Geology B.S. (IU degree)

Earth sciences encompasses the study of earth material (rocks, sediment, soil, petroleum), water (oceans, groundwater, water quality), and the atmosphere (climate change, air quality), as well as the relationships between material, water, air, their interaction with biologic life, and their changes through time.

Earth science (which includes geology and environmental science among other sub-disciplines) is a great field to study because:

• It combines the strengths of biology, geography, physics, chemistry, and biology and applies them to our knowledge of the Earth.
• The career opportunities are very diverse. Some geologists spend most of their time outdoors, others spend their entire time in the laboratory, and many spend a mixture of time outside, in the lab, and at their desk.
• As a smaller discipline of study, faculty and advisors can give one on one attention to each and every student.
• Employment opportunities are spread evenly across the U.S., both in rural and urban areas, with the highest concentration in large metro areas like Indianapolis.
• Students can easily advance to the graduate level and earn a Masters or PhD degree.

The faculty research in our department speaks of the diversity. Several faculty are researching climate change and global warming, which has involved trips on ocean research ships and Antarctica. Other faculty are researching water quality issues and behavior in Central Indiana, while another faculty member researches the geologic history of mountain building in southern California. Some faculty do their research entirely in the laboratory or by computer, but most require some field work to collect samples that are then processed in our laboratories.

What's the difference between Geology & Environmental Science?

The job market provides a good balance between the number of earth science graduates and the number of job openings in earth science, and many graduates have the exciting possibility of continuing on in graduate school to earn a Masters degree or Ph.D. Across the U.S. most earth science graduates who perform well as undergraduates can attend any one of hundreds of graduate programs across the US that typically offer tuition waivers and a stipend of $12-$18K.

The common perception of a geologist is someone who hunts for oil or gold. While petroleum and mining geologists are the highest paid and most recognized field within geology, they are outweighed by the many geologists and environmental scientists employed in business, industry, and education across the U.S. Mean salaries are $45,000 to $60,000 depending on the employer, the type of specialization, and whether you have a Masters degree--an environmental consultant may pay a starting salary of $35,000 while a petroleum exploration company may pay starting at $60,000. Many earth scientists work in county, state, and federal government to conduct research in earth sciences or to implement and manage environmental regulations and public policy.

Learn more about career possibilities and employers of IUPUI Earth Sciences grads.

Both the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees are granted through Indiana University. The degrees differ in some coursework requirements. The B.S. program is designed to prepare students for entry level positions in local, state, federal government and industry and preparation for graduate programs. B.A. students may take a larger number of electives than BS students to create an academic concentration in another field that uses geology as a basis for a wide variety of careers. Students should consult with our academic advisor about which degree to pursue.

Details of all undergraduate degree requirements can be found in the IUPUI Bulletin. Requirements vary depending on a student's date of enrollment. If you do not know your date of enrollment, see your advisor.

Students enrolling in the School of Science on or after August 2014 (2014-2016 IUPUI Bulletin):

• Bachelor of Arts: Bulletin BA | Checksheet BA
• Bachelor of Science: Bulletin BS | Checksheet BS

An exciting feature of the geology degree programs is undergraduate research. Research is not limited to the laboratory and often includes learning opportunities in the field. Students who participate in undergraduate research receive financial support and an opportunity to work directly with world-renowned faculty in a laboratory environment (as early as the freshman year). Research students benefit from personal attention and excellent academic and career advising. Learn more about our unprecedented research opportunities.

Students will apply what they have learned in a capstone experience - either a regional geology field trip, an internship, or a specialized seminar course.

Since 1997, the Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) and the Department of Earth Sciences have coordinated environmental service learning projects each semester that include locations on the IUPUI campus as well as numerous central Indiana parks, greenways, and natural areas. Through the service learning program, IUPUI faculty, staff, and environmental managers work with IUPUI students and community members to address urban environmental issues.