Geology (B.S.)
From dynamic and hazardous natural processes to environmental and geographic change, geology is concerned with the structure and composition of Earth, as well as the processes that have shaped it over time.
At the University of Dayton, you can tailor your course schedule to suit your interests, needs and goals. Select the classes you want to take, and participate in undergraduate research with your professors — or on your own — in our state-of-the-art facilities.
As an undergraduate, you will have opportunities to work with professors on their research and present your own research findings at the University's annual Stander Symposium. You can also participate in various department activities like Environmental Science Week, Field Trip to Planet Earth and the Geology Club.
You'll find plenty of space and resources to complete assignments, pursue your interests and launch a successful career in the Keck Environmental Laboratory, which is part of the National Science Foundation-funded Environmental Instrumentation Laboratory. In addition, the Ritter Undergraduate Research Facility offers an array of sample preparation facilities, an analytical lab with fume hood and a furnished student work area.
During the three-week summer field course in Colorado, you can explore one of America's great geological environments. In addition, Earth Science Week is hosted on campus each year. Student committees plan activities and lectures that highlight the importance of the environment and participate in a service-learning project.
Ambitious undergraduate students have the opportunity to earn a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems, an attractive enhancement to your undergraduate degree. GIS is the science of displaying and analyzing any feature or variable that can be shown on a map.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates have found success with state and federal agencies and private companies specializing in a wide variety of careers including environmental geologists, exploration geologists, geochemists, geophysicists, marine geologists, museum curators, oceanographers, teachers, paleontologists and professors.
Many of our graduating geology majors enter competitive graduate programs in universities throughout the country, typically with expenses paid by assistantships or fellowships.