Skip to main content
A book open to a page showing illustrations of voodoo lillies.

Geology-Chemistry

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 120 Credits

Geology-chemistry combines principles of chemistry and geology to understand the chemical composition, processes, and interactions of Earth’s materials.

Overview

Geochemists analyze rocks, minerals, water, and gases to investigate Earth's formation, the cycling of elements, and the influence of chemical reactions on geological phenomena. The program offers a broad and rigorous curriculum, including field, laboratory, classroom, and research experiences to best prepare students for a wide range of geoscience-related career paths.

In this program, you will take dynamic courses covering Earth history, geochemistry, and plate tectonics. You will gain expertise in geographic information systems and instrumental analysis, explore the intricacies of organic and physical chemistry, and develop strong skills in quantitative analysis.

You will be immersed in a vibrant community of accomplished faculty and engaged peers, enriched by invaluable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Field studies and educational research help you apply earth science knowledge in real-world situations. Undergraduate students benefit from individually mentored research opportunities and often attend or present their work at professional meetings. Additionally, student-run clubs regularly organize events, including speakers and field experiences, fostering networking, industry knowledge, and practical experiences.

Department of Geology

gvsu.edu/geology
Padnos Hall of Science #118
(616) 331-3728

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 50,988.43 10%
$ 62,991.99 25%
$ 82,444.83 50%
$107,061.40 75%
$146,678.06 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 81,785.60 10%
$104,083.20 25%
$135,179.19 50%
$178,235.20 75%
$239,200.00 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Coordination
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 81,785.60 10%
$104,083.20 25%
$135,179.19 50%
$178,235.20 75%
$239,200.00 90%

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 81,785.60 10%
$104,083.20 25%
$135,179.19 50%
$178,235.20 75%
$239,200.00 90%

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 55,308.13 10%
$ 70,559.07 25%
$ 99,693.45 50%
$141,668.25 75%
$197,397.81 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 79,830.40 10%
$114,108.79 25%
$161,179.19 50%
$214,822.40 75%
$293,815.57 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Coordination
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 79,830.40 10%
$114,108.79 25%
$161,179.19 50%
$214,822.40 75%
$293,815.57 90%

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 79,830.40 10%
$114,108.79 25%
$161,179.19 50%
$214,822.40 75%
$293,815.57 90%
#1
Provider of Healthcare Professionals in West Michigan
117K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
#1
University in Michigan by Employers

Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

Request Information

Loading...


Page last modified May 20, 2025