Geology

Geology studies how the Earth works and its history. It’s a field-based science that takes you outside the classroom and into nature. It offers plenty of variety by incorporating principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and math.

Professional geologists study earth processes like landslides, earthquakes, and rock formation. Understanding these activities is essential to sustaining life on Earth.

The Geology program at Illinois State gives you a strong foundation and awareness of these processes. Our traditional approach to teaching prepares you for graduate school or a career. Once you complete our program, you can get licensed and begin a career in the environmental, energy, and minerals industries.

Why Study Geology?

Geology at Illinois State is active and engaging. Our curriculum focuses on all the traditional aspects of geology. You'll study rocks, mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, and sedimentary geology.

Our labs let you interact with minerals, rocks, and fossils. They also expose you to the methods, techniques, and tools geologists use to address geologic challenges.

You’ll get plenty of opportunities to take what you learn in the classroom and apply it to the field. We take field trips all over the Midwest, southwest, and the Rocky Mountains. You’ll also take summer field courses where you’ll solve real geologic problems.

You can even take your learning one step further and work on research projects with faculty or as an independent study. Our students research a variety of geologic topics, including:

• Source areas of sediment, the ages of rocks, and the geologic past
• Erosion changes to rock surfaces
• Groundwater flow

Related Skills

• Works with people of varied backgrounds and can work individually
• Ability to research and lead projects
• Good team member
• Strong math and computer skills
• Ability to rationalize and have good quantitative skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Reads, writes, speaks, and memorizes proficiently
• The ability to market your skills and write proposals is necessary to maintain steady work.
• The ability to obtain grants may be necessary to continue a project.
• Conducts and clearly explains scientific research
• Possesses knowledge of geological principles and mathematics
• Understands and uses information derived from computers
• Experience in mapping and surveying. Develop skills with measuring equipment as well as laboratory equipment and processes.
• Loves the outdoors, interested in nature, and has a desire to travel.
• Join groups directed toward improvement of natural resources, environment, and pollution control.
• Possesses the physical stamina required to work and do research in remote areas under various conditions.

Being Successful in the Field

• Within the many facets of geology, there is often overlap of job functions. However, many geologists find advantage in becoming more specialized.
• Gaining experience is very important and there are many opportunities for studentsto obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, and/or co-op experiences in different geological fields.
• A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for entry-level industry positions.
• A master's degree is often preferred for state survey work and advancement in industry and government. Employment prospects are best for those with master's degrees, familiarity with advanced technologies such as computer modeling, and willingness to relocate.
• Plan on completing a state exam to become a registered geologist.
• Obtain a business background to help in managing projects and assessing economic costs and benefits.
• Join the student branch of the professional organization(s) related to interest area(s).
• Learn a foreign language since work may often be done in other countries.

Related Fields

Here are some employers of recent geology graduates from Illinois State:

Federal, state, and local governments

• Illinois State Geological Survey
• Illinois State Water Survey
• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
• Illinois Department of Transportation
• DuPage County Health Department
• Jo Daviess County Water Conservation District
• LaSalle County Solid Waste Department
• Oakbrook Street Department
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• U.S. Bureau of Mines
• Myrtle Beach, S.C., park ranger

Environmental consulting firms

• Patrick Engineering
• Handex
• Terrecon
• Testing Services Corp.
• Fluor Daniels GTI
• Mid-America Drilling Services
• Parsons Engineering
• Radon Testing Services

Companies

• Caterpillar Inc.
• State Farm Insurance
• GIS Solutions Inc

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.55 - 3.19

Required Courses

None

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

• Introduction to Geology (GEO 102)
• General Chemistry I (CHE 140)
• General Chemistry II (CHE 141)
• Calculus I (MAT 145)
• Calculus II (MAT 146)
• College Physics I & II (PHY 108 & 109) or Physics for Science & Enginerring I & II (PHY 110 & 111)

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.55 - 3.19

Application Period

Applications are always available.

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Academic Advising