Geological Science

Geology is the science that puts all the other sciences in the context of the Earth. You learn how to apply physics, math and chemistry to understanding landscapes, materials and processes that we deal with every day.

Geologists therefore are the ones who know:

• where to drill for oil and gas
• how manage and protect our water resources
• where hazards will occur
• how to plan for where to build.

Those practical skills enable people to have jobs in state geological surveys, environmental firms, construction consulting and oil and mining companies. We also prepare students in data and image analysis, so there are opportunities in data and image science in and out of geology for employment.

Learn more on the Geological Sciences Website

Beyond that, the science itself is fascinating and motivating. You get to be outside with your peers, getting up close and personal with the rocks and landscapes and working to understand the Earth. You can study mountain building, earthquakes, rocks and minerals, volcanism, life and paleontology, groundwater, soils and planetary geology. You could be the first to look at an outcrop on Mars and identify it. Geologists are the ones on the science front lines. You could do basic science research as a career either in academia or in some research labs, including NASA labs.

Brigham Young University has six geology degree programs. Browse course requirements and contact academic advisors below in the programs tab.