Overview

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

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-24 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-11 00:00:00 , International

More details

All international applicants should submit their documents at least THREE MONTHS prior to the start of the semester they plan to enroll.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Rapid City, 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

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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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 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

16200 USD / year

≈ 16200 USD / year
Out-of-State

16200 USD / year

≈ 16200 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11500 USD / year

≈ 11500 USD / year

Additional Details

WUE States Tuition: $15,600/ year

Living costs

Rapid City

United States

860 - 1300 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

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.

What does a geologist do?

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Rapid City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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