Geology is the study of Earth, Earth materials, and Earth systems. At Michigan Tech, understand our planet and its materials, and learn to balance society’s need for natural resources and our responsibility to preserve the environment.
A bachelor’s degree in geology from Michigan Tech prepares you to explore and extract minerals and energy resources, properly dispose of nuclear and chemical waste, choose the best sites for new or restored structures, and study natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes. Geologists are stewards of our planet and its materials. Work to mitigate the global concerns of responsible natural resource development, environmental protection, water supply maintenance, land-use planning, and more.
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At Michigan Tech, take advantage of our location in the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Work in real geological environments with industry-leading faculty. Focus in seismology, volcanology, hydrogeology and more. Join faculty and student groups on field trips around the world to study diverse materials and geological practices.
Collaborate with your fellow geologists in the Geology Learning Center or as a member of a student organization such as the American Institute of Professional Geologists or the Copper Country Rock and Mineral Club. Meet the global need for more geotechnical professionals with internships and co-op opportunities with the assistance of department-dedicated advisors.
What Will I Study?
Build on a foundation of physics, mathematics, and natural sciences. Develop hands-on expertise working on geological projects. Put your skills to the test in either an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project or collaborative Enterprise team. Expand your expertise with advanced coursework in the following areas:
- Earthquake Seismology
- Volcanology
- Magma Reservoir Dynamics
- Planetary Geology and Geophysics
- Fundamentals of Remote Sensing
- Field Geology and Engineering Applications
Tomorrow Needs Adaptable Geology in the Field and Lab
The daily duties of geoscientists, such as geologists, include investigating natural phenomena. Travel the world and collect data on location, then interpret the results in a lab and write reports. Field studies bring geoscientists to diverse landscapes around the globe. You may find yourself at a volcano, over an ocean, or visiting oil fields. Learn to adapt to a variety of situations and working conditions. Geoscientists must have the ability to develop a picture of a field site based on limited data. Develop sound critical-thinking skills for this discipline.
Engineering Enterprise Concentration
You can pursue an Enterprise concentration by taking part in Michigan Tech's award-winning Enterprise program. It's a great way to enhance your undergraduate degree. Enterprise is when students work in teams on real projects, with real clients, in an environment that's more like a business than a classroom. Choose from among 25 Enterprise teams on campus to invent products, provide services, and pioneer solutions. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.
All Enterprise teams are open to all majors. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.
Be Career Ready
Discover a world of opportunity. A bachelor’s degree in geology will prepare you for a career in industry or graduate study. Geologists often spend part of their working time outdoors and enjoying nature. They may travel frequently.
Interested in oil exploration or a career in academia? Explore graduate education options. An advanced degree provides greater specialization.
Explore career opportunities for geologists.
- Groundwater and surface water monitoring and cleaning
- Natural hazard mitigation
- Satellite remote sensing of environmental processes
- Geographic information systems (GIS) mapping of environmental data
- Site investigations of underground hazards
- Slope failure investigations
- Oil or gas exploration and recovery
- Subsurface visualization
- Natural and induced seismicity evaluation
Emilie Pray on Field Geophysics"Field Geophysics was the class that fully cemented the concepts learned in the classroom into real-world applications. Along with practice in technical writing skills and group work in the field, I believe this class has prepared me well for my future career."
