As the world’s population becomes increasingly concerned with the earth’s welfare and future energy resources, the increasing need for qualified geologists in on the rise. The study of geology is critical to understanding how the earth is evolving and what we can do to protect the earth for future generations.
The value of the top geology schools is immeasurable. They are assigned the task of educating future generations of geologist to tackle the issues mentioned above. The best geology schools not only educate future geologists, but they are also involved with carrying on critical research.
With over 400 different colleges and universities to choose from, here is a list of the 10 best schools from which to earn a geology degree according to the US News and World Report.
1. University of Arizona
Flickr / JR P
The University of Arizona is a public university founded in 1885 and located in Phoenix. The curriculum for Geology resides in the Geo-Sciences Department. The school offers a Bachelor’s degree in Geo-Sciences with an emphasis on Geology. Course study includes Math, Chemistry, Physics and Geo-Science related courses. There is also a significant amount of fieldwork required in the last two years. They also offers a Master’s and PhD in Geo-Sciences. The Master’s is a 2-year program with a thesis required by graduation. Annual Tuition: $14,343 (resident), $23,930 (non-resident)
2. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
This university is a public institution located in Ann Arbor. The school was founded in 1817. The Geology Department is part of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. They offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences with a concentration on Geology.
The major’s curriculum includes Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science courses and fieldwork to be performed at Camp Davis in Wyoming. In addition to the undergrad degree, the school also offers a Master’s and PhD degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences. The Master’s is a one-year program that can be taken while working on a PhD. Annual Tuition: $10,400 (resident), $23,080 (non-resident)
3. Pennsylvania State University – Main Campus
Flickr / Paul Weaver
This private school was founded in 1855 and its primary campus is located in University Park. The Geology curriculum is found in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Geology majors will pursue a B.S. degree in Earth Sciences.
Aside from course studies that includes Math, Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Geo-Sciences, the student will also be given opportunities for hands-on fieldwork. Many students choose to participate in the research study abroad program. The only Master’s program offered is a M.Ed. in Earth Sciences, a teaching degree.
Annual Tuition: $16,090 (resident), $28,664 (non-resident)
4. The University of Texas at Austin
(Wikimedia) The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas is a state run, public university located in Austin. The school was founded in 1883. the Jackson School of Geo-Sciences oversees the curriculum for Geology students. These students can earn one of two degrees, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science or the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geological Sciences Option I: General Geology. The latter degree emphasizes work in the field and educates “professional” Geologists.
The school offers several geology graduate programs including both a Master of Arts and a Master of Science in Geo-Sciences with an emphasis on Geology. They also have a PhD program for students interest in research or teaching. Annual Tuition: $10,078 (resident), $35,218 (non-resident)
5. Stanford University
Flickr / Kazuhisa OTSUBO
The unofficial “Harvard of the West” is a private school located in Stanford. The school was founded in 1891. The Geology program is located in the School of Earth Sciences. The school offers the following degrees; Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Engineering, and PhD in Geological & Environmental Sciences.
As part of the program, students will be given many opportunities for field research including field trips to places like the Sierra Nevada mountains and areas along the San Andreas fault. Classroom work includes Geo-Science courses, Physics and Chemistry. Annual Tuition: $41,250
6. California Institute of Technology
Flickr / Butz.2013
This highly technical, private research institution was founded in 1891 and is located in Pasadena. The school is home for the NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Geology department resides within the Caltech Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences. The school offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological and Planetary Sciences with a Geology “option”.
While all students are required to take basic classes in Physics, Math, Biology and Chemistry, the program puts a good deal of emphasis on research studies. In the Master’s and PhD in Geology programs, students are trained on science fundamentals while focusing on their specialization. Annual Tuition: $41,790
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Flickr / S.L.
MIT is a private school that is considered to be the top technological school in the world. The school was chartered in 1861 and is located in Cambridge. The School of Science is home to the Geology program. The Bachelor of Science in Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences covers a wide range of educational opportunities including Geology.
The degree program requires that students complete the mandatory classroom work, research studies, and complete one independent research project. Students can also earn a doctoral and Master’s degree with an emphasis in Geology. These programs focus heavily on research as the aim is to train future scientists. Annual Tuition: $43,210
8. University of Wisconsin – Madison
Flickr / iris
This Big Ten School is a public state university founded in 1848 and located in the city of Madison. The Geo-Science department is located in the College of Letters & Science. They offer both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree in Geology.
Course study includes 4-5 Geo-Science courses, Biology, Math, Physics and Chemistry. Students devote much time to research and are encouraged to participate in summer programs. The department also offers Master’s and PhD Degrees in Geo-Science with several Geology based options. Annual Tuition: $10,403 (resident), $26,653 (non-resident)
9. University of California – Berkeley
Flickr / Tamara Evans
This flagship school of the University of Cal system was founded in 1868. It is a public university located in Berkeley. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth and Planetary Science from the School of Letters and Science.
There are six majors available including Geology. The school’s location provides a great domain of geological research. Department students are required to take courses from seven different disciplines and participate in research studies. The department offers two geology Masters programs and a PhD degree. Annual Tuition: $12,864 (resident), $35,742 (non-resident)
10. Harvard University
Flickr / Wally Gobetz
Harvard is a private school located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school was the first Ivy League school and was founded in 1636. The Geology program is administered by the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. This department offers a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences with a Geology concentration. While students complete the standard classwork, they are required to participate in research studies that include field trips to Hawaii and the Canadian Rockies.
By preparing a thesis, students are exposed to working with some of the foremost research professors in the world. Within the Department’s Master’s and PhD programs, students are given the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratories, second to none. Annual Tuition: $45,900
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