geology student exploring the world

Geology Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Turn the earth into your classroom with the hands-on experiences offered by UND's Geology program.

Much of geology is done outdoors, and most of our Geology classes involve field work that takes students and instructors to spectacular places in our region.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
125

Why pursue a geology degree?

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

Geologists take the best from other sciences and apply it to the study of Earth. They investigate Earth materials, the properties and structures of those materials, Earth processes and evolution, the history of our planet, and natural hazards and related phenomena.

The metals that go into our electronics. The energy that powers our society. The fundamental answers about the nature of our planet itself. Geologists are responsible for helping find each of these things, as well as answers about the fundamental forces that made our planet.

Geology Degree Research Opportunities

Our students enjoy excellent and dedicated faculty, small classes, and are provided many opportunities for hands-on experiences, including a five-week field camp. Much of geology is done outdoors, and most of our classes involve field work that takes students and instructors to spectacular places in our region.

10-day spring trips provide opportunities to study geology in farther away places. Recent trips have gone to the warm southwest, to Hawaii, and to Belize. Our faculty interests span the globe, and students have the opportunity to join faculty in research projects, including, most recently, projects in Antarctica.

All students compete authentic research projects and write a senior thesis, so they develop the skills need for successful careers after college.

UND's Geology Degree

  • Gain the skills necessary to launch your career in industry, teaching or government, or pursue advanced study.

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

  • The four-story, 70,000-square-foot Leonard Hall is specifically designed for geology and geoengineering.

  • 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.

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

  • Travel to exotic geological formations on 10-day spring break excursions with student clubs.

What can you do with a geology degree?

93K

Median annual salary for geoscientists, 2020

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

7%

Anticipated job growth for geoscientists from 2020-2030

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
  • High schools and middle schools

Typical careers include:

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

Geology Degree Jobs

Geology alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Center for Energy and Environment
  • Big Rock Exploration, LLC
  • Insight Environmental, Inc.
  • North Dakota State Water Commission

Geology Degree Courses You Could Take

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.

Leaders in Action

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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