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Students on a speeding boat in view of the coast.

Geology Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science

Geologists do more than “look at rocks”—we solve problems and answer questions about the earth and its systems. Geology at the University of St. Thomas prepares you to tackle tough issues ranging from water quality to climate change with lab experiences, fieldwork and collaborative research opportunities with faculty.

Why Study Geology at St. Thomas?

Geology is interdisciplinary, meaning it gives you the skills and knowledge to examine complex problems from multiple angles. While completing foundational coursework in the geosciences, you complete courses in math, chemistry, physics and biology. This prepares you for a wide variety of careers — including traditional positions in environmental consulting and Earth resource industries like mining and petroleum, as well as environmental law and K-12 education (both of which require additional education and/or specific licensure).

Getting Under the Surface of the Issues

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Collaborative Research
  • Professional Preparation
  • Course Requirements

    We create a hands-on, experiential learning environment for our students. You will complete ten courses from the geosciences core of the major, all of which have field and lab experiences incorporated into them. You will also complete three to five courses in chemistry, physics and math. These courses teach you to examine complex problems from different angles, making you a versatile professional in the process.

    In addition, our minors are very flexible and suitable to accompany degrees in civil engineering, biology, geography and environmental science because coursework in these majors may count toward a geology minor.

    Four-Year Plan

    Geology faculty work with you to plan your time at St. Thomas. Many of our students start their degrees in their second year at St. Thomas, so we can be very flexible in designing a four-year plan that keeps you on track to graduate in four years.

    View Sample BS Degree Plan

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Arts in Geology
    • Bachelor of Science in Geology
    • Geology minor
    • Teacher licensure in geosciences, which requires additional education and specific licensure

    Collaborative Research

    We encourage students to get involved with faculty research projects, many of which lead to presentations at regional and national conferences. We collaborate with local community organizations like The Nature Conservancy and Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization to address important and relevant environmental issues.

    Professional Preparation

    While not mandatory for many jobs in geology, the Geology major can serve as a pre-certification program for Professional Geologist certification in Minnesota. Students can study for and take the Fundamentals of Geology exam after graduation as the next step toward this board certification.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    We create a hands-on, experiential learning environment for our students. You will complete ten courses from the geosciences core of the major, all of which have field and lab experiences incorporated into them. You will also complete three to five courses in chemistry, physics and math. These courses teach you to examine complex problems from different angles, making you a versatile professional in the process.

    In addition, our minors are very flexible and suitable to accompany degrees in civil engineering, biology, geography and environmental science because coursework in these majors may count toward a geology minor.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    Geology faculty work with you to plan your time at St. Thomas. Many of our students start their degrees in their second year at St. Thomas, so we can be very flexible in designing a four-year plan that keeps you on track to graduate in four years.

    View Sample BS Degree Plan

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    • Bachelor of Arts in Geology
    • Bachelor of Science in Geology
    • Geology minor
    • Teacher licensure in geosciences, which requires additional education and specific licensure

    Collaborative Research

    Collaborative Research

    We encourage students to get involved with faculty research projects, many of which lead to presentations at regional and national conferences. We collaborate with local community organizations like The Nature Conservancy and Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization to address important and relevant environmental issues.

    Professional Preparation

    Professional Preparation

    While not mandatory for many jobs in geology, the Geology major can serve as a pre-certification program for Professional Geologist certification in Minnesota. Students can study for and take the Fundamentals of Geology exam after graduation as the next step toward this board certification.
    Geology student focused on examining a rock.

    Career Paths

    Our graduates apply their knowledge and experiences on a daily basis in their work. Below are positions our students acquired after graduating, and also some of the employers that have hired our alumni as well.

    • Petroleum Geologist
    • Environmental Geologist
    • Hydrogeologist
    • Mining Geologist
    • Environmental Law (with additional education and specific licensure)
    • Earth and Planetary Science Teacher (with additional education and specific licensure)
    • Certified Professional Geologist (students can study for and take the Fundamentals of Geology exam after graduation as the next step toward this board certification)

    Scholarships

    The Brownstein Scholarship

    The Brownstein Scholarship provides financial assistance on an annual basis for full-time junior and/or senior geology students. We award it to academically motivated students focusing their major in the geosciences whom have successfully completed at least three courses in geology.

    Scholarships

    The Brownstein Fund for Professional Development

    The Brownstein Fund for Professional Development is dedicated to supporting students and faculty in achieving their professional goals. This fund supports purchasing lab analyses of samples, fieldwork, travel expenses, short courses and workshops.

    Quick Facts

    You join a close-knit community of scholars in our program, along with an exciting and growing career field.

    14%

    Geologists are projected to see 14% job growth from 2014 to 2026 according to the .

    More Than 80%

    More than 80% of our students participate in collaborative research with faculty.

    Personal Attention

    You will join a close-knit group of faculty and students that work for your success when you major or minor in geology at St. Thomas.
    Geology student Jane de Lambert poses for an environmental portrait

    Get Involved

    We encourage students to be involved inside and outside of the classroom at St. Thomas.

    • Geology Club
    • Student section of the Minnesota American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
    • Career development series every year
    Geology program video image.

    Answer Questions about the Earth

    Geology students at St. Thomas look at complex problems involving our planet from multiple angles. Lab experiences, fieldwork and collaborative research equips them with the skills to tackle difficult problems ranging from water quality to climate change.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.