About this Program

The geology concentration in the Ocean & Earth Sciences B.S. degree is designed for students with a wide range of professional goals in the sciences, engineering, business, and the arts. Students seeking employment in pure and applied fields of geology, including environmental geology, geological oceanography, hydrogeology, marine geology, geobiology, geophysics, and geochemistry, should also choose their courses to support certification as a professional geologist (below). Students considering graduate work in these fields should similarly build their backgrounds accordingly. Students with a strong interest in geological applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools should consider the geology concentration with a minor in geography; the certificate program in spatial analysis of coastal environments also emphasizes this area of study.

Program Highlights

  • The program provides student with the necessary training for employment with a B.S. in a wide range of federal, state, local and private venues.

  • The program provides students with the necessary background for graduate work in geology, oceanography, marine science, and environmental science.

  • Small class sizes at the upper division level means student work closely with faculty in their discipline as a part of their undergraduate experience.

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Science
Concentration
Geology
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from Â鶹´«Ã½'s Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

$105,830 Median Salary

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

$98,560 Median Salary

Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Geophysical Data Technicians

$63,450 Median Salary

Measure, record, or evaluate geological data, using sonic, electronic, electrical, seismic, or gravity-measuring instruments to prospect for oil or gas. May collect or evaluate core samples or cuttings.

Geological Sample Test Technicians

$63,450 Median Salary

Test or analyze geological samples, crude oil, or minerals to detect presence of petroleum, gas, or mineral deposits indicating potential for exploration or production or to determine physical or chemical properties to ensure that products meet quality standards.

Alumni Careers

NOAA
Army Corp of Engineers
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Private Environmental Consulting Companies
Nature Conservancy

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Geology at Â鶹´«Ã½?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science program in Geology should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.
  • Students must first declare the Ocean and Earth science major, geology concentration, with the chief departmental advisor (CDA). 

  •  Entering students should be prepared to take MATH 211 (Calculus I), although students with math deficiencies can take remedial math classes as needed (e.g., MATH 102M, 103M, 162M, 163 or 166, as needed; note that all of these courses will not necessarily be required before taking MATH 211; please consult the catalog or CDA for details).

Transfer

At Â鶹´«Ã½, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $408
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $439
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,109

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Â鶹´«Ã½. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.

Contact

Associate Professor & Cda

345 OCEANOGRAPHY & PHYSICS BLDG
NORFOLK, 23529