Overview

Major Program

B.S. Geology – Your geology training at Western Illinois University will begin with an introduction to the earth’s physical processes and materials and a survey of the earth’s geologic history.

Geology courses emphasize the various fields of study within the discipline, including mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, structure, field methods, and paleontology. Field geology teaches you techniques used in field mapping such as use of a pocket transit, GPS receiver, laser transit, and other specialized equipment.

Upper-level courses include the study of geologic maps, earth structures, and the rock and fossil record. As a Geology major, you will also take courses such as Introductory Calculus, Chemistry, and Physics or Biology

Real-World Experience

Many courses include field trips that last from one to four days. Our required biennial, six-week Geology Summer Field Camp in South Dakota is considered by most students to be the unifying highlight of their studies. Knowledge from the classroom is put into practice here. Our students look forward to sharing the learning experience with their fellow majors in South Dakota, Yellowstone, and the Tetons.

General Education

The Department of Geology offers studies that are based on the broad foundation of the General Education curriculum—classes taken during your freshman and sophomore years. General Education accounts for approximately one-third of the semester hours required for this degree. It includes courses in composition and speech plus electives from the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, human well-being, and multicultural studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History of the Earth

Energy and Earth Resources

Oceanography

Integrated Science

Mineralogy

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Geologic Field Methods

Structural Geology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Macomb, United States

Disciplines

Geology View 476 other Bachelors in Geology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

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

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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.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Western is one of just two public institutions in the state that are test-optional in regard to college admissions.

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

18030 USD / year

≈ 18030 USD / year
Out-of-State

10290 USD / year

≈ 10290 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10290 USD / year

≈ 10290 USD / year

Living costs

Macomb

United States

1100 - 1500 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

Major Program

Real-World Experience

General Education

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

Macomb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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