Program at a glance
How much does it cost?聽
Learn more about how to afford a degree from the 推荐杏吧原创.
How can I learn more?
and sign-up to connect with a recruiter.
How do I apply?
Open to all undergraduate students. Learn how to apply to the 推荐杏吧原创.
What will I learn in a geology degree program?
The Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering has one of the strongest groups of geoscientists in the U.S., many professional labs for students to gain valuable experience, and a close working relationship with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and the Nevada Seismological Laboratory. All of these factors make for an exceptional undergraduate education in geology.
Learning outcomes
Our program gives students the opportunity to explore earth-science research areas such as geodynamics, volcanology, geochemistry and petrology, earth and planetary surface processes, and mineral and energy resources with expert faculty.
Graduates of the geology program will graduate with the skills and experience necessary to pursue a wide range of careers. As a student in the geology program, you will:
- Pursue field, laboratory, experimental, and modeling studies of geological and environmental problems around the world
- Conduct research and studies in the many natural laboratories of Nevada, California and the western United States
- Enjoy a full complement of modern facilities, instrumentation, laboratories and technical support personnel
- Work closely with research-active faculty to gain valuable hands-on experience
Students may also pursue a minor in geology, giving them an advantage when searching for jobs.
Summer Field Camp
Students pursuing a degree in geology get plenty of in-the-field experience, including a six-week field camp course spent out in the heart of the Basin-and-Range province in Nevada. Students from all over the U.S. join the 推荐杏吧原创 geology program for this exceptional hands-on experience. It is comprehensive, real-world experiences like the geology field camp that attract and graduate adventurous and driven students.
Learn more about the geological sciences and engineering department
Faculty in our department work closely with undergraduate students to provide hands-on experience in a wide range of work environments, helping you to graduate with a set of skills that are in high demand in Nevada and around the world.
What it means to earn a Mackay degree
This degree is awarded by the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering. Find out what Mackay's rich history, strong connection to industry and dedication to student internship and career support can do for you.
Learn more about the Mackay School
Careers with a degree in geology
Earning your bachelor's degree in geology leads to a wide range of careers within the energy, environmental or engineering sectors. Earning your degree from the Mackay School can help to give you an edge when job hunting.
Career opportunities for geology graduates include jobs such as the following:
- Environmental consultant
- Geochemist
- Geotechnical engineer
- Hydrographic surveyor
- Drilling engineer
- Energy engineer
- Quarry manager
- Sustainability consultant
A degree in geology equates to high earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of a geoscientist with a bachelor's degree in geology is $83,680 in 2021. Additionally, the field is showing as fast as average growth.
Take the next step
You can afford the 推荐杏吧原创
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the 推荐杏吧原创 with no student debt.
Related programs
Life's a journey. Honors makes it meaningful.
At the 推荐杏吧原创 Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.
Visit the Honors College