Geology

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

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Earn Your Geology Degree at UW

The geology degree program equips students with the scientific and technical skills needed to excel in a geosciences career. As undergraduates, students have access to research facilities, world-renowned faculty and unique hands-on courses to develop skills and knowledge they can use in their career and graduate programs.

Graduates have gone on to pursue secondary education and careers in many fields, including environmental sciences, energy and natural resources, water resources, natural hazards, national parks and government.

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This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the Geology Degree Program

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Geology have the unique opportunity to study the fundamentals of geology, earth processes, paleontology, geochemistry, geophysics and more! In addition to their coursework, students may complete undergraduate research, work with renowned professors and network with professionals.

A professor and two students looking at a rock in the field
Meet Our Faculty

Learn more about our exceptional geology faculty!

 

 

This degree requires that The University Studies Program 2015 requirements are met before graduation. Some of the courses required for this major fulfill USP requirements, but not all. Students should check their degree evaluations and consult with their assigned academic advisor to discuss their specific course plan. Additionally, it is important for you to confirm whether you meet the mathematical class prerequisites.

A dinosaur skeleton in UW Geological Museum

 

 

Geology Minor

If you're interested in learning more about the broader understanding of geology and earth sciences, consider tacking on a geology minor to your primary degree!

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Geology Degree Program Highlights

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

At UW, we believe hands-on experience is key. Geology students work with top faculty on field data collection, lab experiments and computational modeling. Research opportunities span mountain lakes, rock analysis, paleontology, geochemistry and more! Beyond research, students enjoy field trips and hands-on learning projects.

Research Groups

Throughout the geology degree program, students are encouraged to network with professional organizations and leaders in the field through on-campus clubs and career fairs, including The Rocky Mountain Rendezvous. Students additionally have the opportunity to join the Geology Club to discuss science and participate in social activities. Students may also participate in student chapters of professional organizations.

Student Organizations

The Department of Geology and Geophysics includes 25 nationally and internationally recognized faculty members. In addition to being wonderful resources to our students, our faculty’s careers and research have garnered many honors and awards.

  • 4 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Awards
  • Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and EAGE Junior Career Awards
  • Carnegie/CASE Professor of the Year
  • National Science Foundation (NSF) Division Director

Geology Faculty

The Department of Geology and Geophysics prides itself on offering courses that provide students with unique and marketable skills.

  • Geologic Hazards
  • Global Change
  • Earth and Mineral Resources
  • Geological Perspective on Energy
  • Geological Remote Sensing
  • Environmental Data Analysis
  • Structure and Tectonics
  • Geohydrology
  • Earth Surface Processes
  • Glaciology

 

The Department of Geology and Geophysics provides annual, merit-based scholarships to undergraduate students for research projects and conference travel.

Scholarships

Geology students have access to three UW research facilities managed by research scientists. The UW Geological Museum has additionally been in existence for 125 years and has occupied its present space since the 1950s.

  • Analytical Geochemical Laboratory (AGL) 
  • Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL)
  • The UW Near Surface Geophysics Instrument Center (UWNSG)

Research Facilities

What can you do with a geology bachelor's degree?

With a geology degree from UW, you can explore careers in environmental science, energy, water resources and even natural disaster planning. Grads also work in education, national parks and government. It’s a hands-on, versatile degree that opens doors to exciting, real-world impact jobs.

  • Geology Manager
  • Geologist 
  • Business Development Geologist
  • Professor of Geology
  • Project Coordinator
  • Senior Geologist
  • Petroleum Geologist

  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
  • Wyoming State Geological Survey
  • BKV Corporation
  • Intrepid Potash
  • Encana Corporation
  • Shell

Certainly! Many students additionally pursue further education and/or teaching opportunities. Here are a few of the places our geology graduates are making an impact:

  • Stanford University
  • University of Texas
  • Colorado School of Mines
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • University of New Mexico
  • North Arizona University
  • South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
  • University of Alaska Anchorage
  • Western State Colorado University

Our faculty members have expertise in many fields of geoscience, including:

  • Surface and subsurface fluids
  • Sustainability; Mineral exploration
  • Geothermal energy
  • Water, climate, energy nexus
  • Environmental studies
  • Data science and artificial intelligence

Dig Into the UW Geological Museum!

The UW Geological Museum is a must-see for geology majors! Run by the Department of Geology and Geophysics, it supports research, learning, and outreach. From ancient fossils to stunning exhibits, including a 75-foot Apatosaurus and “Big Al” the Allosaurus, it brings Wyoming’s geologic past to life—and it’s right on campus!

And don’t forget: UW legend says if you toss a pinecone into the T. rex’s mouth outside the museum, you’ll ace your finals!

UW Geological Museum

“The Department of Geology and Geophysics offers nationally recognized undergraduate programs that represent a unique opportunity for students to learn fundamentals of geoscience through a complete and innovative coursework that includes traditional lectures, laboratory classes and field experiences in the state of Wyoming, the most beautiful outdoor classroom that a geoscientist could ever find."

- Dario Grana, Department Head