Geology, B.S.
Geoscientists study and assess global and local earth systems and contribute to prediction of future trends. They solve environmental issues, locate water, mineral and energy resources, and predict and help mitigate natural hazards and disasters.
Program Overview
The curriculum develops the whole student through rigorous, project-based activities that include field, laboratory, classroom, and research experiences to best prepare students for a broad range of geoscience-related career opportunities. The program offers a Bachelor of Science in geology with either an environmental emphasis or a traditional geology degree, as well as a geology minor.
Why Study Geology at Grand Valley?
- Students are immersed in a community of accomplished faculty
members and engaged students, complemented by invaluable learning
experiences outside the classroom.
- Students often conduct field studies and educational research
where they can apply their earth science knowledge in real-world situations.
- Individually mentored educational, curriculum, or geologic
research opportunities are available to undergraduate students.
- Students routinely attend and/or present their work at national,
state, or regional professional meetings.
- Student-run clubs meet regularly and organize events, including
speakers and field experiences that build networking, industry
knowledge, and real-world experiences.
Career Insights
This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
- Face To Face
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Department of Geology
gvsu.edu/geology
118 Padnos
Hall of Science
(616) 331-3728
"The professors are the best teachers and mentors, they really care for each individual student. I left this program with a degree, lifelong friends, and the skills and knowledge to have a thriving career."
GEOLOGY ALUMNA, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
“There are few undergraduate geoscience programs that compare to GVSU. The opportunity for academic success, rigorous undergraduate research and positive mentoring relationships has been invaluable in my academic career.”
GEOLOGY ALUMNUS, GRADUATE STUDENT