Geology

If you are interested in a geology major at Iowa State University, you have several options open to you.

A major in geology prepares you for a professional career and/or graduate study in geological sciences. You also have the option of specializing in traditional geology or environmental geology/hydrogeology.

If you want a broader program that typically emphasizes an interdisciplinary field, then an Earth Science major may be for you. Programs can be individually designed and typically include courses in geology and meteorology with other required courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics.

Field Camp

For six weeks each summer, geology and earth science students from Iowa State and other colleges from throughout the nation travel to Wyoming for a resident geology field camp.

The surrounding area features rocks ranging in age from Precambrian through Cenozoic. You will learn to recognize and evaluate various geological phenomena and problems while learning geologic reasoning on daily excursions to nearby geological sites.

Extensive renovations are being planned for the field camp with a new shower facility and bunkhouse in the plans.

Career Opportunities

Recent geology and Earth science graduates have gone onto graduate school and professional programs or moved directly into professional positions including

Brown & Caldwell
Health Material Systems

Scholarships

The Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences offers several scholarships. Information is available on-line at www.ge-at.iastate.edu/scholarships.shtml.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also offers a wide variety of scholarships for both incoming and continuing undergraduates.

More information on the scholarships is available on-line at www.discoverlas.com/scholarships.shtml.

Postcard: Dear Mom & Dad, This has been a great experience. Every day we go out into the field where we get to see geology in person. It's nothing like looking at a textbook. I've gotten a much better visual representation of what I've been studying. I was a little leery about coming out here, but I've been having the best time. See you soon. Your son

4-Year Plans (Word documents)

Geology
Earth Science

Information for Transfer Students

We welcome transfer students from other colleges and universities and will work with you to map out the most efficient way to complete your bachelor's degree in geology or Earth science at Iowa State University. The supporting math, chemistry, and physics courses required for the geology/Earth science degrees are foundation courses that are commonly taught at most institutions and typically transfer without difficulty. If you are planning on transferring from an Iowa community college, please refer to these transfer guides to help with your pre-ISU course selections.
Geology
Earth Science BA
Earth Science BS