet with an academic advisor and attend an orientation session before they can register for their first semester at the University.
Academically challenged students: Students are required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order to remain in “good standing” at the University of Utah. Students whose cumulative GPA drops below 2.0 should meet with their academic advisor right away in order to implement a productive strategy for improving their academic performance.
Graduating seniors: Students applying for graduation must meet with their academic advisor.
All students: For answers to questions related to academic advising in the Department of Geology & Geophysics, please contact the academic advisor in the department.
Whether you are preparing to transfer to the U or have already made the leap, we want to make sure your experience is as smooth as possible. Visit the Transfer Website for all things related to transfer students and the transfer process.
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