Geological Sciences

What can a Geological Sciences major do for you?

Geological Sciences, housed in the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences (EES), is an interdisciplinary science that applies principles of all the basic sciences to a variety of problems related to our planet’s evolution and environments, including its composition, structure and history. All courses developed for the program carry a field component, including a summer field geology course in Colorado, a hydrology class involving a canoe trip down the Kentucky River, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or a field trip to Canada. The curriculum in Geological Sciences allows you to better meet the needs of the geological profession so that you are well prepared to enter an ever-changing job market or go on to graduate school. After graduation, many graduates of EES at the University of Kentucky find jobs in the environmental science or energy resource fields.

1 Planet

6+ Courses with field trips

60,000 Median salary

What skills does studying geology develop?

problem solving, critical and analytical thinking
utilize computer techniques to solve problems
collaboration with other geologists and scholars
construct and manage various numerical, oral, graphical or textual information
present insights and information in writing and speaking
synthesize the entire range of sciences (chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics) in creatively solving geoscience problems

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Science program is designed for students who plan a career as a professional geologist or who plan to pursue a post-graduate education. The Bachelor of Arts program is designed for students planning a career in government policy relating to earth science and environmental issues, earth-science education, business (environmental consulting), environmental law, or environmental medicine. You will find geology majors using their knowledge and skills in a wide variety of occupational opportunities such as: