The Discipline

Geological sciences consist of a number of disciplines aimed at understanding the Earth's origin and development and the natural processes that have operated upon it and within it from the time of formation of the solar system. With the development of remote sensing technology and the exploration of the solar system by spacecraft, geological sciences have become increasingly important for understanding not only the Earth but the Moon, other planets and their moons, and small bodies that orbit the sun.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have the opportunity to work both outdoors and in the laboratory, pursuing careers in energy, mineral, and water resources or in environmental evaluation with industry, government, or consulting firms. The substantial preparation in basic sciences and mathematics also leads to a broad spectrum of teaching opportunities. Some scholarship money is available for those who pursue a geological sciences degree as a prelaw track. The most marketable terminal degree in geological sciences is the MS. Starting salaries for this degree are often very competitive with those of other disciplines.

BS Graduation Requirements

To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:

• The university core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education. (See the University Core section of this catalog for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
• A minimum of 30 credit hours in residence
• A minimum of 120 credit hours
• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
  

Graduate Program

The expected duration of the MS program is two years for full-time students who enter without deficiencies. The MS degree is designed to give the student a solid foundation in the theoretical and applied aspects of geology and a strong research experience. The thesis component allows each student to develop skills in defining a significant problem, developing a research strategy, acquiring and analyzing data, and technical writing. An MS degree in geology prepares a student for a wide variety of employment opportunities in idustry, education, and government, or for advanced study toward a doctoral degree.

Areas of specialization available for the Geology MS degree: Earth Science Education, Environmental Geology, and Geology.

MS Graduation Requirements

• Credit hours (30): minimum 24 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (Geol 699R); 1 hour of Geol 591R.
• Required courses:
  Geology - Geol 601 and others to be determined in consulation with advisor.
  Environmental Geology - Geol 601, 635, 636, 637; 9 hours from Geol 411, 435, 436, 445, 521, 559, 560, 590R (approved by graduate committee), PAS 511, Ch En 411, CE En 545, 550, 555, 641, 654, Hlth 454. Recommended: Stat 501, 502.
  Earth Science Education - Geol 697R (approved by graduate committee), 6-9 hours from Geol 411, 435, 440, 445, 451, 460, 480; 6 hours from IP&T 560, 564, 620, 652, 661. Any additional graduate courses in geology approved by graduate comitte may be taken to satisfy remainder of 24 course work hours.
• Publishable thesis.
• Examinations: A) comprehensive oral examination on course work; B) final oral defense of thesis.

Link to the Geology BS Learning Outcomes page.

Link to the Environmental Geology Emphasis BS Learning Outcomes page.

Link to the Earth and Space Science Education BS Learning Outcomes page.

Link to the Geology MS Learning Outcomes page.

Link to the Geology Minor Learning Outcomes page.

Link to the Geology Teaching Minor Learning Outcomes page.