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Geology

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is Geology?

As a Geology major, you’ll learn how to analyze and help find solutions to many social issues. You'll explore how to reduce negative environmental impacts and find other natural resources. When you apply to Illinois, you can choose to apply to either Geology or Geology BSLAS. This major has fewer technical requirements and allows flexibility to pursue other interests. This will result in a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences. It also offers a Secondary Education option for the teaching of Earth Science in high schools. Our Geology major includes a specialized curriculum through which you’ll earn a Bachelor of Science in Geology. Through your coursework, you’ll combine field study, theory, and computer and lab analysis. You can choose from three concentrations: Geology, Geophysics, or Environmental Geology.

Career Options

  • Anthropology
  • Economic minerals
  • Energy
  • Environmental geology
  • Environmental protection
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Government
  • Law
  • Teaching

Post-Graduation Success1

84% employed or continuing education

54% employed after graduation

29% attending graduate school

1% volunteering

$51,527 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Strive Preparatory Schools, State Bank of Waterloo, Ridgeline Engineering View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Iowa, University of Kentucky View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

4.4 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

72% four-year graduation rate

85% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,712
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $35,862

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $31,832
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $55,322

International

  • Tuition: $34,280
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $57,770

Related Majors

1 Post-graduation data comes from the college that houses this particular major. Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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