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Majors and Minors

The word is out about Blugold geology, and that word is outstanding. Our nationally recognized program combines a rigorous field-based curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty who are passionate about teaching. Through strong industry connections and grants, our students also have opportunities for internships and careers unmatched by other schools.

The geology and environmental science department offers the following programs:

  1. Earth Resources Program type: Certificate Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

    Gain core science, policy and communication skills to better understand — and communicate about — complex environmental issues involving mineral and water extraction and usage.

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  2. Geology, BA or BS Program type: Major; Minor Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus
    Bryanna Rayhorn says she loved doing something new in a place most people will never see.

    Become a professional geologist, hydrogeologist or geological engineer, or prepare for geological sciences or engineering graduate programs, with a bachelor's degree in geology.

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  3. Geology - Environmental Science Emphasis, BA or BS Program type: Major Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus
    Geology students during a field experience

    Pursue a career in environmental geology, land conservation or environmental policy with a bachelor's degree in geology - environmental science.

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  4. Geology - Hydrogeology and Water Chemistry Emphasis, BA or BS Program type: Major Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus
    Geology students working on a capstone project outdoors

    Explore topics like groundwater development and management, conservation of surface and subsurface waters, and the application of chemistry to geologic problems. Designed for students interested in hydrogeology, geochemistry and environmental geology careers or graduate programs.

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  5. Geology and Geological Engineering Dual Degree, BA or BS Program type: Major Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus
    Geology students learning in the classroom

    Start your journey toward becoming a geological engineer. Study the origin and evolution of sedimentary rocks; better understand digital techniques in geological sciences; and learn about the acquisition, processing and interpretation of geophysical data.

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  6. Marine Science Program type: Minor Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

    Study, maintain and preserve marine life and all it offers with a minor in marine science. A perfect pairing for those majoring in biology, chemistry, geography or geology.

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  7. Pre-Engineering Program type: Pre-Professional Program Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus
    Engineering books in the UWEC bookstore

    Interested in becoming an engineer? Our pre-engineering program will prepare you for the next step in your career.

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  8. Responsible Mining Program type: Certificate Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

    Learn best practices in responsible resource development and how to help protect our environment with a certificate in responsible mining. This certificate is an excellent choice for those who wish to join state regulatory agencies, such as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

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  9. Teaching - Science, Earth/Space Science Emphasis, BS Program type: Major Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

    Start your journey toward becoming a science teacher with a bachelor's degree in teaching - science, earth/space science emphasis. Graduates leave with specialized, in-depth knowledge of geology, oceanography, astronomy and meteorology, and are prepared to teach any science course to grades 4-12.

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  10. Water Resources Program type: Certificate Delivery: On Campus Campus: Eau Claire Campus

    Explore the origin, nature, distribution, movement, exploitation and conservation of surface and subsurface waters, as well as the problems associated with the development of water resources in Wisconsin and the U.S..

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View all UWEC academic programs

Whether your goals are to pursue a career in industry, governmental regulatory agencies, education, or a career in scientific research, a degree in geology from UW-Eau Claire will be a step above the rest. Our field-based curriculum provides students the opportunity to do the work of geologists from the first entry level course, and that fact alone sets us apart.

With a strong emphasis on undergraduate research, UW-Eau Claire geology boasts some of the highest numbers of faculty-student collaborative projects on campus, with upwards of twenty presentations each year at the annual celebration of student research. 

And thanks to tremendous alumni, community, industry support and partnerships like the Responsible Mining Initiative, Blugold students benefit from academic and career options simply not available at other universities. The scholarship and grant funding offered through these partnerships allows our students to rely less heavily on student loans, as we are able to offer high-impact practices at a lower cost than programs at comparable institutions.

Is geology the right choice for me?

When considering the right academic fit for you, the following attributes are typical of geology students:

  • Strength and interest in science
  • Love of the outdoors
  • Interest in the environment
  • Ability to apply classroom lessons to field experiences
  • 3-dimensional thinker
  • Aptitude for math and chemistry
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