Program Offerings
• Bachelor of science degree in Geology
• Accelerated master’s in Geology and Geological Engineering (earn your bachelor’s and master’s in as little as five years)
• Accelerated master’s in Paleontology (earn your bachelor’s and master’s in as little as five years)
• Master of science degree in Paleontology
• Master of science degree in Geology and Geological Engineering
• Doctor of philosophy degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, and Mining Engineering
• Minors: Geology, Geospatial Technology, and Petroleum Systems
• Certificates: Geospatial Technology (undergraduate and graduate) and Petroleum Systems.
What is Geology?
Geology is the study of the structure, evolution, and history of Earth and its mineral and energy resources.
Geology students at South Dakota Mines take advantage of the rich geological and paleontological resources of the region. They also can access the extensive fossil and mineral collections of the Museum of Geology, located on campus. Students have an opportunity to work at the Sanford Underground Research Facility; model earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other geologic hazards; reconstruct the early history of the solar system through experimental petrology; study environmental issues from geothermal energy to water protection; and excavate and prepare fossils ranging from dinosaurs to saber-tooth cats.
What does a geologist do?
Geologists analyze the processes that have shaped the Earth, using rocks, minerals, and fossils to reconstruct that history. They study how the Earth was formed, how it has developed, and how life has evolved in reaction to tectonic and climatic changes.
The geology program at South Dakota Mines takes advantage of the proximity of the Black Hills through a rigorous field and laboratory-based education that provides students a unique blend of hands-on experiences with strong theoretical foundations.
Some duties a professional geologist might do on the job include:
• Plan and carry out field studies to collect data and samples
• Use a variety of data sources, such as satellite images, geophysical data, rock samples, and geologic maps to locate natural resources
• Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field
• Make geologic maps and cross-sections
• Prepare written scientific reports
• Present their findings to clients, colleagues, and the public
First-Year Courses
• Physical Geology
• Introduction to Geology, Geological Engineering, and Mining Engineering
• Chemistry
• English Composition
• Mathematics
Course Curriculum
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Internships and Co-ops
At South Dakota Mines, 77% of students land internships and co-ops in their field, earning an average salary of $20.00/hour. Geology students have interned with such companies and agencies as:
• Wyoming Dinosaur Center
• South Dakota Department of Transportation
• Coeur in Alaska
• OceanaGold Haile Gold Mines
• Rapid City GIS Department
• Badlands National Park
They've worked with faculty who've discovered new fossil species and conducted fieldwork spanning continents, from Turkey to Death Valley.