Overview

The Geological Sciences programme at the University of South Carolina provides students with a robust scientific foundation for exploring the complex inner workings of our planet. This degree path allows learners to investigate diverse phenomena ranging from earthquakes and groundwater systems to coastal oceans and global environmental shifts.

Why Geological Sciences at the University of South Carolina?

Students benefit from a diverse faculty with broad scientific expertise across numerous specialisations. The programme features leading-edge facilities, such as the Center for Elemental Mass Spectrometry, where undergraduates can engage in research using plasma-source mass spectrometers. A significant highlight is the capstone field experience, which allows for hands-on learning and structural analysis in real-world environments.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36976 per semester
National fee: USD 36976 per semester
Local fee: USD 12288 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on observing Earth through various scientific lenses, integrating biology, chemistry, and physics. Modules may include:

Rocks and Minerals
Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basins
Igneous and Metamorphic Processes
Structural Geology
Surface Processes
Global Environmental Change
Field Geology

Careers with Geological Sciences

Graduates are prepared for meaningful employment in sectors such as environmental consulting, water resource management, and energy industries. Alumni have secured roles as geologists, hydrogeologists, and field engineers within both the private sector and government agencies. Potential career paths include:

Carbon Sequestration Scientist
Mine Geologist
Coastal Zone Management Specialist
Staff Geologist
Environmental Researcher

The programme also serves as a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue advanced postgraduate study or professional tracks in medicine, health, or law. Notable employers of previous graduates include the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and various international engineering firms.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basins

Internal Earth

Mountain Building: Structure and Tectonics

Earth Systems Through Time

Surface and Near Surface Processes

Processes of Global Environmental Change

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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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 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbia, United States

Disciplines

Earth Sciences View 445 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®

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

Completed application (including essay and activities section)
$65 application fee or valid fee waiver for eligible students
School report form
Unofficial high school transcript

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

73952 USD / year

≈ 73952 USD / year
Out-of-State

73952 USD / year

≈ 73952 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

24576 USD / year

≈ 24576 USD / year

Living costs

Columbia

United States

999 - 1508 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 Geological Sciences.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

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

Columbia

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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