Overview

Students who are uncertain as to which option best suits their needs should contact a departmental advisor or faculty member. In each option, the undergraduate program emphasizes coursework in theoretical, laboratory and field-oriented aspects of the geological sciences. The nearby Rocky Mountains provide a natural laboratory for many of these courses.

Students interested in the geological sciences may also wish to consider the Baker Residential Academic Program. Students who do not wish to pursue a career in the geosciences, or who would like to combine a basic knowledge of geologic sciences with that of some other field, should consider using geological sciences as one subject in a distributed studies major or as a minor. Students who intend to pursue graduate study in the geological sciences are encouraged to consider developing an honors thesis as part of their undergraduate studies.

The two options available in the undergraduate major offer different focus areas of instruction. Both options offer excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing professional careers, or graduate study, in the geological sciences.

Each option emphasizes knowledge in:

The ways in which Earth responds to internal and external forces; the physical, chemical and biological evolution of Earth; and the nature of the materials of which the Earth is made.
The role of physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology in understanding geological processes.
The history of discoveries and ideas that have contributed to our current knowledge of Earth and the planetary system.

Program Tracks

Geology Track

The Geology program of the University of Colorado at Boulder emphasizes processes that function both in the solid earth and at Earth's surface:

The mineralogy and petrology of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
The processes of sedimentation and the applications of stratigraphy and paleobiology in the reconstruction of Earth history.
The role of geophysics and geochemistry in understanding the nature of Earth and its history.
The study of faults, folds and other rock structures and the tectonic processes that create those structures.
The methods used in the field to map and interpret the diverse variety of rock types and structures.
The function of the integrated Earth system including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and geosphere.
The fundamental controls on surface Earth processes including energy balance, hydrology, geomorphology, geochemistry and biogeochemistry.
The role of humans in the Earth system.

Geophysics Track

The geophysics option emphasizes:

Applications of fundamental mathematical formulations and physical principles to an understanding of the Earth.
Methods utilized to map and characterize those portions of the planet that lie below the surface, from just beneath our feet down to the core.

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 476 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

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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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

Program Tracks

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

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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