Geology

Overview

Geology Fundamentals

This knowledge may be applied to exploration for natural resources, including metals, petroleum and water; understanding natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides; addressing problems associated with environmental contamination; and investigating Earth’s history to understand the evolution of life and global climate change. Geologists are employed by natural resource companies, environmental consulting firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and universities.

The core courses of the Geology program of The University of Akron provides the fundamentals in:

• physical and historical geology

• mineralogy and petrography

• structural geology and plate tectonics

• sedimentology, paleontology and stratigraphy

Degree program can be tailored to a major field of interest by taking additional courses in the supporting sciences, mathematics and engineering fields.

Our Faculty

The Department of Geology and Environmental Science faculty maintain research programs to study topics as diverse as:

• ground water
• pollution impacts
• microbe-mineral interactions
• environmental change
• biodiversity
• remote sensing of buried structures

External funding and alumni support allow faculty to support student research. The faculty provides a broad-based education focused on both academic and applied aspects of the geological and environmental sciences.

Degrees and Preparation

A degree in geology offers many opportunities. Geoscientists work:

• in industries related to oil and gas, mining and water resources

• in private and government agencies specializing in environmental studies

• as independent consultants on such problems as water pollution and soil erosion

• in university settings, teaching and doing research

Career Outlook

Career opportunities continue to grow for geoscientists, especially as governments and industries establish policies to safeguard the environment. Graduates with work experience through academic laboratories, internships, fellowships or co-ops stand out among job seekers.