Your Chance to Contribute to the Great Debates of the 21st Century
Part historian, part scientist, part activist, part business person, and part negotiator—the role of a geoscientist has never been more central to the well-being of our planet.
As a geology major, your field of exploration goes far beyond the layers of sediment that mark our earth's history. Your laboratory encompasses the stars and the oceans, and what you learn could lead to a career that affects millions.
Furthermore, during your studies, you will have the opportunity to work in the field, conduct laboratory research, and experience firsthand the impact you could make as a geoscientist.
Profs Are Her Team
"I know my professors well. They do a good job getting to know all their students. I'm always surprised when I talk to people from other schools and they don't really know their professors."
Rebecca Smith, Earth and Space Science Education, BSEd
IUP Is Incomparable
"When I decided to move five hours from the Philadelphia area to come to IUP, affordability was a major factor. I don't think I could've got the same outstanding education for the price anywhere else."
Tom Lavanga, BSEd in Earth and Space Science Education; earth and space science and physics teacher, Perkiomen Valley School District, Pa.
Why Geology?
Think about it—our entire existence is based on geologic consent. Our energy resources, our materials, our food, our water management, the ecology of the planet—all rely on the health of our geologic environment.
The great debates of the twenty-first century—climate change, pollution, energy resources—are all part of the geologic conversation. With a degree in geology from IUP you will:
- Experience hands-on learning, fieldwork, and student-oriented research.
- Gain a full understanding of the processes that shape the earth by studying geology, astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography.
- Develop the knowledge needed to explore the responsible utilization of energy resources.
- Achieve an understanding of regional and global environmental issues.
Geology, Geoscience, BS
- Become a well-trained, professional geologist able to compete for positions as a professional geologist in the job market.
- Gain the necessary allied science and mathematics background to qualify for admission to the graduate school of your choice in geology.
- Acquire a solid foundation in geosciences while also exploring biology and chemistry.
- Achieve the skills necessary to compete in the rapidly growing field of environmental geoscience.
- Prepare yourself for direct entry into the energy industry with a focus on the discovery and development of energy resources and geophysical exploration techniques.
- Take advantage of your proximity to the Marcellus shale, and gain first-hand experience of what it's like to be in the field.
The World Needs Geoscientists
You don't have to look very far to experience why geoscientists are important to our society.
Geoscientists help us learn about dangerous and sometimes deadly events related to earthquakes, landslides, and floods.
As a geoscientist, you will make informed decisions about controversial issues like energy development, climate change, and environmental protection.
These issues are only going to play a bigger role in our lives, which means that the need for geoscientists who know how to introduce a sane balance to the conversation will only grow. Learn more about career paths.
Expected Outcomes for Geology or Earth and Space Science Education
Every student receives a rigorous education in natural science related to the earth and its environment through courses in astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography.
- Geology, Geoscience, BS: Train to be either a professional geologist or gain the needed allied science and mathematics background to pursue a higher degree.
The IUP Difference
Geology faculty. Our full-time professors combine real-life experience in the field with a high level of scholarship. They are committed to developing close collaborative relationships with their students, involving them with their own research, introducing them to new experiences in the field, and helping them find the right track to pursue.
Laboratories. Hands-on learning is emphasized with a selection of laboratories that include the marine sediments laboratories, the geochemistry research laboratory, the paleontology research laboratory, the structural geology and tectonics laboratory, the planetary science laboratory, and the IUP planetarium.
Field experience. Few places in America are as well suited to geologic field explorations and internships in the energy field as western Pennsylvania. The Marcellus shale, one of the centers of the hydro-fracking boom, surrounds us. And that's just for starters. Throughout the year you'll have access to both regional and national field explorations giving you a chance to study a wide range of geological environments from the history of the Appalachians to the carbonate reefs of the Florida Keys to the volcanic eruptions of the Cascades.