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GeologyMajor

Geologists look back millions of years in the past, conduct experiments in the present and predict what the earth’s future might be. Geology is an interdisciplinary science that trains you to study the natural resources that shape our lives.

Overview

What is Geology at WVU like?

Description

Geologists look back millions of years in the past, conduct experiments in the present and predict what the earth’s future might be. An interdisciplinary science drawing on physics, chemistry, biology and more, Geology trains you to study the natural resources that shape our lives today.

West Virginia is rich with unique resources and close to the natural laboratory of the Appalachian mountains. Our Department brings students out into the field and works closely with the energy and environmental industries and with the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Training in the field and in the lab with cutting-edge technology prepares you for a wide range of careers or graduate studies.

Geology program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes Geology at WVU unique?

Dual Major

This major offers the option to simultaneously complete a second bachelor's degree in:

Research and Academic Opportunities

Geology students take courses in mineralogy, petrology, stratigraphy and structural geology, and select electives that best suit their interests. Some choose to complete a dual degree in Mining Engineering and Geology, taking a combination of Geology and engineering courses.

All Geology students gain practical research experience through an intensive five-week summer field camp in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. Many choose to add a second major or a minor to further broaden their opportunities.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

WVUteach

Do you want a another career option? You can earn a secondary teaching certificate through WVUteach while completing a four-year degree in WVU's Geology major. One degree, two degree options.

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Geology major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Geology at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Geology major.

View the Plan of Study
 

Popular Courses

GEOL 103:
Earth Through Time

Evolution of the Earth and its inhabitants. (Accompanied by registration in GEOL 104, class meets requirements for 4 hr. credit in a laboratory science in geology.)

GEOL 230:
Fossils and Evolution

Evolutionary history of plants, marine invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, dinosaurs, birds, and mammals; emphasis on unique contribution of fossil record to evolutionary theory. (2 hr. lec., 1 hr. lab.) (Credit cannot be obtained for both GEOL 103 and GEOL 230.)

GEOL 284:
Mineralogy

Elements of crystallography and the systematic study of minerals, identification of minerals in hand specimens according to physical properties. (Required weekend field trip covered by the lab fee.)

GEOL 300:
Geology of West Virginia

Journey through geologic history of West Virginia with emphasis on the geology of public lands and fossil fuels. Local and overnight field trips are a required part of this course.

GEOL 302:
Geology of the National Parks

Explore the geology of selected National Parks with emphasis on the plate tectonic setting and in-depth analysis of surface features. One overnight field trip is required as part of this course.

GEOL 331:
Paleontology

Uses of paleontological data in geology; biostratigraphy, paleoecology, evolution, extinction, and biogeography; lab emphasis on identification and utilization of marine invertebrate fossils. (Required weekend field trip at student's expense.)

GEOL 466:
Cave and Karst Geology

Study of the nature and origins of cave and karst landforms, terrains, geomorphology, hydrogeology, environmental hazards, and petroleum and mineral ore deposits. (Two required field trips.)

Cost and Aid

How much does Geology at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current West Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

West Virginia Resident
Per Credit $428
Per Semester $5,136
Fall and Spring Semesters $10,272
Non-Resident
Per Credit $1,165
Per Semester $13,980
Fall and Spring Semesters $27,960
International
Per Credit $1,165
Per Semester $14,280
Fall and Spring Semesters $28,560
Scholarship Chart

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Geology at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Geology major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2022-23 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

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Request Information

Want to know more about Geology at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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Visit WVU

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