Learning. Leading. Acting. Responding to COVID-19, racial injustice and economic hardship.
Geology, B.S.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in geology prepares students for careers in the geosciences, including environmental consulting, water resources, engineering geology, natural hazards mitigation, and mineral or energy resources.
Program Overview
We provide a broad and rigorous curriculum, including field, laboratory, classroom, and research experiences to best prepare our majors for a broad range of geoscience-related career opportunities. A Bachelor of Science in Geology with an Environmental emphasis is offered, as well as the traditional Geology degree. A minor is also offered.
Why Study Geology at Grand Valley?
In addition to knowledgeable, accomplished faculty, the geology department provides an excellent learning community and invaluable learning experiences outside the classroom.
- Students often take part in field studies and research where they use their geological knowledge in real world situations.
- Individually mentored research opportunities are available to our undergraduate students.
- Our students frequently attend and/or present their work at national, regional, or state professional meetings.
- The Geology Club meets regularly and organizes events such as on-campus speakers, field experiences, and attendance at local, regional and national conferences.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
Career Options
Excellent career opportunities include:
- Environmental remediation and water resources work
- Resource exploration
- Federal, state, and local agencies
- Engineering geology
- Environmental law and policy
- Natural hazards
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.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Department of Geology
gvsu.edu/geology
Padnos Hall
of Science #118
(616) 331-3728
“Grand Valley is very student-oriented in everything from lectures to labs to advising, so I get to know almost every student I have. I feel like I make a connection to students.”
PATRICIA E. VIDETICH, PH.D.
PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY
PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY
“We are interested in developing you as an individual, both as a scientist and as a productive and informed citizen. We mentor you and continue to care about you and your career after you leave Grand Valley.”
PATRICK M. COLGAN, PH.D.
PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY
PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY