Geology

Career - what can you do with a geology degree?

A geology degree from BGSU offers a rock solid foundation for success – whether your work takes you out into the field analyzing rock formations, to a laboratory conducting fossil research or to boardrooms guiding key environmental decisions.  

A B.S. in geology typically leads to careers in fieldwork, lab research and environmental problem-solving. A B.A. in geology may provide opportunities for double majoring or stacking of additional career-focused credentials. Faculty mentors can provide personalized assistance in helping geology degree majors decide which path is the right one for their professional goals.

Geologists are in high demand across industries amid the backdrop of increasingly urgent global challenges like climate change, water scarcity, rising natural disasters and soaring energy costs. Most geology degree jobs are in government, corporate consulting, nonprofit advocacy and academia.  

Geologists work in: 

• Oil and gas exploration
• Resource management and mining
• Environmental consulting
• Natural hazard mitigation
• Planetary exploration  

The work geologists do is important in helping societies:

• Understand and prepare for hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods and landslides.
• Investigate the origin and evolution of life and landscapes on Earth, and how climate changes have shaped our planet and its lifeforms.
• Explore the chemistry and movement of ocean waters and their impacts on climate and weather.
• Protect and manage precious natural resources like water, minerals and energy sources more safely and responsibly.

Curriculum

Geology is the study of Earth, its materials, its structure and the processes that are acting upon them. Geologists have the responsibility of discovering natural resources, identifying natural hazards and supplying critical information to help solve problems and establish important policy on protecting/managing natural resources, the environment and public health, safety and welfare.

Exact curriculum requirements differ depending on whether you are working toward the B.S. or B.A. Both include a minimum of 122 credit hours – 40 of those at the 3000/4000 level.

Graduates with a geology degree are able to:

• Identify, describe and classify earth materials, formations and structures and interpret them in the context of geological processes. 
• Analyze and report quantitative geologic data collected in the field and laboratory. 
• Read, write, present and critically evaluate geologic reports, professional papers and maps. 
• Synthesize information from a variety of disciplines to solve geologic problems.
  

Required B.A. courses

Required B.S. courses

Field Course

The BGSU Field Course is a hands-on, summer-long learning experience that takes geology students beyond the classroom and into the heart of diverse geological landscapes.  

This immersive program exposes geology students to a wide range of real-world geological settings and applications that integrate cutting-edge technology like digital field mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance your understanding of Earth’s dynamic processes. 

Master essential geology skills in the field

Work with sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks, developing the ability to make systematic observations, record precise data and interpret geological formations with confidence.  

Explore iconic geological regions such as the Basin and Range, the Colorado Plateau and the Rocky Mountain provinces with field exercises such as:

• Sedimentary section analysis – measuring and interpreting stratigraphic sequences
• Geologic mapping – constructing detailed geologic maps from field observations
• Structural analysis – examining folds, faults and other geological formations
• Slope stability and environmental assessments – evaluating geohazards and land stability
• Fossil exploration – Students specializing in paleobiology will analyze the fossil record at each location.

Prepare for careers in modern geology by gaining experience with tools like Brunton compasses, GPS receivers, GIS databases and more.

Facilities, laboratories and equipment

BGSU geology majors have the advantage of state-of-the art laboratories and facilities in five buildings across campus. The School of Earth, Environment and Society offers top-of-the-line tools for use in hands-on learning and research in geophysical analysis, field hydrology, surveying and more.  

Specialized laboratories include:

• GeoInformatics Laboratory (GIL)
• G-ECO Remote Sensing Lab
• Paleontology laboratory
• Geochemistry laboratory
• High temperature and pressure mineral synthesis laboratory
• Sedimentary processes laboratory
• Sediment core lab
• Rock preparation facilities