Geology · South Dakota

Geology colleges in South Dakota

CampusPin lists 11 U.S. colleges in South Dakota that offer Geology programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

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.

Schools in South Dakota that offer Geology

Geology programs in South Dakota: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 11 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

11

Public / private

6 / 5

Universities / 2-year

10 / 1

Cities represented

10

In-state tuition range

$2,684–$39,190

Median in-state tuition

$9,432

Lowest published in-state tuition

Oglala Lakota College

$2,684

Most selective

Mount Marty University

48% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

South Dakota State University

10,119 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Geology program

  • 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

Where a Geology degree can lead

  • Geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
  • Environmental Geologist
  • Geotechnical Consultant
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Exploration / Mining Geologist
  • GIS Analyst

Typical pay: Informational only (BLS, 2024 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers median $99,240)

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.

Geology in other states

Other majors in South Dakota

Find more Geology schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 11+ Geology programs in South Dakota by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Geology schools in South DakotaAbout the Geology majorAll colleges in South Dakota

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