Geology - Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Geology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a Campus Bachelor Geology degree that prepares you for a Science career. Introduction Although many people think of geology as the study of rocks, the scope of geology is in fact broader and much more vital. Geology is integral to the resolution of such global problems as environmental pollution, adequate reserves of non-renewable energy sources, groundwater protection and resources, and scarcity of industrially critical ore deposits. Geology has two major branches. Physical geology emphasizes the study of earth materials, of features found on and in the earth, and of the processes now operating that make the earth a dynamic system. The physical geologist might study the nature of the deposits in the area of a river, the way the river erodes or transports material, and ways to predict the effects of a flood. Historical geology unravels the earth's history, past natural events, and past life on earth. Knowing the types and origins of rocks in which petroleum occurs, for example, geologists can guide oil drillers to likely sites, saving considerable cost. The Department of Geology at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale has extensive course and research offerings for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral study in geology. The far-ranging backgrounds of the geology faculty, the curriculum, the individual attention to students, the state-of-the-art research facilities, and our location close to a great variety of geologic settings combine to make SIUC's geology program one of the most exciting in the United States. What We Offer The Department of Geology has a strong program in all major geologic subdisciplines, including geomorphology, hydrogeology, structural geology, sedimentology, paleontology, petrology, mineralogy, ore deposits, geochemistry, Quaternary geology, coal geology, environmental geology, petroleum geology, and geophysics. We take a problem-solving approach to undergraduate education by using practical examples in the classroom - using geologic principles to study earth processes, energy and mineral resources, earth materials, and the interaction between people and the earth . As most classes for geology majors tend to be small (the student-faculty ratio is ten to one), you will enjoy close contact with the faculty and receive individual attention in and outside the classroom. Field trips to geological sites are regular features of our curriculum. Careers In Geology There is an urgent need for qualified individuals in the fields of groundwater and environmental geology. Many of our recent graduates are finding employment in these and related areas. Students graduating from our programs have been highly successful in obtaining jobs with consulting firms and state and federal agencies. Most of the more than 44,000 geologists working today are exploring for new mineral resources or for petroleum and natural gas. Some of the more successful industrial geologists rise through company ranks to top management positions. An SIUC graduate is vice president in charge of exploration for a large oil company. Other SIUC graduates have risen to the rank of division geologist or district geologist in major oil companies, responsible for oil and gas exploration in many areas of the world. Most large petroleum companies now prefer to hire geologists or geophysicists with at least a master's degree . The federal government employs many geologists and geophysicists, most of whom work in the U.S. Department of the Interior. One of our graduates held the position of Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Energy and Minerals, an administrative post overseeing the U.S. Geological Survey, the largest federal employer of geologists. Geologists, hydrogeologists, and geophysicists also work for the Soil Conservation Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Mines, the Department of Energy, the Forest Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Army, and the Navy. Many work for state geological surveys; three SIUC graduates are state geologists, heading such units. opportunities for members of minority groups. View more details on Southern Illinois University Carbondale . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Geology courses.