Overview

The field has a broad variety of applications, from geographic information systems to environmental science to the examination of other planetary bodies. At James Madison University, they urge students to go beyond the classroom and into the real world to explore their scientific interests.

Key Features

Whether the students are interested in local projects in the Shenandoah Valley or international projects in locations like Ireland, the faculty strive to engage majors in field-based research. Because the Geology department consists entirely of undergraduate students, the majors receive more individualized instruction from our professionally recognized faculty.

They also have a research requirement for majors, which means our students are prepared for their future career goals and also often emerge from our program with professional publications and presentation experience. The majors are more than just students—they are scientists.

The Geology major from James Madison University provides a strong theoretical background in geology while allowing students flexibility in choosing courses to prepare for a specific career in the geological sciences. Graduates have attained employment as geologists and environmental scientists, as well as entry into prestigious graduate schools.

Careers

Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose nontraditional career fields that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.

Aerial Photographer

Agricultural Engineer

Cartographer

Cooperative Extension Agent

Earth Science Teacher

Economic Geologists

Energy Resource Geologist

Engineering Technician

Environmental Attorney

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Geologist

Field Technician

Geochemist

Geologist

Geophysics Technician

Geotectonics Specialist

Hydrologist

Laboratory Technician

Landscape Architect

Marine Geologist

Materials Analyst

Meteorologist

Mineralogist

Mining Engineer

Museum Consultant

Museum Researcher

Paleontologist

Park Naturalist

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Geologist

Petrologist

Planetary Geologist

Pollution Control Specialist

Prospector

Regional Planner

Seismologist

Soil Scientist

Stratigrapher

Surveyor

Technical Consultant

Technical Writer

Urban/ Regional Planner

Volcanologist

Wetland Ecologist

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Physical Geology Laboratory

Earth Systems and Climate Change Lab

Evolution of Earth

Mineralogy

Writing and Communicating in the Geosciences

Petrology

Earth Surface Processes

Stratigraphy, Structure and Tectonics

Advanced Structure, Stratigraphy, Tectonics

Field Geology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Fall deadline for national students: January 15

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Harrisonburg, 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

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

Submitted online application

Official transcripts (complete and original copy, in English)

Proof of English language proficiency (non-native speakers)

One letter of recommendation

Copies of your temporary visa documents

Financial certification form

$70 Application Fee

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

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Out-of-State

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14300 USD / year

≈ 14300 USD / year

Living costs

Harrisonburg

United States

1050 - 1715 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

Key Features

Careers

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

Harrisonburg

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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