B.S. in Geology

The Major in Geology at Colorado State University provides a rigorous academic and practical basis for diverse professional geosciences careers that include private and public sector water, energy, mineral and other natural resources, geologic hazards, resources and environmental management, and education.

This major provides a solid science and general education background for subsequent graduate training in specialized fields, including hydrology, geophysics, environmental geology, economic geology, resources management, public policy, and many other areas.

The Major in Geology at Colorado State University curriculum encompasses a strong geosciences education within the broader framework of a liberal education. Emphasis is placed on integrating field studies in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and elsewhere with extensive on-campus classroom and laboratory work. In addition to obtaining a thorough knowledge of geosciences, students complete courses in mathematics, physical sciences, communications, and the liberal arts that lead to effective quantitative, decision making, and communications skills. Four concentrations are offered to allow focus on specialized career interests: Geology, Environmental Geology, Geophysics, and Hydrogeology.

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

• A solid foundation in the physical sciences and broad understanding of geological processes
• Application of field and classroom scientific reasoning skills to data analysis and problem solving in the geosciences, both individually and in teams
• An awareness of sociopolitical, economic factors, and ethical practices and standards relevant to professional careers in geosciences

Potential Occupations

Many opportunities exist for geology graduates in the private and public sectors within a wide range of societally important and satisfying careers.

Environmental management, energy resources, water resource and management, construction services, mining, power generation, computer software, and many other industries employ geoscientists in exploration, development, production, communications, building, management, and research.

Federal agencies employ geoscientists for resource mapping and assessment, oil-gas-coal-groundwater-geothermal resource evaluation and development, resource and environmental water studies, leasing and conservation, resource restoration and rehabilitation, hazards assessment and mitigation, regulatory activities, national defense, and basic and applied research.

State and local governments also employ geoscientists for geologic and soils mapping and resource management, natural resources, hazards evaluation and mitigation, public information activities, consulting, management, and communications.