Overview

The Geology and Geophysics program at University of Wisconsin Madison offers unusual opportunities to interweave knowledge from many disciplines in the study of natural Earth phenomena. Those who enjoy the challenge of integrating different kinds of information into a unified interpretation will find geology particularly satisfying. Most geology students enjoy travel and have a strong interest in the natural environment as it is today and as it has developed through the past 4.5 billion years. A natural capacity for historical and sequential thought, inductive reasoning, and three-dimensional perception is helpful, and these skills will be developed. Geological investigations are becoming increasingly quantitative and experimental, and thus require some computer experience and a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

The student of geophysics is interested in developing a quantitative understanding of the structure and dynamics of the Earth's interior from the shallow crust to deep core. Courses in geophysics apply basic physical laws and processes, such as those governing gravity, magnetism, heat flow, and seismic wave propagation, to the study of the Earth. An undergraduate may choose to concentrate in geophysics, but professional employment in the field often requires an advanced degree. Most students who pursue advanced study and careers in geophysics major in geology, physics, mathematics, or engineering as undergraduates.

Key Facts

Acquire quantitative and spatial reasoning skills and the ability to apply those skills to problems in geoscience.

Be able to explicate key biological, chemical and physical Earth structures, processes, the interactions between them, and the roles that they play in determining the state of the Earth system.

Utilize geological observations and measurements to solve problems involving the timing of geological events in Earth history.

Combine data and lab/field-based observations into a novel synthesis and/or description/model of how Earth systems operate.

Be able to critique published scientific data, results, and interpretations thereof, as well as identify and assess related work in the scientific literature.

Be able to effectively communicate scientific concepts, methods, and results.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Geology: How the Earth Works
Environmental Geology
Geologic Evolution of the Earth
Mineralogy
Petrology
Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Hydrogeology
Mechanics of Materials

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
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Madison, United States

Disciplines

Earth Sciences Geology View 446 other Bachelors in Earth Sciences 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

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

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

Admissions application
Application fee
Course and grade information from grades 9-12
Two essays: tell us about your academic and personal achievements
One required letter of recommendation
English language proficiency
Official test scores: scores from either the ACT or the SAT

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

44210 USD / year

≈ 44210 USD / year
Out-of-State

44210 USD / year

≈ 44210 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12186 USD / year

≈ 12186 USD / year

Additional Details

Minnesota Resident: $16,638

Living costs

Madison

United States

1015 - 1752 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 and Geophysics.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

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

Madison

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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