earth science student working at computer

Earth Science Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Begin a rewarding career in helping to responsibly tap our precious natural resources and safeguarding the planet.

With the growing need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management, companies and government agencies continue to seek earth sciences expertise. If studying our planet fascinates you, a career in earth sciences can be a rewarding profession. The UND program provides a solid foundation in Geoscience and flexibility for students to focus on related areas of interest.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-5 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn an earth science degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

Planet Earth is at a crucial point in its history. Leaders in the field of earth science will be on the forefront of ensuring its future. Earth scientists combine geology, physics, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy to help better understand nature's forces all around us.

With UND's Earth Science degree, you'll have opportunities to:

  • Learn about the earth, its various natural forces, and the behavior of solids, liquids and gases.
  • Gain the well-rounded knowledge to be able to conduct field research and solve today's environmental and industrial problems.
  • Study key earth science areas like:
    • Historical geology
    • Geomorphology
    • Sedimentology
    • Stratigraphy
    • Mineralogy
    • Petrology
    • Geostatistics
    • Volcanology
    • Glaciology
    • Geophysical principles

Earth Science Degree Online or On-Campus

  • Practice earth science principles by using problem analysis and solving in a range of applications, such as oil, environmental remediation and land management.

  • Benefit from a curriculum that weaves in many essential disciplines for a holistic view of natural resources and a broad-based education. If you wish to pursue it, you'll be prepared for further graduate study.

  • Gain access to facilities and research resources at the Harold Hamm School of Geology & Geological Engineering. We have an extensive collection of geological samples and geoscience testing technologies.

  • Contribute to the economic development of North Dakota and the surrounding region.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized Degree Map software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What to do with an earth science degree?

93K

The median salary for a geoscientist

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

7%

Projected growth for the employment of geoscientists (earth scientists) from 2020-2030

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Earth scientists (or geoscientists) will continue to be in high demand as our planet's natural resources become scarcer, while population and energy demands soar. Earth scientists are needed to find solutions to reconcile these two opposing trends.

UND graduates can expect exciting opportunities to do field studies, test drilling methods, and conduct new research. Others work for top companies in several industries, including:

  • Oil and petroleum
  • Energy
  • Government agencies
  • Land management
  • Waste management and remediation
  • Railroads

Earth Science Degree Courses

GEOL 411. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 5 Credits.

Origin, transportation, deposition, and diagenesis of sediments; principles and applications of stratigraphy. Includes field trip and laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 320. S.

GEOL 311. Geomorphology. 4 Credits.

Dynamics of weathering, mass movement, running water, groundwater, waves, wind and ice in the production of landforms. Includes field trips and laboratory. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203 or consent of instructor. F.

GEOL 318. Mineralogy. 3 Credits.

Survey of the origin, distribution and uses of rock-forming minerals. Introduction to mineral structures, crystal chemistry, and crystallography. Laboratory identification of common minerals in hand sample and petrographic thin section. Introduction to the use of the polarizing microscope. Includes field trip. Prerequisites: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203, and CHEM 121 or consent of instructor. S.

GEOL 330. Structural Geology. 3 Credits.

Mechanics of rock deformation, analysis of rock structures, preparation and interpretation of geologic maps and cross sections showing structural and tectonic features. Includes laboratory. Prerequisites: GEOL 318, GEOL 320 and MATH 105. S.

GEOL 102. The Earth Through Time. 3 Credits.

The tracing of changes in the Earth and life through time, with emphasis on the record from North America. GEOL 102L may be taken concurrently. F,S.

GEOL 320. Petrology. 3 Credits.

Description, classification and origin of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Field and laboratory study of rocks. Engineering properties of earth materials. Advanced aspects of optical mineralogy. Includes laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 318. F.

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