Overview

The Geology programme at Iowa State University provides students with a deep understanding of the complex geological processes that have shaped our planet over billions of years. This curriculum is designed to make the unseen workings of the Earth visible, preparing graduates to identify and manage vital natural resources. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the university ensures students are ready for professional roles in the geosciences.

Why Geology at Iowa State University?

Students benefit from being part of a close-knit academic community within the Department of the Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate. A distinctive feature of the programme is the six-week field course held at the dedicated field station in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming. This immersive experience allows for real-world application of geological mapping and analysis techniques.

The university also provides significant financial support through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students can access Dean’s High Impact Awards for Undergraduate Research and specific Geology Undergraduate Research Grants. These opportunities allow undergraduates to work alongside expert faculty on cutting-edge research, often serving as a paid campus job.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15293 per semester
National fee: USD 14289 per semester
Local fee: USD 4765 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on a core of 31 credits of specialised coursework designed to build technical expertise. Modules may include:

Earth Science
Climate Science
Meteorology
Geology Field Camp
Materials Engineering
Civil Engineering
Environmental Science
Biology

Careers with Geology

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles across the energy, mining, and technology sectors. The programme prepares individuals for careers in hazard mitigation, resource management, and sustainable development. Dedicated career services help students connect with a vast network of alumni who hold leadership positions in Iowa and across the globe.

Common professional paths for graduates include:

Environmental Consultant
Hydrogeologist
Geophysicist
Geotechnical Engineer
Geochemist
Surveyor

Additionally, the degree provides a strong foundation for research-based careers at state-level agencies, the United States Geological Survey, or various National Laboratories.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mineralogy and Earth Materials

Laboratory in Mineralogy and Earth Materials

Optical Mineralogy

Structural Geology and Tectonics

Geological Mapping and Field Methods

Sedimentary Geology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Iowa State operates on rolling admission. We strongly recommend that you apply at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ames, United States

Disciplines

Geology View 480 other Bachelors in Geology in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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

ACT composite (or converted SAT) score x 3

Cumulative GPA x 30

Number of years of high school core courses x 5

RAI (Regent Admission Index)

SAT scores will be converted to their ACT composite equivalents for this calculation.

High school GPA is expressed on a 4-point scale (you can use our GPA calculator to convert your GPA if it's not on a 4.0 scale).

The number of core high school courses is measured in years or fractions of years.

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

30586 USD / year

≈ 30586 USD / year
Out-of-State

28578 USD / year

≈ 28578 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9530 USD / year

≈ 9530 USD / year

Living costs

Ames

United States

1158 - 1797 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

Ames

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners