Geology University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Overview

The Geology programme at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides an in-depth exploration of the physical forces and biological evolutions that have shaped our planet. Students engage with a curriculum that balances theoretical classroom learning with extensive practical field investigations and laboratory research.

This Bachelor of Science degree is designed to foster expertise in interpreting geologic processes across various temporal and spatial scales. By utilising specialised analytical tools, participants learn to characterise earth materials and conceptualise environmental systems as interconnected networks. The department emphasises the development of professional competencies, including ethical reasoning, leadership, and collaborative teamwork.

Why Geology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a robust support network through the College of Arts and Sciences Academic and Career Advising Center. Students benefit from assigned academic advisors and dedicated career coaches who assist with major selection, internship identification, and post-graduation planning. The institution’s focus on "Academics + Experience" ensures students have access to research opportunities and education abroad.

Facilities and resources are tailored to support scientific inquiry, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The programme integrates knowledge from chemistry, physics, and mathematics to provide a holistic understanding of geosciences. Furthermore, the department maintains strong links with professional networks, helping students transition from academic study to meaningful employment in the global workforce.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 30330 per year
• National fee: USD 30330 per year
• Local fee: USD 11100 per year

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Dynamic Earth
• Earth Through Time
• Mineralogy
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
• Structural Geology
• Geochemistry
• Geophysics
• Invertebrate Paleobiology
• Computational Methods for Modeling Earth Systems
• Summer Field Course
• Fossils and the History of Life
• Environmental Geology
• Oceanography
• Deadly Planet
• Geology of National Parks and Monuments
• Frontiers in Antarctic Geosciences
• Geology of the Western USA
• Depositional Environments
• Biogeography
• Soils, Environment and Water Quality
• Water & Earth Connections
• Volcanology and Igneous Petrology
• Geochemical Thermodynamics
• Chemistry of Natural Waters
• Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Quaternary Paleoclimatology and Paleoecology
• Biogeochemical Cycles
• Quantitative Methods in Paleontology
• Micro-paleontology
• Cenozoic Mammal Evolution
• Tectonics
• Environmental Geophysics
• Earth and Environmental Microbiology
• Advanced Geophysics
• Exploration Geophysics
• GIS in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Water Quality Strategy
• Water Resources Seminar
• Groundwater Geology
• Economic and Exploration Geology

Careers with Geology

Graduates from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln find diverse opportunities in sectors such as urban planning, civil engineering, and environmental consultancy. Common professional roles include geochemists, hydrologists, and integrated water management specialists. Many alumni also pursue careers in museum curation, legal practice, or pre-college teaching.

Recent graduates have secured positions at organisations such as Shell Inc., the United States Geological Survey, and the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources. The programme also serves as a strong foundation for advanced study, with many students progressing to Master's degrees in Geology or Material Science, as well as Juris Doctor programmes.