Geological and Environmental Sciences

Bachelor of Science in geology

Consider a geology major if you are fascinated with the study of rocks and minerals, fossils and ancient life, landforms and mountains or earthquakes and volcanoes. This program provides an outstanding foundation for pursuing graduate study in many geoscience fields as well as preparation for careers in the energy and critical mineral exploration industries, geotechnical or environmental industries or government regulation.

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95%

of graduates working full time are satisfied with their job

—2024-25 Post-graduation Activity Survey
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94%

of graduates are working or continuing their education

—2024-25 Post-graduation Activity Survey
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98%

of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning

—2024-25 Post-graduation Activity Survey
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Pursue a B.S. in geology

Rocks, minerals, soil and water are the foundations that support all life and modern human society. As a student in this program, you will build a deep and connected understanding of these topics through coursework, multiple day and overnight field trips and a capstone experience. You will work alongside faculty and researchers at the Michigan Geological Survey to gain skills in using field-based techniques and modern laboratory instruments to analyze minerals, rocks and water, building research and communication skills that are in high demand from employers and graduate schools. This program can support your career goals in geological or geotechnical consulting, regulation or research that require strong scientific knowledge and technical skills. Coursework prepares you to continue your education in graduate school, or to apply for professional certification exams, required in many states outside of Michigan to become a registered professional geologist.

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What you'll learn

After completing your basic coursework in physical geology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, you will take upper-level courses that build a deep understanding of topics like rock and mineral formation, soils, groundwater, landforms and the history of life. Your upper-level courses will take field trips that visit beaches, mountains, rock quarries, fossil sites and more across Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Kentucky.  ou’ll learn how to conduct fieldwork and how to run laboratory instruments for analyzing data from rocks, fossils and groundwater. You’ll prepare maps, reports and presentations that communicate Earth science to your peers. For your capstone requirement, you can choose between a research-based course, internship, research with a professor or our nationally renowned summer field program in hydrogeology. As part of this field program, you can earn an industry certificate in 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response).

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Student Quote

After changing my major many times I found geology the perfect mix of what I love in science and being outside. Plus, rocks are pretty sick!
— Geology major, 2026 Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences survey

Where you'll be after graduation

A degree in geology will open you to many career paths in geology and environmental science. Our recent graduates are working as:

  • Geologists
  • Earth science educators
  • Environmental geologists
  • Surveyors
  • Soil erosion and sediment control supervisors

They work at engineering firms, mining companies, environmental consulting companies and government agencies. Employers include:

  • Doe Run Company
  • Fishbeck
  • GEI Consultants
  • Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing
  • Van Buren County
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Making the most of your learning experience

The Department of Geological & Environmental Sciences offers an alumni career mentoring network designed to help you launch your geoscience career. Your alumni mentor can answer questions about career options and opportunities, how to choose classes that fit your goals, and how to prepare for the job market. The Department also participates in several career fairs and regularly runs geoscience career events each semester. 

Make the most of your time at WMU by joining student organizations that support your interests and connect you with like-minded peers. The WMU Geology Club, also a student chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIGP), is a four-time winner of the AIPG national student of the year in recognition of supporting student professional development through field trips, lapidary workshops, participation in events like Science Olympiad and Earth Day, and career-focused events. Many Geology majors have volunteered, held internships, or had part-time jobs at the Michigan Geological Survey related to field mapping, rock characterization, or laboratory analysis.

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What scholarships are available for a geology degree?

Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences annually awards a range of scholarships, grants, awards, and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarship applications are due annually by March 1 through Scholarship Universe. Students complete one application each year and based on qualifying criteria are matched to all scholarship opportunities in the department. Please apply! 

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Frequently asked questions

A degree in geology provides an outstanding foundation for pursuing graduate study in many geoscience fields as well as preparation for careers in the energy and critical mineral exploration industries, geotechnical or environmental industries or government regulation.

Yes! This program has many laboratory courses in which you will learn modern instruments and analysis techniques as well as research and data-management skills alongside faculty and graduate students. Courses in this program include day and overnight course-based field trips in Michigan and the Midwest. You can opt to complete industry-relevant training through the summer Hydrogeology Field Course, and short-term employment opportunities are available through the Michigan Geological Survey.

 

Yes! As an Earth science major, you have access to numerous scholarships, which typically range from $200-$3,000. Please use Scholarship Universe to determine your eligibility.

There are no additional admission requirements for this program beyond being admitted to WMU.

Ready to take your degree to a deeper level? The accelerated graduate degree program in Earth science allows undergraduate students from any Geological and Environmental Sciences program to begin accumulating credits toward the completion of your Master of Science (non-thesis) in Earth Science degree while completing your bachelor’s degree. Working closely with an advisor, starting in your junior year you can apply selected courses to both programs, enabling you to earn both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Earth science in just five years. A master's degree is strongly recommended for entry into geoscience career paths in mineral and energy resources and those that require a higher degree of technical skills and research. You can check out the accelerated master's requirements here.