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Accelerated Geology Degree

B.S. and M.A./M.S.

Accelerate your geology career with a combined degree that gives you the technical skills to advance in your field.

At UND, we emphasize getting into the field and digging into your research interest. When you return to campus, you'll work in state-of-the-art labs and facilities that will help you turn your findings into knowledge. If you’re looking for the straightest line from education to professional, a UND Master's degree is right for you. And, now with the option of a combined degree program, you can complete your higher education in an efficient way.

Program type:
Accelerated (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
5 years
Credit hours:
155

Why pursue an accelerated geology degree?

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

 

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
March 1* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Sept. 1 | Dec. 1

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Complete the required courses, and you'll earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time. You’ll declare your program of study as an undergraduate student and follow a straightforward plan to graduate with a master’s degree.

  1. Incoming freshman or transfer students apply to UND as an undergraduate student.
  2. After completing 60 credits, apply to the School of Graduate Studies.

Cutting-edge facilities and extensive hands-on experiences, including a five-week field camp, are hallmarks of UND's Geology program. By the time you graduate with your combined bachelor's master's degree, you'll have:

  • A comprehensive understanding of geology
  • Skills in modern geological techniques and instrumentation
  • The ability to seek, analyze and present new information — all critical skills to find entry-level work.
Our faculty interests span the globe, and you may have the opportunity to follow them as you participate in joint research; projects in Antarctica as well as other remote locations are ongoing.

Geology Program Research Opportunities

The M.A. in geology is geared toward students with a background in the liberal arts as they prepare for careers in geoscience-related areas. If you're considering a Ph.D., take a look at our M.S. in Geology. Areas of research emphasis include:

  • Applied geology, such as hydrology and environmental, economic and petroleum geology.
  • Sedimentology, stratigraphy and paleontology.
  • Geomorphology and glacial geology.
  • Petrology and geochemistry.
  • Geophysics and tectonics.
  • And interdisciplinary geological projects involving several research areas, including integrated basin analysis, surface mining and reclamation, and underground coal gasification.

A thesis is required.

Accelerated Geology Degree at UND

  • Access the largest geoscience library in the upper Midwest, which contains 100,000 maps and 50,000 volumes.

  • The Geology program is based in the four-story, 70,000-square-foot Leonard Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for research in geophysics, hydrogeology, petroleum engineering, mining and more.

  • Undergrads are eligible for more than a dozen scholarships specifically earmarked for students in the Harold Hamm School of Geology and Geological Engineering.

  • Network, travel and find other opportunities by joining clubs such as the Association of University of North Dakota Geologists or Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the national geoscience honor society.

  • Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

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

What can I do with an accelerated geology degree?

93k

Median annual salary for geoscientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for geoscientists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A geology degree is the gateway to careers in a wide range of fields. Employers include:

  • Environmental and engineering geology companies
  • Federal government
  • Laboratories
  • Mining and mineral industries
  • Oil and gas industry
  • State geological surveys
  • Universities and colleges

Typical careers include:

  • Geologist
  • Operations geologist
  • Biostratigrapher
  • Senior geologist
  • Maturation geologist
  • Structural geologist
  • Sedimentologist
  • Stratigrapher

Accelerated Geology Courses

GEOL 411. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. 3 Credits.

Describe and classify siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks; interpret sedimentary structures in ancient sedimentary rocks in terms of depositional, erosional or deformational processes, interpret ancient depositional environments of siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks; understand and appreciate the difference between rock and time units in sedimentary successions; recognize and appreciate the importance of unconformities in sedimentary successions and for the formation of hydrocarbons; discuss mechanisms responsible for sedimentary basin formation, and describe and classify sedimentary basins (if we get to that last point). This course is also designed to teach you how to reference adequately in the text and how to make a reference list (plus what should be in there). Prerequisite: GEOL 320. S.

GEOL 311. Geomorphology. 4 Credits.

In this course you will learn about the Earth's surface: what processes created the landforms we see today and how those landforms are evolving through time. The topics include: rivers, glaciers, wind, weathering, soils, groundwater, slope processes, dating of the surface deposits, and current and past climate change. The course objective is to provide students with a good understanding of the processes and materials that shape the Earth's surface. Includes field trip and hands on laboratory. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203 or consent of instructor. F.

GEOL 318. Mineralogy. 2 Credits.

Survey of the origin, distribution and uses of rock-forming minerals. Introduction to mineral structures, crystal chemistry, and crystallography. Prerequisite: GEOL 101 or GEOE 203, and CHEM 121 or consent of instructor. Corequisite: GEOL 318L for on-campus students; distance students will take GEOL 318L during the summer session. S.

GEOL 512. Advanced Petrology. 1-4 Credits.

Selected topics in petrology taught using conventional lecture and laboratory/field approach. Prerequisite: GEOL 320.

GEOL 515. Advanced Paleontology. 3 Credits.

Selected topics include (but not limited to): Invertebrate paleontology; vertebrate paleontology; paleoecology; taxonomy; museum studies; western continental stratigraphy; critical boundaries. May be repeated. Prerequisite: GEOL 415, BIOL 150, or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 40.00 credits. On demand.

GEOL 551. Heat Flow. 3 Credits.

An exploration of Earth's thermal structure, thermal history and heat sources. The course begins with the theory of heat transfer within and through the surface of terrestrial planets. Methods of observation and modeling provide hands-on experience in field and laboratory activities. Applications of heat flow in tectonics, petrology, thermal maturity of kerogen, hydrogeology, geothermics and climate change are presented with current examples. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Corequisite: Permission of instructor. On demand.

Online Accelerated Geology Degree

#2

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

Flexible Online Accelerated Geology Degree Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

Top-Tier Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders in Geology

By visiting sites across North Dakota geology students can learn through hands-on experience.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities. 

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