Geology

The Geology program at the University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to prepare students for careers in earth sciences, environmental consulting, resource exploration, and academia. This program provides students with a solid foundation in the principles of geology, including mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology, paleontology, and geophysics. Through a combination of classroom instruction, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and research projects, students gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills in critical thinking, data interpretation, and scientific communication.

The curriculum is structured to progressively build students’ knowledge and expertise, starting with fundamental courses in physical and historical geology, advancing to specialized topics such as mineral resources, environmental geology, and geochemistry. Students are encouraged to participate in field trips and internships that connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding Earth’s processes, including plate tectonics, volcanism, and erosion, as well as addressing contemporary issues like climate change, natural resource management, and natural hazards.

The faculty at the University of Pittsburgh are experts in various fields of geology, committed to mentoring students and fostering research opportunities. The program supports involvement in faculty-led research projects, encouraging students to contribute to scientific advancements and publish their findings. Additionally, students can take advantage of the university’s state-of-the-art laboratories, mapping facilities, and research centers dedicated to earth sciences.

Graduates of the Geology program are well-equipped for diverse career paths, including roles in environmental consulting firms, government agencies, oil and mineral exploration companies, and academic institutions. Many alumni continue their studies in graduate programs to specialize further or pursue research careers. The program’s interdisciplinary approach and strong emphasis on practical skills ensure that students are prepared to address the complex challenges facing our planet today.

Overall, the Geology program at the University of Pittsburgh offers an enriching educational experience that combines theoretical learning with practical application, preparing students to become knowledgeable and innovative geoscientists capable of making meaningful contributions to understanding and solving Earth’s environmental and resource-related issues.

CORE COURSES 

Choose one of the following introductory geology classes:

• GEOL 0800 Geology (3) OR GEOL 0820 Natural Disasters (3) OR GEOL 0860 Environmental Geology (3)

Take each of the following:

• GEOL 0055 Geology Laboratory (2) [Fall, Spring, Jones] This is a prerequisite for all core courses!
• GEOL 0060 History of the Earth (4) [Spring, Jones] Excellent follow-up to 0800/0820/0860 and 0055.
• GEOL 1001 Mineralogy (4) [Fall, Stewart] This is a prerequisite for GEOL 1003 and co-req. for 1020!
• GEOL 1003 Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (4) [Spring, TBA]
• GEOL 1015 Colloquium [Fall, Spring, Staff, taken pass/fail] (1)
• GEOL 1020 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (4) [Fall, Jones]
• GEOL 1100 Structural Geology (4) [Spring, McQuarrie]
• GEOL 1960 Field Camp (4-8) [Summer. In the fall, seek out programs run by other universities (see this list of field camps) and transfer in the credits. The Yellowstone Field Camp does not fulfill this requirement.] Note: GEOL 0060 and GEOL 1020 together fulfill one writing (W) requirement.

CO-REQUIREMENTS (Take as early as possible, calc before physics; check each as completed):

• MATH 0220 Analytical Geometry and Calculus 1 (4)
• MATH 0230 Analytical Geometry and Calculus 2 (4) Note: This one is hard. Be prepared!
• MATH 0240 Analytical Geometry and Calculus 3 (4) OR MATH 0250 Matrix Theory and Differential Eqns (4) OR STAT 1000 Applied Statistical Methods (4)
• CHEM 0110 General Chemistry 1 (4)
• CHEM 0120 General Chemistry 2 (4)
• PHYS 0174 Basic Physics for Science & Engineering 1 (4)
• PHYS 0175 Basic Physics for Science & Engineering 2 (4)

ELECTIVES (At least 9 credits of upper level or graduate GEOL courses):

• GEOL 1051 Groundwater Geology (4) [Spring, Bain]
• GEOL 1052 Paleoclimatology (3) [Alternate years, Spring, Abbott]
• GEOL 1055 Environmental Science, Ethics, and Public Policy (3) [Spring, McCord/Jones]
• GEOL 1056 Environmental Science, Ethics, and Public Policy (3) [Spring, McCord/Jones]
• GEOL 1060 Geomorphology (4) [Alternate years, Spring, Abbott]
• GEOL 1200 UHC Paleontology (3) [Spring, Lyon]
• GEOL 1201 Marine Paleoecology (invertebrate paleontology) (3) [Offered occasionally, Spring, Lyon]
• GEOL 1240 Evolution of the Dinosaurs (3) [Offered occasionally, Spring, Lyon]
• GEOL 1309 Physicochemical and Geological Limnology (3) [Alternate years, Spring, Staff]
• GEOL 1313 W - Scientific Communication for Environmental Professionals (3) [Fall, Spring, Collins]
• GEOL 1331 Health and Safety (HAZWOPER) (3) [Fall, Kubeldis]
• GEOL 1410 Exploration Geophysics (3) [Spring, Harbert] Excellent choice.
• GEOL 1445 GIS, GPS, and Computer Methods (3) [Fall, Harbert]
• GEOL 1446 Advanced Geographic Information Systems (3) [Spring, Harbert]
• GEOL 1460 Remote Sensing of the Earth (3) [Fall, Ramsey]
• GEOL 1515 Environmental Geochemistry (3) [Fall, Capo]
• GEOL 1701 Geology of the Planets (3) [Alternate years, Fall, TBA]
• GEOL 1900 Internship (3-4) [Jones]
• GEOL 1901 Independent Study (1-12) [Arrange with a GPS faculty member]
• GEOL 1903 Undergraduate Research (1-4) [Arrange with a GPS faculty member]
• GEOL 1xxx Other upper level classes (GEOL 1000 or higher) may be approved by your advisor.
• GEOL 2xxx Graduate classes are numbered 2000 and up. You must get instructor permission for graduate classes, but undergraduates often take such classes as GEOL 2054: Soils, GEOL 2110: Plate Tectonics, and GEOL 2750: Volcanology

