GeologyBS

Geology Degree Page Banner Image

A career in Geology offers a world of possibilities. Geologists explore the interplay of the materials and processes that shape the Earth over geologic time. The societal impacts of this interplay cannot be overstated and include Critical Minerals, Energy Expansion, Sustainability, and National Security.

Customize Your Path to Success

At South Dakota Mines, we believe in helping you discover your passion. Our flexible curriculum allows you to explore diverse areas of Geology, including:

Energy and Mineral Resources

Petroleum systems, underground energy storage, and mineral resources.
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Environmental Geology

Protection and management of natural resources and sequestration strategies.

Geophysics

Numerical models of subsurface fluids, heat, and structures.

Geospatial Technology

Management of spatial data using GIS, GPS, and remote sensing.

Paleontology

Ancient organisms and environments.

Solid Earth and Tectonics

Physical processes that shape the Earth and other planetary bodies.


The Geology BS program at South Dakota Mines is one of only two Geology BS programs in the U.S. accredited by the Applied and Natural Sciences Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.


Program Highlights

Featured Research

  • Formation and alteration of oceanic crust
  • Paleontology
  • Mountain Building in Western North America
  • Underground Energy Storage

Featured Courses

  • Mineralogy
  • Petrology
  • Sedimentology
  • Structural Geology
  • Field Camp

Credits

120

 

 

Expand your horizons

Take advantage of internship opportunities and research experiences to test-drive different industries to find the best fit for your interests

Potential Employers

  • Energy Companies
  • Environmental Consulting
  • Geological Surveys and Government Agencies
  • Mining Companies
  • Museums

Career Examples

  • Mineral exploration and mining
  • Petroleum exploration, production, and storage
  • Water resources and environmental consulting
  • Paleontology resource management and museum curation
  • Scientific investigations at government laboratories and agencies
  • Excellent basis for graduate studies

Average Starting Salary

$60,000