Geological Sciences
Did you fill your pockets with rocks as a kid? Do you love hiking and being outside? Do you care about climate change, protecting our natural resources and keeping people safe from natural disasters? If so, let's talk about geological sciences, a degree that can take you from volcanoes in California to glaciers in Greenland … and far beyond. If this sounds interesting—and you like science and math—get ready to dig in.
What will I learn?
How do landslides happen? How do you map a landscape, classify minerals and identify fossils? These are just a few of the questions you can explore as you study the forces that shape our planet. As a geological sciences student, you’ll typically take classes in chemistry, calculus and physics, as well as geology and related subjects. Of course, you’ll also have hands-on labs where you can study specimens up close and learn how to use specialized tools.
Geological Sciences BA vs. BS
- The BA is a flexible major for students who are thinking about teaching geology, practicing environmental law or doing something related to the field.
- The BS is a more in-depth program, designed for students who want to be geologists.
What can I do with a geological sciences degree?
Our alumni have served as a Mars mission simulation astronaut for NASA, overseen the No. 1 fossil park in the U.S., monitored volcanoes, captured hazardous waste, and co-discovered a hydrothermal field in the Pacific Ocean, to name just a few of their accomplishments. In fact, geoscientists work in an incredible range of positions, including:
- Environmental consultant.
- Exploration geophysicist.
- Geologist.
- Geographic information system (GIS) spatial analyst.
- Geophysicist.
- Hydrogeologist.
- Oceanographer.
- Oil and gas drilling technician.
- Petroleum geologist.
- Public information officer.
- Science teacher.
A degree in geological sciences opens doors to work for a government agency like the Bureau of Land Management or U.S. Geological Survey, or for a private company, including many different types of consulting firms.
Want to be a teacher?
Be prepared to teach grades 5-12 by getting your bachelor's and master's in just five years through our UB Teach program.
- Save time and money.
- No need to apply to graduate school.
- Be eligible for New York State professional teaching certification.
Visit the department website (at the top of this page) for more details, or see the UB Teach website for a list of all available majors.