Geologists explore for energy, mineral, and water resources and evaluate potential hazards due to earthquakes, floods, landslides, waste disposal, and volcanic eruptions. Geologists also provide fundamental information required to plan for cultural and industrial development, reduce geological hazards, identify potential resources, and assist in the design of waste-disposal facilities.
The BS program in geology meets the curriculum standards established by the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

• Hydrogeology-Engineering Geology: Hydrogeology is the subdiscipline within geology that deals with the distribution and movement of groundwater in the soil and rocks of the earth’s crust. Students in the specialization take engineering courses in addition to their geology coursework as they study the engineering of groundwater.

• Geoarchaeology: Geoarchaeologists study the natural physical processes that affect archaeological sites. Students in this specialization take courses in anthropology, soil science, and biology in addition to their geology coursework.

• Applied Environmental Geoscience: Applied environmental geoscience is an interdisciplinary program, with a broader range of coursework than the traditional degree in geology. Students take geology courses and study the earth’s history, composition, and structure, but also take courses in areas such as watershed sciences, soils, biology, statistics, and GIS/remote sensing. This degree is for students interested in studying the geosciences, having a multidisciplinary degree and going on to careers in environmental fields.