Requirements

• Completed online application for admission.
• $45 application fee
• High school academic information using the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR) or submitting an official high school transcript. We encourage you to complete the SRAR rather than sending a transcript to improve application processing time. Please note that we will compare your SRAR to your official high school transcript if you enroll at Pitt. Accuracy in completing the SRAR is very important. Discrepancies and misrepresentations could result in the Admissions Committee revoking your admissions decision.
• Official SAT or ACT test results (SAT Essay and ACT Writing Test scores not required). Please arrange for all of your test results to be forwarded directly to Pitt from the testing agency.

• In lieu of an essay or personal statement, we ask interested applicants to answer a series of short answer questions. Answering the following questions is optional, but strongly encouraged. Your answers may increase the likelihood that you are considered for scholarships, guaranteed admission to graduate or professional school, or given special consideration due to extenuating circumstances. The Admissions Committee reviews responses for quality rather than length. However, the most effective responses typically range from 250-500 words in total for all three questions (approximately 80-170 words per question). Responses that are longer or shorter are acceptable. If you decide to submit short answers, please answer all three questions: How have you overcome failure and what did you learn from it? How have you exhibited outstanding leadership? Why is Pitt a good choice for you?

• TOEFL

Scholarships

We have two scholarships that support field studies.

• The Norman K. Flint Memorial Field Geology Scholarship is specifically for geology and hydrogeology summer field camps. Unfortunately, we cannot use it to support undergraduate field research.
• The Environmental Studies Field Studies Scholarship is to support non- geology field studies for especially Environmental Studies and Environmental Science majors.

And we have one scholarship for books:

• The Samuel B. Frazier Book Scholarship provides grants to help purchase necessary textbooks. This scholarship is open to all three of our majors.

Fliers for all three scholarships will go up in early December, with the deadline being around the middle of January. Checks are issued before the end of April. Note: We do not normally award both the Flint and Environmental Studies field scholarships to the same person. Apply for one or the other! 

Other Field Camp Scholarships

• National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) Scholarships for Field Study for field-based geoscience courses (deadline in February).  There are also two Association of Women Geoscientists (AWG) Crawford Field Camp scholarships associated with the NAGT application.
• GSA - ExxonMobil Field Camp Scholar Award for field camp (applications open in mid-February)
• Beardsley-Kuper Field Camp Scholarship Fund for environmental or engineering geologists (February 1 deadline)
• American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) National Undergraduate Scholarship awards $1000 for tuition and room & board expenses (deadline in February). This one is for future professional geologists; it requires a 'creative' essay, among other things.
• Some field camps offer scholarships to support students.  For example, Indiana University's field camp offers several scholarships.

Grants and Scholarships Outside the Department

• L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Program (applications accepted between about January 15th and April 15th).
• Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Scholarships:  For undergraduates and graduates (deadline around March 1).
• Research and Teaching Grants
• General Undergraduate Grants

The Geology program at the University of Pittsburgh offers students a comprehensive education in Earth sciences, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical skills. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, structural geology, and geophysics, providing students with a solid foundation in understanding the Earth's processes and history. Students have the opportunity to engage in laboratory research, fieldwork, and internships that complement their classroom learning, enabling them to develop critical analytical and problem-solving skills. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers in natural resource exploration, environmental consulting, geology, and academia. The university also emphasizes research in environmental geology, paleontology, and geochemistry, often involving faculty-led projects that contribute to current scientific knowledge. Students can participate in field trips to various geological sites, enriching their hands-on experience and understanding of real-world geological phenomena. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from related fields such as chemistry, physics, and environmental science to address complex Earth system issues. Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge to pursue advanced study or employment in industries such as energy, mining, environmental protection, and hazard assessment. The university's location and resources allow for unique field opportunities in the Appalachian region and other geological settings. Overall, the Geology program at the University of Pittsburgh combines rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and practical experiences to prepare students for successful careers in Earth sciences.