Minor in Geology

Our students become accomplished critical thinkers who understand and appreciate the Earth, its resources, structure, processes and history, and they go on to apply that knowledge to careers as geologists, environmental engineers, geophysicists or research scientists.

Students who minor in geology gain an 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. The minor program is meant for students who would like to acquire a basic knowledge of geology in addition to their major area of study.

  • Explore theoretical, laboratory and field-oriented aspects of geology
  • Gain hands-on education in the Rocky Mountains
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a minor

#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.

A minor in geology allows you to enter the workforce with an understanding of Earth’s resources, structure and history.

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor

 

Geologist, environmental engineer, geophysicist or research scientist are common opportunities to apply this minor

 

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

To earn a minor in geology, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours.

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.

(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.

(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