Geology

The Geology undergraduate program at the University of Maryland, College Park, offers students an in-depth understanding of the Earth's physical structure, processes, and history. Designed to prepare students for careers in environmental consulting, natural resource management, and geological research, the program emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and research projects. Students will explore topics such as mineral and rock identification, Earth's internal processes, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation and distribution of natural resources. The curriculum combines fundamental sciences including physics, chemistry, and biology with specialized geology courses, enabling students to develop comprehensive analytical skills vital for the geosciences field.

The program also encourages interdisciplinary study, integrating aspects of environmental science and engineering, which are crucial for understanding and solving contemporary environmental challenges. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, extensive field equipment, and research opportunities that facilitate experiential learning. The program places a strong emphasis on developing scientific communication skills, critical thinking, and data analysis, essential for success in academia, industry, or government positions.

Undergraduates are supported by experienced faculty members who are active researchers, often involving students in their projects. The program provides opportunities for internships and collaborations with government agencies and private companies, ensuring students gain practical experience and professional connections. Graduates of the geology program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce in areas such as environmental assessment, natural hazard mitigation, resource exploration, and scientific research. With its comprehensive curriculum, experiential opportunities, and commitment to student success, the Geology program at the University of Maryland aims to cultivate skilled geoscientists capable of addressing pressing environmental and societal issues.

The geology curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of industry, graduate school, and government. For the B.S. degree, the students are required to complete departmental requirements, capstones, core discipline options, and elective (58 - 62 credits) and the supporting requirements (16 credits) in addition to the General Education Program requirements and the completion of at least 120 credits. The department requires that to receive a degree in Geology, students must have a grade of C- or better in the required geology courses, and an average of C- or better in the supporting courses.

Courses required for the B.S. in Geology are listed below. Some courses require field trips for which the students are expected to pay for room (if required) and board. Field camp is taken during the summer at institutions other than the University of Maryland, College Park, that offer camps approved by the department.

REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE MARCH 2016

GenEd Program: Minimum 40 credits (for freshmen entering in Fall 2012 and after.)

Or CORE Program: 46 credits

Departmental Requirements: 58-62 credits

Supporting Requirements: 16 credits

Note: Completion of the degree requires completion of 120 credits

REQUIRED GEOLOGY COURSES:

• One of the following:

   

  • GEOL 100 - Physical Geology (3)
  • GEOL 120 - Environmental Geology (3)
• GEOL110 - Introductory Geology Laboratory (1)
• GEOL 102 - Historical Geology (4)
• GEOL 322 - Mineralogy (4)
• GEOL 341 - Structural Geology (4)
• GEOL 342 - Stratigraphy and Sedimentation (4)
• GEOL 423 - Optical Mineralogy (3)
• GEOL 443 - Petrology (4)

Total credits: 28

GEOLOGY CAPSTONES:

Quantitative Reasoning:

• GEOL 393 - Geology Senior Thesis I: Proposal (3)
• GEOL 394 - Geology Senior Thesis II: Research (3)
• GEOL 490 - Field Camp (6)

GEOLOGIC CORE DISCIPLINES: Choose one course from each of the following groups.*

Quantitative Reasoning:

• GEOL 351 - Statistics for Geoscientists (3)
• Geoscientific Modeling (3)
• GEOL 447 - Observational Geophysics (3)

Surface Processes:

• GEOL 340 - Geomorphology (4)
• GEOL 451 - Groundwater (3)

Geophysics:

• GEOL 412 - Geology of the Terrestrial Planets (3)
• GEOL 446 - Geophysics (3)
• GEOL 455 - Marine Geophysics (3)
• GEOL 457 - Seismology (3)

Geochemistry:

• GEOL 444 - Low-Temperature Geochemistry (4)
• GEOL 445 - High-Temperature Geochemistry (4)
• GEOL 463 - Economic Geology (3)

Geobiology:

• GEOL 331 - Principles of Paleontology (4)
• GEOL 435 - Environmental Geochemistry (3)
• GEOL 436 - Biogeochemistry (3)
• GEOL 437 - Global Climate Change, Past and Present (3)

Total credits: 15-18

GEOLOGY ELECTIVE:

• Any 3 - 4 credit 300 - 400 level GEOL course not taken to satisfy the above requirements or appropriate substitution with the approval of the department.

Total credits: 3-4

SUPPORTING COURSES

Required Courses:

• One of the following:
  • CHEM 131/2 - Chemistry I - Fundamentals of General Chemistry and laboratory (4)
  • CHEM 135/6 - Chemistry for Engineers and laboratory (4)
• MATH 140 - Calculus I (4)
• MATH 141 - Calculus II (4)
• One of the following:
  • PHYS 161 - General Physics: Mechanics and Particle Dynamics (3) and PHYS 174 - Physics Laboratory Introduction (1)
  • PHYS 171 - Introductory Physics: Mechanics and Relativity (3) and PHYS 174 - Physics Laboratory Introduction (1)

Total credits: 16

OVERALL Total credits: 74-78

Requirements

• Nonrefundable application fee of $75
• Two letters of recommendation are required for a completed application: one from your school counselor and one from a teacher. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender.
• Official copy of your high school transcripts
• Where appropriate, include official results and certificates of completion from national secondary school examinations such as GCSE/GCE, CBSE national and regional, CXC/CSEC and WAEC. Transcripts must be sent in the native language with a certified English translation.
• The SAT or the ACT is required.
• If neither the SAT nor the ACT is available in your country, submit a written request for a waiver of this requirement with your application. Applicants who don’t submit some form of official standardized testing may be at a competitive disadvantage.
• Activities and awards list or resume
• If English is not your native language—regardless of your citizenship—you must have an official report of your scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the address below by the appropriate application deadline. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will consider all materials submitted in the application package to determine your level of English proficiency.

Scholarships

• Association of Women Geoscientists (AWG) Minority Scholarship
• Department of Geology Field Camp Scholarship (Fernow Field Camp Fund)

The Geology program at the University of Maryland, College Park, offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles of Earth sciences. The program is designed to develop a deep understanding of the Earth's processes, materials, and history through rigorous coursework and practical experiences. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to study various topics such as mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, geophysics, paleontology, and environmental geology. The curriculum emphasizes the application of scientific methods to solve real-world problems related to natural resources, natural hazards, and environmental issues.

The program provides students with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and field equipment, supporting hands-on learning and research activities. Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in research projects alongside faculty who are experts in their fields. The university also offers internship opportunities with government agencies, private companies, and research institutions, giving students valuable industry experience and networking opportunities.

Graduates of the Geology program are prepared for careers in various sectors, including mineral and energy resource exploration, environmental consulting, disaster management, and academia. Many alumni pursue advanced degrees, such as master's and doctoral programs, to further their expertise and research capabilities. The Department of Geology at the University of Maryland also fosters a collaborative environment, integrating interdisciplinary approaches by working with other science departments and offering courses in related fields such as atmospheric and oceanic sciences.

The faculty at the Department of Geology are dedicated to student success, providing mentorship and support for career development and research initiatives. The program also maintains active partnerships with industry and government organizations to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to current scientific and industry standards. Overall, the Geology program at the University of Maryland, College Park, prepares students to understand and address complex Earth science challenges, contributing to sustainable resource management and environmental protection worldwide.