Understand the Earth’s Past and Present with a Geology Degree

Are you concerned about clean water and a healthy environment? The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers the geology major, which encompasses a variety of studies of our planet, including considerations of composition, structure, prehistoric life, internal and surficial processes, and history. These studies have applications in the discovery and use of energy, water and mineral resources; in protection of the environment; and in planning for the impact of natural hazards (earthquakes, landslides, etc.) on societal development. Students study geosciences in the classroom, laboratory and field. 

Students in Earth and environmental sciences can earn the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in geology, a major in Topical Studies – Environmental Sciences; a minor in geology and environmental sciences; and graduate degrees with a Masters of Science in geology and a Doctor of Philosophy in geology.

What skills does studying geology develop?

- problem solving, critical and analytical thinking
- utilize computer techniques to solve problems
- collaboration with other geologists and scholars
- construct and manage various numerical, oral, graphical or textual information
- present insights and information in writing and speaking
- synthesize  the entire range of sciences (chemistry, physics, biology and 
  mathematics) in creatively solving geoscience problems

Undergraduate education requirements
http://www.uky.edu/AS/Geology/dus/undergraduate.html

Graduate education requirements
http://www.uky.edu/AS/Geology/dgs/graduate.html

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science program is designed for students who plan a career as a professional geologist or who plan to pursue a post-graduate education. The Bachelor of Arts program is designed for students planning a career in government policy relating to earth science and environmental issues, earth-science education, business (environmental consulting), environmental law, or environmental medicine. You will find geology majors using their knowledge and skills in a wide variety of occupational opportunities such as:

- petroleum geologist
- hydrogeologist
- engineering geologist
- environmental geologist
- geophysicist
- economic geologist
- geomorphologist
- paleoclimatologist
- volcanologist
- seismologist
- geochemist
- glaciologist
- mineralogist
- sedimentologist
- cartographer
- paleontologist
- petrologist
- stratigrapher
- planetary geologist
- land-use technician
- surveyor
- government
- consulting firms
- museums

For more information about careers, go to the following:

The Geological Society of America (GSA)
http://www.geosociety.org/profdev/

American Geological Institute (AGI)
www.agiweb.org/

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
http://www.aapg.org/

For more information about career opportunities, contact career counselor Jamie Johnson at jjjohn4@email.uky.edu or (859) 257-4023.