Geology is the study of Earth’s history through its physical structure. Geologists look at mountains and rock formations to understand how Earth came to be. It is also known as Earth science or geoscience. Mountainous areas are not only gorgeous, but they also hold the answers to how Earth came to be and what events it has been through. So, geology is understandably fascinating to many. If you are a huge mountain lover or very into Earth science, below we have compiled a list of colleges with great geology programs.
What you can expect in this article:
- Colleges across the United States
- Colleges with research programs
- Colleges offering scholarships and other forms of financial aid
- Community colleges
- Universities
- Two year programs
- Four year programs
- Careers you can pursue with an education in geology
California Institute of Technology’s Geology Program
California Institute of Technology has major, minor, and PhD programs in geology. 90% of undergrad students participate in research, which is important for a subject such as geology. Many geology courses also go on a field trip, which is another hands-on way to learn, as well as an opportunity to bond with your peers in the program. Field trips run throughout the school year. U.S. News ranks Caltech’s geology program as number one for the 2023-2024 guidebook. Caltech also offers financial aid through grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. The school also has a relatively small student body of 982 undergrad students, and a 3:1 student to faculty ratio. If you learn better in smaller classrooms, Caltech is a great match.
University of Colorado Boulder’s Geology Program
UColorado Boulder has a geology program that requires students to take chemistry, calculus, and physics as well as a number of geology-specific courses. If you are interested in geology but do not want to take these classes, the requirements for a geology minor are much less demanding. The university also has its own Museum of Natural History in addition to ties with several other research institutes and centers. More university resources include an Earth Science Library and tutor rooms specifically set aside for geological science classes. If you are worried about the price of getting this education, UColorado Boulder has many student employment opportunities that can help you earn money in a way that is flexible to your class schedule.
Columbia’s Earth Science Program
Columbia offers both a major and minor Earth Science. Before you complete an Earth Science degree at Columbia, you must do a Senior Capstone project. This project involves doing research in an institute associated with the university. Or, seniors can take part in a six to eight week field course. Required courses include calculus, chemistry, physics, geochemistry, and Earth dynamics. Columbia University accepts financial aid. Columbia’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences also gives out the Investigator Award to chosen individuals, which grants them funds for research. Columbia’s location is also a huge plus. Being in the heart of New York City, you will be able to network and gain opportunities due to the amount of employers and other universities near you. Barnard, Columbia’s sister school, New York University, campuses for Fordham University and St. John’s University, and more are all located in Manhattan as well.
University of Rhode Island’s Geology Studies
The University of Rhode Island is unique in its Geological Oceanography major, a specialization within geology. For this major, students are required to take hydrogeology and a field camp course. The summer field camp course is four to six weeks long, and it allows students to gain hands-on experience identifying rocks, mapping, and more. The university also offers a general geology major. The university accepts financial aid, and it offers scholarships. The ACN, Alumni of Color Network, funds a scholarship that goes towards supporting students of color. The Geological Oceanography major is unique to U Rhode Island, so if you are interested in the program, run, don't walk to apply!
Flathead Valley Community College’s Geology Program
Flathead Valley Community College has a two year geology program, which grants you an associate’s degree. The advisors at this college also work with you to ensure that your credits transfer to a four year university, in the chance that you’d like to continue your education to earn a bachelor’s degree. The college works with The University of Montana directly, but you can also transfer your credits to another university if you choose. There are two advisors who work specifically with geology majors, so you will be well cared for if you have any questions or concerns while applying or during your time there.
This is a great plan if you’d like to save money the first two years but still earn a degree from a four year university. College can get incredibly pricey with housing, food, textbooks, and tuition, so if you can eliminate many of these costs by going to community college the first half of school, you can save a lot of money. Plus, you do not give up the “college experience,” since you always have the option of living at a university for the next two years. Dorms and other aspects of college life aren’t going anywhere, so don’t be afraid to postpone university in exchange for some years at community college. Not to mention, you will meet incredible people and instructors at community college itself.
University Of Texas at Austin’s School of Geosciences
UT Austin offers degrees in general geology, geophysics, geosystems engineering, and geological sciences. The school also has a library dedicated to geology, called the Walter Geology Library. Not many schools have a huge resource like the Walter Library solely dedicated to geology, so if you want to major in geology or a subject related to it, you will have a lot of resources to turn to. As for costs, if you live in Texas and have an income within a certain range, you will receive guaranteed need-based aid due to the Texas Advance Commitment. Additionally, if you are a veteran, you can apply for Veteran Education Benefits. The school is a great option, especially if you are a resident of Texas. It is ranked the number one public university in Texas.
Northwestern’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
Northwestern’s earth science curriculum includes computer modeling, field training, theory, data analysis, and more. Northwestern undergrad students often conduct research and have gone on to work for impressive companies. To name just a few, Northwestern students and alumni have worked for Quaternary Sediment Labs, the NU Undergraduate Expo, the American Geophysical Union, Illinois Beach State Park, and the Geological Society of America, among others. Northwestern also has scholarships specifically for geology students, including the Seager Fellowship in Geological Sciences. Additionally, the university has ties with Sierra Club, US Department of Energy, National Park Service, and more. Attending Northwestern is a great first step to finding research and internship opportunities, as well as alumni who can serve as mentors for you early on in your education.
Careers for Geology Majors
If you’re interested in pursuing your interest but you’re unsure of how you can use this degree in the future, there are many careers that prize a background in geology. Your knowledge can be useful in various different sectors, from oil and mining to National Parks and creating environmental regulations. You can also help spread your expertise by teaching, either as a grade school Earth Science teacher or as a geology professor for higher education. You can even become an author or a museum curator! Or, you can go on to law school and become an attorney within environmental law.
The possibilities are truly endless, and an education in geology opens you up to so many different paths that you may have never thought of. Even if you do not want to major in geology, most schools have a geology minor. This way, you can still explore your love for the subject without committing to it completely. Either way, you can never go wrong with going after your passion, and you will ultimately find the career that is fit for you. Good luck on your college applications, and keep being curious!
