Overview

The Geology programme at the University of Colorado at Boulder provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's resources, processes, and physical structure. This undergraduate degree encourages learners to become well-rounded critical thinkers who appreciate the complex history of our planet. By studying minerals, sediments, and landforms, students prepare to address the environmental and energy challenges of the 21st century.

Why Geology at the University of Colorado at Boulder?

The university is home to the number two geosciences programme in the world, offering students access to world-class research facilities. Located at the junction of the High Plains and the Rocky Mountains, the campus serves as a natural laboratory for hands-on geological education. Students benefit from an environment that has produced five Nobel Laureates and is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the country.

Undergraduates have unique opportunities to participate in faculty-supported research in specialised areas such as hydrology, paleontology, and petrology. The department offers two distinct tracks—Geology and Geophysics—allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests, whether they focus on surface processes or the dynamics of the Earth's interior.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 50356 per year
National fee: USD 48378 per year
Local fee: USD 18542 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 27 credit hours in geological sciences, with a focus on upper-division coursework. Modules may include:

Geology
Geophysics
Hydrology
Paleontology
Petrology
Geobiology
Surface Process
Earth's Interior

Careers with Geology

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for diverse professional roles in the public and private sectors. Many alumni find satisfying careers with the U.S. Geological Survey, energy industries, and federal environmental regulation agencies. The skills acquired during the degree are highly applicable to resource management organisations and state-level environmental protection departments.

Common career paths for graduates include roles as geologists, environmental engineers, geophysicists, and research scientists. Employment for geoscientists is projected to grow steadily, reflecting the continued demand for expertise in managing Earth's natural resources. Notable alumni have gone on to hold senior technical positions at global energy firms and prestigious academic appointments at institutions like MIT.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Exploring Earth

Planet Earth

Earth Materials

Our Deadly Planet

Geology of Colorado

Dodos, Dinos, and Deinococcus: The History of a Habitable Planet

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

120-128

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Boulder, United States

Disciplines

Geology View 477 other Bachelors in Geology in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Application

Application fee ($65 for domestic applicants, $70 for international applicants

Personal Essay (required, 250–650 words)

Letter of recommendation

High school or secondary school transcripts

In addition to the general admission requirements, all international applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

50356 USD / year

≈ 50356 USD / year
Out-of-State

48378 USD / year

≈ 48378 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18542 USD / year

≈ 18542 USD / year

Living costs

Boulder

United States

950 - 1350 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Geology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Boulder

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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