Geology (B.S./B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Most geology classes have an excellent instructor-to-student ratio.
  • In 2012, Forbes magazine ranked geology No. 7 on its list of top 15 most valuable college majors.
  • Our graduates have gone on to work for environmental agencies, energy and water authorities, and oil, gas and other mineral-producing industries.
  • Geology majors experience fun and educational trips with chances to see natural processes in person.
ABOUT.

Earth is the only home we have. Thus, we must understand Earth’s natural processes and how they impact our society. Environmental issues, water availability, energy resources, climate change and natural disasters all impact our health, our safety and our economy. Geology studies all of these issues plus traditional topics including rocks, minerals and fossils, which reveal information about Earth’s history and provide the raw materials that our society and technology are built upon. Geologists travel and work at field sites collecting data, and they also work in high-tech laboratories using advanced software and technology. Job opportunities are varied, and growth in earth science fields is projected to be strong in the years ahead. Clemson offers a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Arts and a minor in geology.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Most geology students pursue the Bachelor of Science degree. In this program you study Earth’s basic physical and chemical properties. You can also focus on a specific area of geology:

Environmental Science Concentration (B.S.)
This concentration provides a solid introduction to environmental systems while preparing you for a career in natural resources, the environmental consulting industry, government agencies, or graduate studies in environmental fields. This concentration is for students interested in learning how to collect and analyze environmental data.

Hydrogeology Concentration (B.S.)
Water is a resource that everyone needs access to. This program focuses on understanding water availability and problems that could limit or restrict access to clean water. Graduates work for consulting companies, government agencies and natural resource management groups.

We also offer a Bachelor of Arts degree for students who desire a more flexible curriculum with a broader emphasis on the liberal arts. This degree is for students interested in careers such as developing environmental policy or working with natural resource management from an administrative perspective. If you opt to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in geology, you’ll take fewer specific geology courses and more foreign language classes. You must also select a minor from the many offered at Clemson.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Science and Policy
  • Geography
  • International Engineering and Science
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Natural Resource Economics
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Geology majors have numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience, applying what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations and networking with professionals in earth science fields.

Internships and Research Projects:

CAMP:
Geologists, hydrogeologists and scientists from other universities, the USGS and consulting companies join Clemson faculty to facilitate the Hydrogeology Field Camp. The trips and exercises provide insights into researching hydrologic issues.
RESEARCH:
Starting your sophomore year, geology majors take a sequence of courses to learn the basics of geologic research by participating in ongoing group projects. Faculty also mentor students on independent research projects.
SYMPOSIUM:
The annual Clemson Hydrogeology Symposium focuses on water issues in the southeastern U.S. It provides an opportunity for students to present their research and meet professionals and employers from around the Southeast.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

30%

Employed

55%

Grad School

0%

Seeking Employment

15%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Mid-Atlantic Associates
  • Bunnell-Lammons Engineering
  • PSI Inc

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • University of Arizona — Ph.D.
  • Indiana University — Master’s
  • Duke University — Master’s

Common Career Areas**

  • Energy Resources
    • Structural Geology
    • Geophysics
    • Economic Geology
    • Paleontology
    • Fossil Energy
  • Mineral Resources
    • Mining Geology
    • Mineralogy
    • Geochemistry
    • Economic Geology
    • Paleontology
    • Stratigraphy
    • Sedimentology
    • Crystallography
  • Environmental Geology
    • Sedimentology
    • Hydrology
    • Geomagnetism
    • Earth Surface Dynamics
    • Coastal and Marine Geology
  • Geologic Mapping
    • Astrogeology and Space Sciences
      • Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Landslides, Floods
        • Seismology
        • Geomagnetism
        • Global Seismic Networks
      • For more details:
      *Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin� Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
      **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
      FIND OUT MORE.

      Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

      Christopher Porter, CES Undergraduate Recruitment Director
      864-656-7870 — cporter@clemson.edu