14%
Geologists are projected to see 14% job growth from 2014 to 2026 according to the .
Geology Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science
Geologists do more than “look at rocks”—we solve problems and answer questions about the earth and its systems. Geology at the 91ÖÆƬ³§. Thomas prepares you to tackle tough issues ranging from water quality to climate change with lab experiences, fieldwork and collaborative research opportunities with faculty.
Why Study Geology at St. Thomas?
Geology is interdisciplinary, meaning it gives you the skills and knowledge to examine complex problems from multiple angles. While completing foundational coursework in the geosciences, you complete courses in math, chemistry, physics and biology. This prepares you for a wide variety of careers — including traditional positions in environmental consulting and Earth resource industries like mining and petroleum, as well as environmental law and K-12 education (both of which require additional education and/or specific licensure).
Getting Under the Surface of the Issues
Course Requirements
We create a hands-on, experiential learning environment for our students. You will complete ten courses from the geosciences core of the major, all of which have field and lab experiences incorporated into them. You will also complete three to five courses in chemistry, physics and math. These courses teach you to examine complex problems from different angles, making you a versatile professional in the process.
In addition, our minors are very flexible and suitable to accompany degrees in civil engineering, biology, geography and environmental science because coursework in these majors may count toward a geology minor.
Four-Year Plan
Geology faculty work with you to plan your time at St. Thomas. Many of our students start their degrees in their second year at St. Thomas, so we can be very flexible in designing a four-year plan that keeps you on track to graduate in four years.
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Geology
- Bachelor of Science in Geology
- Geology minor
- Teacher licensure in geosciences, which requires additional education and specific licensure
Collaborative Research
We encourage students to get involved with faculty research projects, many of which lead to presentations at regional and national conferences. We collaborate with local community organizations like The Nature Conservancy and Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization to address important and relevant environmental issues.
Professional Preparation
While not mandatory for many jobs in geology, the Geology major can serve as a pre-certification program for Professional Geologist certification in Minnesota. Students can study for and take the Fundamentals of Geology exam after graduation as the next step toward this board certification.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
We create a hands-on, experiential learning environment for our students. You will complete ten courses from the geosciences core of the major, all of which have field and lab experiences incorporated into them. You will also complete three to five courses in chemistry, physics and math. These courses teach you to examine complex problems from different angles, making you a versatile professional in the process.
In addition, our minors are very flexible and suitable to accompany degrees in civil engineering, biology, geography and environmental science because coursework in these majors may count toward a geology minor.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Geology faculty work with you to plan your time at St. Thomas. Many of our students start their degrees in their second year at St. Thomas, so we can be very flexible in designing a four-year plan that keeps you on track to graduate in four years.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts in Geology
- Bachelor of Science in Geology
- Geology minor
- Teacher licensure in geosciences, which requires additional education and specific licensure
Collaborative Research
Collaborative Research
We encourage students to get involved with faculty research projects, many of which lead to presentations at regional and national conferences. We collaborate with local community organizations like The Nature Conservancy and Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization to address important and relevant environmental issues.
Professional Preparation
Professional Preparation
While not mandatory for many jobs in geology, the Geology major can serve as a pre-certification program for Professional Geologist certification in Minnesota. Students can study for and take the Fundamentals of Geology exam after graduation as the next step toward this board certification.
A Community of Scholars
Our faculty, students and alumni have been busy. Check out a few stories about what we have been up to recently.
Dr. Jeni McDermott
Dr. McDermott completed a short course workshop on stream ecology and restoration in the summer of 2018. She is already integrating her knowledge into her courses in geology and civil engineering. Her research covers a variety of topics such as continental tectonics, landform evolution and water quality.
Sarah Nelson ‘05
Sarah conducted research with Dr. Kevin Theissen as an undergraduate and participated in an Ocean Drilling Project cruise to the mid-Pacific Ridge offshore of South America. She began a geotechnical career in southern California, eventually moving into environmental geology in northern California. She later returned to Minnesota to work at Braun Intertec as an environmental geologist, and now works for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Laura Eischens '19 and Matt Endres '18
Laura and Matt traveled to the southern hemisphere on a scientific research vessel this winter to conduct measurements of ocean chemistry in the Southern Ocean. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Australia is conducting this research. Dr. Kevin Theissen (geology) and Dr. John Abraham (engineering) arranged the trip.
Career Paths
Our graduates apply their knowledge and experiences on a daily basis in their work. Below are positions our students acquired after graduating, and also some of the employers that have hired our alumni as well.
- Petroleum Geologist
- Environmental Geologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Mining Geologist
- Environmental Law (with additional education and specific licensure)
- Earth and Planetary Science Teacher (with additional education and specific licensure)
- Certified Professional Geologist (students can study for and take the Fundamentals of Geology exam after graduation as the next step toward this board certification)
Scholarships
The Brownstein Scholarship
The Brownstein Scholarship provides financial assistance on an annual basis for full-time junior and/or senior geology students. We award it to academically motivated students focusing their major in the geosciences whom have successfully completed at least three courses in geology.
Scholarships
The Brownstein Fund for Professional Development
The Brownstein Fund for Professional Development is dedicated to supporting students and faculty in achieving their professional goals. This fund supports purchasing lab analyses of samples, fieldwork, travel expenses, short courses and workshops.
Quick Facts
You join a close-knit community of scholars in our program, along with an exciting and growing career field.
More Than 80%
More than 80% of our students participate in collaborative research with faculty.
Personal Attention
You will join a close-knit group of faculty and students that work for your success when you major or minor in geology at St. Thomas.
Passionate and Hands-on Faculty
Dr. Kevin Theissen
Dr. Theissen researches climate change and the changing ecology of lakes over the past 10,000 years in Argentina, Chile, Nevada and Minnesota.
Dr. Melissa Lamb
Dr. Lamb uses drone mapping and shallow groundwater monitoring to understand the plight of the endangered Piping Plover.
Dr. Jeni McDermott
Dr. McDermott uses geographic information systems and geochemical techniques to analyze mountain building in the Himalayas and Norway.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go
We strive to provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for its students. Our students are active inside and outside of the classroom at St. Thomas.
The Outdoors is Your Classroom
Every J-term, we offer GEOL 260 – Geology and Geological Field Methods. Students travel to southern Nevada and visit Zion and Death Valley National Parks to learn valuable geological and environmental field skills.
See the World
While studying abroad in Iceland, you examine the geology of the volcanic island while exploring sustainable energy practices as well. In addition, we are planning courses in the Peruvian Andes and the Bahamas for upcoming years.
Address Real Problems
Students utilize geographic information systems technology and apply it to the earth and environmental problems.
Putting your knowledge to work
Using drone technology, you can learn how to acquire earth surface data and solve environmental problems discovered through data analysis. Plus, you will have access to field research opportunities in places like Norway, Nepal, Chile, Argentina and Iceland.
Get Involved
We encourage students to be involved inside and outside of the classroom at St. Thomas.
- Geology Club
- Student section of the Minnesota American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)
- Career development series every year
Answer Questions about the Earth
Geology students at St. Thomas look at complex problems involving our planet from multiple angles. Lab experiences, fieldwork and collaborative research equips them with the skills to tackle difficult problems ranging from water quality to climate change.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.