Geology & Earth Science
The study of Earth's structure, materials, and history.
Geology studies the Earth's structure, materials, and the processes (like plate tectonics, erosion, and volcanism) that shape it over time, combining chemistry, physics, and biology with fieldwork. It also covers practical applications like natural hazards, groundwater, and resource exploration.
Field courses are a defining feature, often including multi-day or multi-week field camps where students map terrain, identify rock formations, and practice geological survey techniques firsthand.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Physical Geology
- ✓Historical Geology
- ✓Mineralogy
- ✓Structural Geology
- ✓Sedimentology & Stratigraphy
- ✓Hydrogeology
- ✓Geochemistry
- ✓Field Camp / Field Methods
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Physical Geology
- +General education requirement
- ✓Historical Geology
- +General education requirement
- ✓Mineralogy
- +General education requirement
- ✓Structural Geology
- +Free elective
- ✓Sedimentology & Stratigraphy
- +Free elective
- ✓Hydrogeology
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Geochemistry
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Field Camp / Field Methods
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Enjoys being outdoors and hands-on fieldwork
- ★Curious about how the Earth formed and continues to change
- ★Comfortable with physically demanding, sometimes remote field courses
- ★Interested in natural hazards, resources, or environmental geology
Common minors & double-major pairings
Environmental Science · Chemistry · Geography
Roles this major could lead to
Factual, day-to-day descriptions from our Career Role Encyclopedia, not a guarantee this major leads to any specific job.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Geology & Earth Science major?
The study of Earth's structure, materials, and history.
What courses do Geology & Earth Science majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Mineralogy, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a Geology & Earth Science program?
Geology & Earth Science coursework typically builds skills like Field mapping and geological survey technique, Rock and mineral identification, Understanding Earth systems and processes, Spatial reasoning and interpretation.
Is Geology & Earth Science a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Enjoys being outdoors and hands-on fieldwork" or "Curious about how the Earth formed and continues to change" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What can you do with a Geology & Earth Science degree?
Majors in this field often go on to roles like Environmental Scientist. See our Career Role Encyclopedia for more, a major shapes what you study, not a guarantee of any specific job.
What other majors pair well with Geology & Earth Science?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geography.
How is Geology & Earth Science different from Environmental Science?
They're related but distinct. Geology & Earth Science: The study of Earth's structure, materials, and history. Environmental Science: How natural systems work and how human activity affects them. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a Geology & Earth Science degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
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