At Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geology and choose from these areas of emphasis:
Engineering Geology: This curriculum is designed to meet the increasing demand for geoscientists who are trained in the acquisition, interpretation and use of earth materials (rock, soil, ground water) to solve engineering problems. Majors gain specific training be able to effectively interact with and support engineers on the job. Courses put a heavy emphasis on math, physics and engineering.
Environmental Geoscience: This area of emphasis focuses on an interdisciplinary to prepare Geology majors for careers that apply geologic concepts to the solution of environmental problems.
The bachelor’s in Geology degree consists of an interdisciplinary curriculum that provides a sound foundation in both fundamental and applied aspects of Geology. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Geology are typically employed by environmental and engineering companies, natural resource industries and government agencies, or they choose to pursue more advanced degrees.
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Geology is a small department with four faculty members and approximately 30 majors. Class sizes are typically small (10-15) with an excellent student-to-faculty ratio. Geology faculty are student-centered and readily available for consultation, with expertise in sedimentology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, fossil fuels, geochemistry and petrology. Geology department faculty are well-connected with industry, which helps to secure vital hands-on internships for Geology majors.
Marshall’s Geology department is very well-equipped with teaching as well as research facilities so Geology majors can perform such activities as: sample preparation and mineral separations, mineral identification, chemical analysis, soil strength testing, rock engineering durability analysis, and more. The Geology bachelor’s degree program enables students to use specialized equipment ranging from an atomic force microscope and Epic 100 gigapan camera to portable GPS instruments and 3-D laser surface mapper.
Geology faculty are able to help students obtain additional stipends from such top agencies as NASA, SURE and UGCDRS to provide resources to carry out research projects. Geology majors enjoy the use of dedicated facilities at MU, including a study room and small computer lab in the College of Science. Geology majors can apply for departmental aid in the form of tuition waivers and scholarships, one of which allows them to take a summer field camp course.
- Geophysicist
- Geochemist
- Petroleum Geologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Engineering Geologist
- Environmental Geologist