Geology-Professional Option Bachelor's Degree

LEARNING, NETWORKING, AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The Geology - Professional option focuses on mineral resources, mapping, and subsurface interpretation for application in industry investigations. This degree was created for students interested in obtaining a broad background in geology.

The science of geology involves studying Earth's physical and chemical processes, environmental systems and natural resources. Processes that cause earthquakes, generate volcanism, form rocks and minerals, form economically important deposits and govern the movement of surface and ground waters are all subjects of geological interest, as well as the history of Earth and the record of life on Earth, as preserved in fossils. Our program graduates commonly work for environmental consulting firms analyzing human impacts on the environment, state and federal regulatory agencies or petroleum and mineral extraction companies.

 

HANDS-ON LEARNING opportunities

  • Each of our courses has at least one field trip involved, while many upper level courses have field trips throughout the semester.
  • Field Techniques has a field trip each week where students focus on learning valuable field skills.
  • Most of our courses from introductory to upper level have laboratory components where students learn essential skills.
  • Students can participate in numerous co-curricular activities such as a week-long summer field trip to Colorado, attending professional meetings, community outreach projects with the Geology Club, tutoring introductory students, faculty led research projects and acting as a teaching assistant in introductory labs.
  • The science of geology is mostly hands-on.

 

SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN

  • Assessment of environmental impact, mineral resources, ancient environments and petroleum potential.
  • Field observation and interpretation of geologic features, map reading and map making.
  • Geographical Information System (GIS).
  • Laboratory and field skills.
  • Mineral, rock, and fossil identification and interpretation of their formation conditions

Students living in states bordering Arkansas receive in-state tuition.

Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. The Arkansas Tech University school code to use on the FAFSA is 001089.

Payment Options:

  • Financial Aid
  • Payment Plan
  • Graduate Assistantships


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You could work as a(n):

  • Environmental Geologist/Scientist
  • Lab Scientist/Technician
  • Petroleum Exploration Geologist/Specialist
  • State/Federal Regulatory Specialist

Alumni of our program work at:

  • Terracon
  • ExxonMobil
  • US Army Corps of Engineers
  • Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment

View the links below to better understand the courses, the course timeline, and who your faculty will be when you enroll as an ATU student.

Credentials that stack with this degree:

  • Master’s Degree in Geology
  • Master’s Degree in Environmental Science
  • Master’s Degree in GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
 
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Point of Pride

Students of this program can be awarded four unique scholarships on a yearly basis.

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