Geology and Earth Sciences Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Geology and Earth Sciences major studies the Earth: rocks, water, soil, natural resources and natural hazards. Geology and earth science majors study minerals, rocks, earth processes, hydrology and geophysics, with field work.

A Geology and Earth Sciences major includes coursework in physical and historical geology, mineralogy, hydrology, structural geology, and geophysics and more. You build skills such as field mapping, sampling, GIS, and data analysis. Programs often include field work. Typical degrees: bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Typical courses include physical and historical geology, mineralogy, hydrology, structural geology, geophysics, and field methods. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Geology and Earth Sciences is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s, and a doctoral or professional degree takes several more years beyond that. Part-time study takes longer.

Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. In the latest federal data, 40 colleges reported certificate awards, 70 colleges reported associate awards, 393 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, 188 colleges reported master’s awards, and 129 colleges reported doctoral awards.

Career paths connected to geology and earth sciences include geoscientist, geological technician, environmental technician, mining engineer, and petroleum engineer. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include geoscientist (typical training: 4-year degree plus field camp), geological technician (typical training: 2-year degree plus field training), environmental technician (typical training: About 2 years), mining engineer (typical training: 4-year engineering degree), and petroleum engineer (typical training: 4-year engineering degree).

Geology and Earth Sciences majors build skills such as field mapping, sampling, GIS, data analysis, and technical writing.

Good pairings include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (mapping is central to earth science work) and Environmental Studies (fits environmental consulting).

Often, yes. Programs commonly include field work. Ask each college how its program arranges hands-on work.

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as geoscientist, geological technician, and environmental technician, and enjoy subjects like physical and historical geology and mineralogy. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes physical and historical geology, mineralogy, and hydrology; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

480 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

California (81), New York (37), Texas (32), Pennsylvania (27), and Ohio (20), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

389 of the colleges that offer geology and earth sciences also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Geology and Earth Sciences studies the Earth: rocks, water, soil, natural resources and natural hazards. Biology studies living things, from cells and genes to ecosystems. Geology and Earth Sciences leads to careers such as geoscientist and geological technician, while Biology leads to careers such as biological technician and microbiologist.

Geology and Earth Sciences studies the Earth: rocks, water, soil, natural resources and natural hazards. Chemistry studies matter: what substances are made of and how they react. Geology and Earth Sciences leads to careers such as geoscientist and geological technician, while Chemistry leads to careers such as chemist and chemical technician.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to geology and earth sciences, such as Geoscientist Training.