Students who major in Geological Sciences choose one of four subject areas, or tracks, to complete requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree. The tracks (Geology, Environmental Geoscience, Geophysics, and Paleontology) provide students with a focused curriculum in their chosen subject area. All majors take a common set of core courses that include introductory geology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Each track specifies a set of required courses that are followed by electives. Environmental Geoscience This track is for students who want to understand the earth’s surface environments – rivers, hillslopes, soils, ground water and oceans – and how humans interact with these environments. Track requirements include courses in energy resources, sedimentary environments, and geologic hazards. Electives are selected from all geology courses numbered 414 and higher, as well as courses in geography, chemistry, math, physics, and biology.

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in geological sciences are qualified for employment in a wide range of careers, including resource management, geotechnical and environmental consulting, urban and rural planning, petroleum and mining industries, state and federal agencies such as the USGS, USFS, NOAA, EPA, and DEQ, teaching in K-12 schools (with additional teaching certificate), and as laboratory technicians, professional geologists, geophysicists, or geochemists. The current climate is very good for employment in the earth sciences (see links below). A degree in Geology or Environmental Science equips students with skills in critical thinking and problem solving, quantitative analysis, oral and written communication, team work, and collaboration, all of which area highly valued in today’s geoscience job market. The average starting salary offered to recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in geoscience was $40,786 in July 2007 (National Association of Colleges and Employers). Below we provide links to some useful geoscience career websites.