Geology | Earth Sciences (2024)

The University of South Alabama offers a Bachelor of Science in Geology that prepares students to enter the scientific workforce or continue studies in graduate school. Students who major in geology receive extensive hands-on training through multiple field trips and research opportunities conducted in diverse geological regions, including Alabama, Texas and New Mexico. Students can also choose to minor in Geology.

Geology students study the Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological features and evolution over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Geology course sizes at South are small, which allows faculty to provide individualized attention. Students are mentored by experienced faculty advisors and receive personalized advice on seeking geology careers or pursuing graduate research opportunities following graduation.

▼ Careers in Geology

The Bachelor of Science in Geology at South prepares students to enter the scientific workforce.

Geologists work in the following fields:

  • mining and mineral exploration
  • petroleum exploration
  • engineering geology
  • environmental geology
  • research and academia
  • hydrology
  • volcanology
  • seismology
  • planetary geology
  • paleontology
  • remote sensing and geographic information systems
  • teaching
  • landfill design
  • military planning
  • urban planning
  • hazards mitigation
  • police and legal work
  • state and federal government

Students in the geology program at South are mentored by experienced faculty advisors and receive personalized advice on seeking geology careers or pursuing graduate research opportunities following graduation. South maintains close contact with alumni who are currently employed as geologists in the mining, petroleum, environmental, water supply and research fields.

For more information on potential careers in geology, please visit the following websites:

Geology | Earth Sciences (2024)

FAQs

What is the science of geology? ›

Also known as 'geoscience' or 'Earth science', geology is the study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and its natural mineral and energy resources. Geology investigates the processes that have shaped the Earth through its 4500 million (approximate!)

What are the 15 branches of Earth science? ›

Physical geography can be divided into several branches or related fields, as follows: geomorphology, biogeography, environmental geography, palaeogeography, climatology, meteorology, coastal geography, hydrology, ecology, glaciology.

What are the branches of geology? ›

The Main Branches of Geology. There are three major subdivisions of geology, physical geology, historical geology, and environmental geology.

How hard is a geology degree? ›

Geology can be tough but enthusiasm can make up for that in part. Do note that the upper level Geology courses can be highly mathematical- my course is a geochemistry course in which the math doesn't get that much harder than logarithms and algebra, yet several percent of each class still fails every semester.

What is taught in geology? ›

Geologists study the materials, processes, products, physical nature, and history of the Earth. Geomorphologists study Earth's landforms and landscapes in relation to the geologic and climatic processes and human activities, which form them.

Is geology a science major? ›

Learning Goals for the Major

Geology is a broad science concerned with a vast range of physical phenomena in both space and time, and thus, it requires a broad scientific background.

What are 7 subdivisions of earth science? ›

Explore the branches of earth science! These include geology, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, environmental science, and astronomy.

Is earth science the same as geology? ›

Earth science is a very broad term which encompasses four different branches of study: geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. So, geology is one part of earth science. Overall, earth science deals with the Earth itself, the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and its place in the solar system.

What are the 5 main branches of earth science? ›

Earth science is made of many branches of knowledge concerning all aspects of the Earth system. The main branches are geology, meteorology, climatology, oceanography, and environmental science.

What is a major in geology? ›

As a geology major or minor, you will study the Earth's processes in classrooms, labs and in the field. The department offers five major tracks: General Geology; Environmental Earth Science; Earth, Planetary and Space Science; Geochemistry; and Public Policy.

Which is the best field in geology? ›

The top sectors for working within the field of Geology, are Construction, Environmental Protection, Energy, Disaster Detection, Research, Mining and Quarrying, Teaching and Communication, Hydrogeology, Geotechnical Engineering, and Natural Resources .

What type of major is geology? ›

This is not simply a study of rocks, but often a wider exploration of the Earth's history, chemistry and physics. Geology is a broad term often used interchangeably with earth sciences and geosciences. The fields can differ by college department or by specific skills that apply to careers.

Is geology a high paying major? ›

The best Geology jobs can pay up to $400,000 per year.

For example, you can work as an engineering geologist, advising companies during an engineering project. The oil and gas industry utilizes geologists in both exploration and drilling to determine the content of the soil and take environmental measurements.

Is geology a lot of math? ›

You may be surprised to learn that geologist use math often and with almost everything they do. A geologist is a scientist who studies Earth's physical structure and substance, both in solid and liquid form.

Can I be a geologist if I'm bad at math? ›

A good geologist must have a working knowledge of these sciences and one cannot have a good working knowledge of them without a strong foundation in math.

What is an example of geology in science? ›

Physical geology deals with the study of the physical features of the earth and the processes acting on them. This includes volcanoes, earthquakes, rocks, mountains and the oceans; just about any feature of the earth.

What does geologists mean in science? ›

A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that constitutes Earth and other terrestrial planets, as well as the processes that shape them.

Is geology rock science? ›

Geologists are scientists who study a planet's solid features, like soil, rocks, and minerals. There are all kinds of rocks and minerals that make up our planet – as well as the Moon, Mars, and other rocky worlds.

Is geology the same as Earth science? ›

Earth science is a very broad term which encompasses four different branches of study: geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy. So, geology is one part of earth science. Overall, earth science deals with the Earth itself, the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and its place in the solar system.

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