Geology B.S.
Geologists gather and interpret data about the Earth to better the quality of human life. By nature, geology is a multidisciplinary study of Earth's processes, materials, and history. Geologists often work in the field, quantify in the lab, travel, puzzle-solve, and have a deep appreciation and understanding of the physical world around us.
We have an academic program information session that gives an overview of the Geology degree program. In the video, you will see a presentation on the B.S. in Geology, followed by a 4-minute tour video about the department.
Career Paths
- Locate and recover natural resources (water, energy, minerals)
- Address environmental problems related to sustainability, urbanization, pollution, and waste disposal
- Reduce loss associated with Earth hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and landslides
- Describe global cycles that impact climate, ecological systems, and resource supplies
The Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Geology with the addition of two emphasis areas - Environmental Science and Hydrogeology.
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Geology Curriculum
First Semester Curriculum
All Geology students are required to take one or more courses that provide them with field experience. They will also participate in a multi-semester research program conducting geologic research and solving real-world problems.
- CH 1010 - General Chemistry (4)
- ENGL 1030 - Composition and Rhetoric (3)
- GEOL 1010 - Physical Geology (3)
- GEOL 1030 - Physical Geology Laboratory I (1)
- MATH 1060 - Calculus of One Variable I (4)
B.S. Geology credit hours: 126
Basic Geology Curriculum
Hydrogeology Curriculum
Environmental Science Curriculum
Geology Core Curriculum
FIELD EXPERIENCE: Because geology is a field-based discipline, all students are required to take one or more courses (six credits) that provide them with field experience.
RESEARCH REQUIREMENT: All Geology majors participate in a multi-semester research program that provides them with hands-on experience conducting geologic research.
ELECTIVES: The Geology degree is flexible, enabling students to choose additional classes from approved lists so they can tailor the degree to their specific interests and career goals.We also offer a Minor in Geology that requires GEOL 1010, 1020, 1030 and 12 additional credits in geology, at least nine of which must be drawn from 3000- and 4000-level geology courses.
Handbook -
Honors Program
Students enrolled in the Clemson Honors Program may earn Senior Departmental Honors in Geology by completing two additional classes and independent research. Interested students should discuss the matter with the Geology program coordinator.
Complete 2 Honors Geology classes
- GEOL 3000 (HON) - Environmental Geology (3)
- GEOL 3140 (HON) - Sedimentary Petrology (3)
- GEOL 3160 (HON) - Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology (3)
- GEOL 3200 (HON) - Engineering Geology (3)
Independent Research
• GEOL 4110 - Research Problems (6)
Students will choose a topic that is not normally covered in formal courses but can be an extension of a course. Includes Honors sections. Taught either semester. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits.
*Not all courses are currently being offered on a regular basis. However, if you are interested in pursuing departmental honors in Geology, please speak with your advisor about your options, including honors contracts*
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Field Experiences
All geology students in the BS program must attend a field camp during their degree. This requirement aims to provide students an intensive experience learning the fundamental tools of their discipline and synthesizing data to form a comprehensive picture of a geologic system. Note that any student wishing to apply for registration as a professional geologist is required to attend a 6-credit field course regardless of individual degree requirements.
B.S. Geology Field Camp Requirements
Environmental Science Concentration: Students must take a 3-credit field course in geology, ecology, or a related area. Students should consult a faculty advisor to obtain approval before enrolling in their selected field course.
Hydrogeology Concentration: Students are required to take GEOL 4750 Hydrogeology Field Camp or an equivalent 6 credit field course in hydrology (obtain approval for other courses prior to enrolling). Note that this course may be offered every second year.
Field Trips
There are numerous opportunities for geology students to attend field trips. A weekend field trip, which is usually attended by many students and faculty from the Department of Geological Sciences, is run each fall by the Carolina Geological Society. Field trips are also organized by the Geological Society of America and other professional societies. Field Trips of various types and duration are a part of the following courses:- Geology 3000 - Environmental Geology
- Geology 3020 - Structural Geology
- Geology 3130 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Geology 2050/2070 - Mineralogy
- Geology 3180 - Introduction to Geochemistry
- Geology 4090/6090 - Applied Geophysics
- Geology 4050/6050 - Geomorphology
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Applying to the B.S. Program
Undergraduate Degree
Students who wish to pursue a Geology degree will apply to Clemson as first-year students if they do not have college credit or if they earned college credit prior to high school graduation. Within the Geology curriculum, students who are particularly interested in environmental or water resources issues may choose to specialize in the Environmental Science Concentration or the Hydrogeology Concentration.
Combined B.S./M.S. Degree
B.S. Degree in Geology undergraduates at Clemson University may begin a Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Hydrogeology while completing their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and use up to 12 credits to satisfy the requirements of both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Because admission to the M.S. program is automatic, students in the combined B.S./M.S. program are not required to pay the graduate application fee. For all of the B.S./M.S. options we offer, please visit the B.S. to M.S. page.
How to Apply
Clemson University offers a Coalition Application, Clemson Application, and the Common Application. To learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements for applying to the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences College (CECAS), please review the First-Year Application Process.
The GS6-Bachelor-to-Graduate Plan form will serve as your application to the graduate program – no additional application is required. However, while the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not mandatory, some fellowship applications may require GRE scores.
