Undergraduate Students
Prospective Undergraduate Students
Whether you’re an incoming freshman, transferring from another university, or a University of Alabama student thinking about changing your major, the UA Department of Geological Sciences has much to offer!
Why choose Geology?
There are many reasons to major in Geology. Many of our students were drawn to the field because they have a deep curiosity about the Earth and enjoy being outdoors. While geology is often pursued as a rigorous laboratory science, the object of our study is the planet. As a result, geologists have exceptional opportunities to explore the world conducting field research.
Students are often concerned about career prospects when selecting a major. There are many exciting career options for geologists. Our graduates work in a variety of fields, including the environmental industry, oil and natural gas, mining and industrial materials, water resources, and governments/university/museum research. As in many professions, employment prospects and salaries often improve with graduate degrees, but many of our majors start satisfying careers with their Bachelors degree. Other graduates seek to become certified Professional Geologists (http://www.asbog.org/), which may help move your career forward as well.
Here are some helpful links that explore geology careers in greater detail:
http://www.agiweb.org/careers.html
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos288.htm
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/321/5890/856.pdf
http://www.aapg.org/explorer/2009/06jun/salary0609.cfm
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=avjraURjQcYM&refer=home
Degree options and courses of study:
We offer several degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and the Bachelor of Science in Geology (BSG). Additionally, Marine Science majors can choose to focus in Geology. We also offer a minor and an honors track. Most of our majors pursue the BSG, but each degree offers unique opportunities and experiences:
Bachelor of Arts : The BA degree is often selected by students interested in becoming k-12 science teachers, future environmental lawyers, those on the business side of a geology-related corporation, or double majors where geology complements the other degree. A minor is required of those seeking the BA. While the BA fits the goals of many students, aspiring professional geologists are generally better-served with a BS or BSG degree. For details about the course of study see:
http://catalogs.ua.edu/catalog08/510800.html#103260
Bachelor of Science: The BS degree encourages interdisciplinary science by requiring fewer geology classes than the BSG, but more chemistry and math, more advanced physics, and a minor. This degree is a good option for students who plan on conducting cross-disciplinary graduate research or professional careers such as in geotechnical engineering, materials science, or biogeochemistry. This course of study is more structured than that of the BA and like the BSG, requires a 5-week summer field course (http://www.geo.ua.edu/field_camp.php). For more details about requirements see:
http://catalogs.ua.edu/catalog08/510900.html
Bachelor of Science in Geology: The BSG is the most popular choice among our majors and is considered the most traditional geology course of study. This degree is well-suited for those who seek to become professional geologists and/or pursue later geology graduate school. No minor is necessary, but a 5-week summer field school is required (http://www.geo.ua.edu/field_camp.php). More detailed information can be found here:
http://catalogs.ua.edu/catalog08/511000.html
Marine Science Program: The Marine Science program is an interdisciplinary course of study. Student must choose a focus in geology, biology, or chemistry while also fulfilling the courses required in general marine science, which includes a summer program at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. More information about the program is found here:
http://bama.ua.edu/~marsci/index.shtml
And the course of study is described here:
http://catalogs.ua.edu/catalog08/512300.html
Minor: The department offers a minor that requires 18 semester hours in geology classes. Details can be found at: