Bachelor of Arts in Geology

Our students become well-rounded critical thinkers with a deep appreciation of the Earth and its resources, structure, processes and history; they enjoy satisfying careers in the U.S. Geological Survey, energy industries, state and federal environmental regulation agencies, and resource management organizations.

Geology studies students gain a deep understanding and appreciation of the Earth: its resources, structure, processes and history. Our faculty and staff research minerals, sediments, rocks, fossils, landforms, natural fluids and gases to further understand the past, present and future of various parts of Earth’s system, including solid Earth and its enveloping hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.

  • Choose between two tracks: geology and geophysics
  • Explore theoretical, laboratory and field-oriented aspects of geology
  • Gain hands-on education in the Rocky Mountains

#2 geosciences program in the world

(U.S. News and World Report, 2019)

World-class research facilities located at the junction of the High Plains and the Rocky Mountains

Many opportunities to take part in faculty-supported research into subjects like hydrology, paleontology and petrology

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our 21st-century society by applying your knowledge and skills in a wide variety of careers.

 
$60,077

Median salary of CU Boulder geology students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Work for the U.S. Geological Survey, energy industries, state and federal environmental regulation agencies, and resource management organizations as a geologist, environmental engineer, geophysicist or research scientist

 

Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 6% from 2018 to 2028, as fast as the average for all occupations

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Academic Plan & Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, students must complete a minimum of 27 credit hours in geology with 18 credit hours as upper-division courses.

Students choose between two tracks of study:

  • Geology: This track allows students to explore broad aspects of the geosciences (water, surface process, geobiology)
  • Geophysics: Topics in this track focus on the materials, structure and processes of the Earth’s interior, as well as the deformation and dynamics of the Earth

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The geological sciences department has an extensive list of alumni who have worked in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Penny Patterson

(BS'76; PhD'90)
Senior technical professional advisor for ExxonMobil.

Tim Grove

(BA'71)
The Robert R. Shrock Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From 2008 to 2010 he served as president of the American Geophysical Union, the largest and most influential professional society in geosciences.

Vance Holliday

(PhD'82)
Professor of geoscience and archaeology at the University of Arizona and recipient of 2018 Fryxell Award for Interdisciplinary Research from the Society of American Archaeology. He also has received the Kirk Bryan Award and the George R. "Rip" Rapp Archaeological Geology Career Award from the Geological Society of America.

Bruce Benson

(BA'64)
President of the University of Colorado system from 2008 to 2019. He was the Republican nominee for governor of Colorado in 1994.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover