What can you do with Geology?
Sustainably develop energy and natural resources
What can you do with Geology?
Land use planning
What can you do with Geology?
Protect groundwater resources
What can you do with Geology?
Protect citizens from natural disasters
What can you do with Geology?
Study other planets
What can you do with Geology?
Advise policymakers on decisions affecting our planet
Why Study Geology
Illinois State’s geology program will prepare you to dig deeper into the study of the Earth. Our students are provided with ample experience in the field through course field trips and summer field courses. Our small program means you’ll get to know your professors and work with them on research, even as an undergraduate student.
- Majors
- Minors
- Graduate
- Certificates
Geology
Students may earn a B.S. degree in Geology. Students develop and exercise critical thinking, writing and quantitative skills. The major curriculum provides a balance between traditional liberal arts, and technical and analytical skills.
Learn more about the Geology major
Earth and Space Science Education
Students may earn a B.S. in Earth and Space Science Education. Students will become certified to teach all high school science courses (earth science, environmental science, biology, chemistry and physics), including AP and honors geology and earth science.
Learn more about the Earth and Space Science Education major
Geology
A minor in Geology teaches students to identify earth materials, analyze forces that act within the earth to produce major features of the earth's crust, identify processes that sculpt surface features, identify and explore resources that are vital to modern societies, and apply this knowledge to solve industrial and societal problems.
Learn more about the Geology minor
Hydrogeology
The Master of Science in Hydrogeology program is designed to equip students with the tools needed for a successful career in hydrogeology, whether in the private sector, government, or academia. Our graduate program is focused, offering only a master’s degree and only in the field of hydrogeology. We offer a core curriculum of required courses that allow our graduates to claim the title of "hydrogeologist."
Learn more about the Hydrogeology Graduate Program
Hydrogeology Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Graduate Certificate
The Hydrogeology Geographic Information Systems (GIS) graduate certificate prepares students to meet the growing demand for GIS skills in hydrogeology, both in academic research and other employment.
Learn more about the Hydrogeology Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Graduate Certificate
“I have had the honor of working on research with three of my professors over the past two years. This work has helped me refine what I want to accomplish as a geologist in the future.”
—Kacey Garber, geology major
Careers in Geology
Illinois State’s geology graduates are employed throughout the state, across the country, and around the world. They work to find and protect earth resources, steer land use planning, and even study other planets. Our alumni also teach in school districts all around Illinois.
Our graduates become:
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Engineering geologists
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Paleontologists
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Petroleum geologists
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Seismologists
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Earth science teachers
Where do our graduates work?
- Illinois State Geological Survey
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Mid-America Drilling Services
- Caterpillar Inc.
- GIS Solutions Inc.
- PDC Environmental
- Wang Engineering
- Petco Petroleum
- Weston Solutions
- Apex Environmental
- Roux Associates
- United States Geological Survey
- Unimin Inc
- Alaska Earth Sciences