Bachelor of Science in Geology

The Bachelor of Science degree in geology is designed for students interested in geology positions within either the private or public sector, as well as for students who will pursue graduate work. Qualified students are encouraged to seek a graduate degree; however B.S. geologists who have developed solid technical and communication skills have excellent employment prospects in the energy industry and environmental and geotechnical firms. Instructional facilities and equipment include laboratories for mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, sedimentology, paleontology, hydrogeology, geophysics, geomorphology, structural geology, and excellent computer facilities. Field studies are stressed in upper-level classes, capped by a six-credit field course examining folded and faulted sedimentary rocks as well as igneous and metamorphic rocks in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. A wide variety of resources are available to augment classroom learning, including cooperative research programs with the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey, the National Energy Technology Laboratories of the U.S. Department of Energy, the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Monongahela National Forest, and numerous private geosciences firms. Internships are encouraged to broaden the learning experience and to enhance employment prospects. Major Learning Goals Upon successful completion of the B.S. degree, Geology majors will be able to: Show competence in the identification of minerals, rocks, and fossils using various field and lab techniques. Demonstrate geological reasoning in the solving of problems. Demonstrate competence in the use of computers for geological problem solving. Describe the connections among energy, mineral and hydrological resource exploitation and their impacts on Earth environments. Describe an exposure of rocks in the field including rock type, sedimentary structures, and fossils; illustrate these data in a graphic column. Create geologic maps and cross sections based on data collected by the student in the field. Interpret the geologic history of a given field area based on appropriate geological maps and cross-sections. Communicate effectively through well-developed writing skills. Demonstrate mastery of the scientific knowledge needed for entry-level employment in geology related professions or for admission to graduate school. Describe the basic geological history of Earth. Careers Engineering Geology Government Hydrogeology Laboratories Law Oil and Gas Paleontology Petroleum Policy