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Geosciences: Geology

Explore the Earth’s composition and structure, its resources, and the processes that have shaped it across time. Analyze rocks & minerals to study volcanoes, earthquakes, and paleoclimates.

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Geosciences: Geology

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Science
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 67 in Major
Careers
Geoscientists, Technicians, Mining, Engineers
Geosciences: Geology students at EIU

Why Study Geosciences: Geology at EIU?

  • Learn through a collaborative environment in small class settings
  • Apply what you learn in the classroom to the real world through labs and hands-on projects
  • Gain proficiency with technology that will give you the experience to stand out
  • Build real-world skills through mentored research projects and internships
  • Prepare for a range of diverse careers that make a difference in the world
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"I am majoring in Geology with a minor in Chemistry. The Geosciences Department has become my second home after Kenya. I am grateful that the professors don’t just teach us- they give us hand-on skills and confidence through lab work and field trips. Their commitment continues to support and inspire me to thrive personally and academically."
Himani Patel
Geosciences: Geology | Class of 2028
Himani Patel, Geosciences: Geology at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Work individually with a faculty member on a mentored research project
  • Collect and analyze project data using the microscopy, paleontology, surficial processes, and GIS labs
  • Apply classroom knowledge at an internship with local/regional employers and agencies
  • Join the Geology Club to take part in service activities and take a trip to see Illinois and beyond
Explore Courses
Hands-On Experience, Geosciences: Geology students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Geology option in the B.S. in Geosciences is the scientific study of Earth's composition, history, structure and dynamic processes. It is a fit if you are curious about rocks, minerals and landforms, volcanoes, earthquakes and how the planet has changed over time, and you enjoy lab and field work.

Program Curriculum Dept Flyer
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$87,163
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Geoscientists
  • Geological Technicians
  • Mining & Geological Engineers,…
  • Environmental Restoration Planners
  • Atmospheric & Space Scientists
  • Natural Sciences Managers
  • Hydrologists
  • Earth Drillers
  • Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology &…
  • Energy Engineers
  • Petroleum Engineers
  • Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, & Space…

Career Insights

Job Outlook Average Outlook Average OutlookO*NET doesn't currently flag any of the careers linked to this program as Bright Outlook. That doesn't mean jobs aren't out there. It just means these careers aren't expected to grow quickly, don't have 75,000 or more projected openings, and aren't new and emerging.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)Job Zone 4: Considerable preparationMost of these careers require a four-year bachelor's degree. They also tend to build on several years of work-related experience or training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit InvestigativeInvestigative interest typeYou like digging into how things work. This type of work involves researching and analyzing natural phenomena, living things, health problems or human behavior.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

James Riley
Department Chair & Associate Professor
jdriley@eiu.edu
3007 Physical Science
217-581-2626
James Riley Message James

Message James

or email jdriley@eiu.edu directly
Michael Cornebise
Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences & Professor, Geography
mwcornebise@eiu.edu
2214
217-581-7486
Michael Cornebise Message Michael

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or email mwcornebise@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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