Bachelor of Science in Geoscience
Geoscience is the study of our planet Earth.
The emphasis path will determine the subject focus of the degree.
- Geology - Study our planet’s composition (minerals & rocks), structure (faults, folds & plate tectonics) and stratigraphy (rock and fossil sequences) to decipher Earth’s history and discover critical natural resources.
- Geophysics - Use natural physical fields (gravity, magnetic, thermal and electrical) and energy transfer (seismic waves generated by earthquakes) to identify hazards and resources within Earth’s interior.
As a student in the Geoscience program at the U, you will focus on the composition, structure, and history of the Earth and the processes that govern them. You will learn to apply the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology and gain a fundamental understanding of how the Earth works and has evolved through time.
The geoscience coursework includes theoretical, fieldwork, and laboratory components that will prepare you to address societal needs and problems such as locating and characterizing mineral, energy, and groundwater resources, assessing seismic and other geologic hazards, and evaluating and remediating environmental contamination.
The Geoscience major at the U provides both pre-professional training for future scientists and prepares you to make informed choices about pressing societal issues.
- Understand the nature and origin of the materials that make up the Earth
- Understand the dynamic processes that operate within the Earth from its deep interior to the surface
- Apply basic principles of mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics to geologic issues
- Recognize the professional and ethical responsibilities expected of scientists
- Demonstrate skills in reading comprehension of scientific literature, and in oral and written communication of scientific results
- Demonstrate proficiency in geologic field skills and in solving integrative, field-based problems in Earth science
- Starting salaries for Geoscientists can range from $40,000-$120,000/year!
- Careers may include: Environmental Geochemist, Environmental Geologist, Earth Science Teacher, Petroleum Geologist, Geological Engineer, Seismologist, Paleontologist, Geophysicist, Hydrogeologist, Mineralogist, and Petrologist.
- Learn more about career opportunities
- Career Search & Advancement
Major Requirement Sheets:
- Geoscience Major with these emphases:
- Geology (2025-2026)
- Geophysics (2025-2026)
- Environmental (legacy document only for current students in this degree)