Geology major
Geology: courses, careers, and where to study
Geology studies the Earth's materials, structure, and history, suiting students drawn to fieldwork, lab analysis, and questions about natural resources, hazards, and deep time.
A Geology major covers mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, paleontology, geochemistry, and geophysics, built on a core of chemistry, physics, and calculus. Most bachelor's programs include a required summer field camp where students map rock units and structures in the field, plus lab work with rock and mineral samples, thin sections, and geologic maps. Many programs let students lean toward a track such as environmental geology, hydrogeology, economic/resource geology, or geophysics.
Graduates work in environmental and geotechnical consulting, energy and mineral exploration, water-resource management, hazard assessment (earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes), and government surveys such as the USGS and state geological surveys. The work typically combines field data collection, sample and instrument analysis, and GIS-based mapping and modeling.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median annual wage of $99,240 for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers, with a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education and projected employment growth of 3.2% from 2024 to 2034. Some research and senior roles favor or require a master's degree, and several states license practicing geologists.
Academic classification (CIP)
In the federal Classification of Instructional Programs, Geology maps to CIP 40.0601, Geology/Earth Science, General, within the PHYSICAL SCIENCES family. The official definition:
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the earth; the forces acting upon it; and the behavior of the solids, liquids and gases comprising it. Includes instruction in historical geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology, the chemistry of rocks and soils, stratigraphy, mineralogy, petrology, geostatistics, volcanology, glaciology, geophysical principles, and applications to research and industrial problems.
Source: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) 2020. View on nces.ed.gov
What you'll study
- Mineralogy and petrology (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks)
- Structural geology and plate tectonics
- Sedimentology and stratigraphy
- Geomorphology and surface processes
- Geochemistry and geophysics
- Paleontology and historical geology
- Field mapping and field-camp methods
- GIS, remote sensing, and geologic map interpretation
Typical careers
- Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
- Environmental Geologist
- Geotechnical Consultant
- Hydrogeologist
- Exploration / Mining Geologist
- GIS Analyst
Typical salary range: Informational only (BLS, 2024 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers median $99,240)Ranges are early-career estimates. Any BLS figure shown is the occupation-wide median across all experience levels, not a starting wage, and is informational only.
Before you commit to a Geology major
CampusPin does not rank programs. Use these prompts to pressure-test whether a specific Geology program fits your goals, they are decision questions, not claims about any school.
Ask the Geology department
- Which concentrations or specializations are offered, and which faculty lead them?
- What does the typical course sequence look like, and how much is required vs. elective?
- What labs, studios, clinical placements, or research opportunities are available to undergraduates?
- Is there a capstone, thesis, internship, or co-op requirement?
Ask current students & check the curriculum
- How heavy is the workload, and how accessible is the faculty?
- What internships or co-ops did you do, and where do recent graduates end up?
- Does the required curriculum actually match the careers listed above?
- How easy is it to add a minor, double major, or switch tracks later?
Find a Geology program
CampusPin lists U.S. universities and community colleges that offer Geology programs. Filter by state, tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting, no account required.
Related majors
Environmental Science
Environmental Science combines biology, chemistry, geology, and policy to address climate, conservation, water, and pollution challenges.
Chemistry
Chemistry studies matter and its transformations, preparing graduates for pharmaceutical, materials, energy, environmental, and biotech careers, plus medical and graduate school.
Physics
Physics studies the fundamental laws of matter, energy, and motion, a foundational major for engineering, computing, finance, and graduate research.
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering applies physics, mechanics, and design to the built environment, roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings, suiting students who want to plan and build public infrastructure.
How this guide is sourced
This is an editorial guide from the CampusPin Editorial Team. Career and wage figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupation-wide medians across all experience levels, not starting wages, and link to each career page. Program availability comes from CampusPin's free institution search; CampusPin does not assert that any specific school offers this exact major until that program data is verified. Last reviewed 2026-06-15. How CampusPin sources data · Report a correction.