Overview
Choosing a career focus
Many different career opportunities are open to students in the Geology program at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Geology majors at South Dakota Mines complete a core of geology courses to solidly prepare them for careers in the geosciences.
Additional program (courses with a GEOL or GEOE prefix) and advisor-approved electives (from courses available across campus, including GEOL and GEOE courses) can be chosen to focus on one or more career paths to best prepare students for employment or graduate school. Professional placement for geology graduates has averaged 88% over the last 5 years.
What does a geologist do?
Geologists analyze the processes that have shaped the Earth, using rocks, minerals, and fossils to reconstruct that history. They study how the Earth was formed, how it has developed, and how life has evolved in reaction to tectonic and climatic changes.
Some duties a professional geologist might do on the job include:
- Plan and carry out field studies to collect data and samples
- Use a variety of data sources, such as satellite images, geophysical data, rock samples, and geologic maps to locate natural resources
- Conduct laboratory tests on samples collected in the field
- Make geologic maps and cross-sections
- Prepare written scientific reports
- Present their findings to clients, colleagues, and the public
Programme Structure
Courses include:- Geology, Geological Engineering, and Mining Engineering
- Physical Geology
- General Chemistry
- Calculus
- Mineralogy and Crystallography/Lab
- Search for Our Past
- Probability and Statistics
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 48 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , International
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- Starting
- Apply before , International
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No deadline for admission. However, all international applicants should submit their documents at least three months prior to the start of the semester.
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Soil Science Geology Geographical Information Systems (GIS) View 195 other Bachelors in Soil Science in United StatesAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- Completed online application and the State of South Dakota application fee of $20.00.
- Academic credentials (translated into English). This includes high school transcripts and transcripts from ALL post-secondary institutions attended.
- English proficiency
- SAT or ACT scores - Math sub-scores should be a minimum of 520 on the SAT or 20 on the ACT. If the SAT or ACT is not readily available in your country, alternatives will be considered.
- Evaluation of academic credentials may be required- Check with the Ivanhoe International Center first before sending documents.
Tuition Fee
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International
14860 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 14860 USD per year during 48 months. -
National
14860 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 14860 USD per year during 48 months. -
In-State
10440 USD/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 10440 USD per year during 48 months.
Living costs for Rapid City
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.