Geology
Geology is the scientific study of the components, internal structure, processes and evolutionary history of the earth and other planetary bodies. Knowledge of geology is applied through developing natural resources, evaluating engineering structures and foundations, and determining the effects of human activity and natural hazards on environmental quality.
Why study geology
Prepare for graduate programs in the geological and other environmental sciences or for a career as a professional geologist, hydrogeologist, engineer or an earth science teacher.
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Learn about the advantages of studying geology at UW-Eau Claire. |
Career options
Four major career paths are available in geology:
- Industry and consulting: Most geologists are employed by oil and mining companies or engineering and consulting firms. They explore for oil and mineral resources, evaluate foundations for engineering structures, determine groundwater availability and quality, investigate environmental hazards caused by human activities and natural processes, and analyze soil properties and slope stability. Employment in industry often requires a master's degree. Recent employment opportunities have grown substantially in the fields of groundwater hydrology, engineering geology, exploration geophysics and geochemistry.
- Government: Many geologists work at government agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey, the Department of Natural Resources, geological surveys of individual states, and various research laboratories and museums in the country. Many geology graduates employed by government agencies are engaged in geological field mapping, analyzing geological materials, regulating environmental quality and preparing rock specimens and fossils. Prerequisite training and experience depend on the position and the nature of the job.
- Research: Teaching and research positions generally require a doctorate degree in the related field. Professors or research geologists choose their specialty and their research project; research funding is normally obtained from universities, professional organizations and government agencies.
- Teaching: Through the College of Education and Human Sciences, geology graduates can qualify to teach earth science and related science subjects to junior high and high school students. With an advanced graduate degree there is always the option of teaching at the college level.
Undergraduate programs
The UW-Eau Claire department of geology offers:
Major
- Geology
Minor
- Geology
Areas of concentration:
Students may choose to specialize in general geology, hydrogeology and water chemistry, environmental science, geological engineering, marine geology or earth and space science.
High school preparation
- Familiarity with computer applications (i.e. word processing, spreadsheets, drawing) and the ability to write clearly are beneficial for those who plan to major in geology.
- All students who enroll at UW-Eau Claire are required to have a
minimum of 17 college preparatory units including:
– 4 years of English (at least 3 composition and literature)
– 2 years of a single foreign language
– 3 years of math (algebra, geometry, 1 advanced college preparatory math)
– 3 years of natural science
– 3 years of social science (1 must be world or American history)
– 2 additional units in the areas already mentioned or other academic areas
Freshman course work (sample first year)
Fall semester
- Geol 110*, Physical Geology or Geol 115*, Environmental Geology, 4 credits
- Math 114*, Calculus I or Math 215*, Calculus II, 4 credits
- Engl 110, Introduction to College Writing, 5 credits
- General education elective, 3 credits
Spring semester
- Chem 115*, Chemical Principles, 5 credits
- Geology elective, 3 credits
- General education electives, 7 credits
*critical for first year
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