Overview

The Geology bachelor programme at Portland State University provides an immersive scientific education focused on the dynamic systems that shape our physical world. Students engage with complex topics including climate change, seismology, and resource management while utilising the unique landscape of the Pacific Northwest as a natural laboratory.

Why Geology at Portland State University?

Portland State University offers an unparalleled location for geological study, situated near active volcanoes, glaciers, and significant tectonic features. The programme emphasises hands-on learning, allowing students to conduct research on landslides, flood basalts, and tsunami deposits. This urban campus facilitates strong links with the U.S. Geological Survey and various state departments.

The School of Earth, Environment and Society fosters an interdisciplinary environment where students collaborate on real-world projects. The university supports professional development by covering the costs for students to sit the state licensure exam to become Registered Geologists. This commitment to practical success is bolstered by a diverse and supportive academic community.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum builds a rigorous foundation in the physical sciences to support advanced geological investigation. Modules may include:

National Parks
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Energy, Minerals and the Environment
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Spatial Analysis (GIS)

Careers with Geology

Graduates from Portland State University are well-equipped for technical roles in environmental and geotechnical consulting. The programme provides a direct pathway into groundwater resource management, mining regulation, and natural hazard mitigation. Many alumni secure positions focusing on earthquake and volcanic risk assessment within public and private sectors.

The university's strong regional network connects students with prominent employers such as GSI Water Solutions, Pacific Geophysics, and the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services. Graduates also find success in:

Environmental Law
Science Writing and Editing
Geotechnical Engineering
K-12 Education
Federal Highways Administration

Many students choose to progress to research-based graduate programmes, specialising in tectonics, meteorites, or volcanism. The University Career Center further assists students in finding internships and research partnerships that align with their specific professional interests in the earth sciences.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Computer Based Geology Laboratory

Numerical Modeling of Earth Systems

Structural Geology and Tectonics

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Field Methods in Geosciences

Geologic Mapping

Engineering Geology

Volcanoes and Earthquakes

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-07-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-07-05 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Geology View 480 other Bachelors in Geology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

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

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 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

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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