Geology

• Bachelor

  Degree

• English

  Language of instructions

• 4 years

  Years of study

• Full-time

  Study mode

• United States, Erie

  Location

Geology is the study of the Earth and how it works. Specifically, geologists seek to answer questions as diverse as “How did this mountain form?” and “When will this volcano erupt again?” to “How do we provide clean drinking water?” Geologists work at the interface between human-kind and the Earth, and are on the front line in solving a multitude of energy and environmental issues. Geologists use knowledge of math, chemistry, physics, and biology to answer these questions and gain first-hand experience working in the field. Graduates are employed by governments, oil and mining companies, and environmental firms. This program includes concentrations in the following fields: 1) Earth and Space Science Education: Students majoring in Geology have the option of completing a concentration Earth and Space Science Education. For students interested in teaching careers, this concentration can lead to Earth and Space Science teaching certification and a Master of Science in Secondary Education via Mercyhurst’s 4+1 master’s program in secondary education. 2) Geoarchaeology: Students majoring in Geology have the option of completing a concentration Geoarchaeology. Although an area of concentration is not required as part of the Geology major, the concentrations do offer students a chance to specialize in a specific area of geology, which could make them more competitive for graduate school or future employment in the field. 3) Paleontology: Students majoring in Geology have the option of completing a concentration Paleontology. Although an area of concentration is not required as part of the Geology major, the concentrations do offer students a chance to specialize in a specific area of geology, which could make them more competitive for graduate school or future employment in the field. 4) Planetary Geology: Students majoring in Geology have the option of completing a concentration Planetary Geology. Although an area of concentration is not required as part of the Geology major, the concentrations do offer students a chance to specialize in a specific area of geology, which could make them more competitive for graduate school or future employment in the field. Students pursuing a Planetary Geology concentration cannot also concurrently pursue a Planetary Science minor.