2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Geology
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Pamela Kempton, Head
108 Thompson Hall
785-532-6724
www.k-state.edu/geology
Geology is often defined as the study of the physical aspects of the Earth–it’s composition, structure and the processes that have shaped it–past, present and future. But it’s much more than that. The study of the earth involves chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology, along with history, logic and art. Professional geologists also utilize creativity, ingenuity and 3-D visualization, as well as speaking and writing skills. In short, a geology career can utilize all your talents.
It’s also a good time to be a geology major! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of geoscience jobs is expected to increase by 16% over the next decade, significantly faster than average. In other words, there are expected to be more jobs than people. Mean annual salaries for geoscience occupations also pay well above the national average for life, physical, and social sciences. Job opportunities, salaries, and opportunities for advancement are significantly enhanced with a Master of Science degree, and we strongly encourage students to consider this route.
The geology faculty possess a wide range of expertise in both traditional and cross-disciplinary areas of geosciences, and are committed to excellence in their teaching. The department offers programs leading to the BS and BA degrees in geology, with tracks in Geology, Petroleum Geosciences and Environmental Geosciences. In addition to the undergraduate program, the department offers a MS degree: our graduate program currently has approximately 30 students.
The Department of Geology is also partnered with the Division of Biology and the Departments of Agronomy and Geography to offer a BS degree in Environmental Science. The degree includes a wide range of Geology courses and allows students to specialize in Water Resources, Earth Systems, Conservation and Sustainability, Analytical and Geospatial Methods, and Agroecosystems. For detailed plans of study, consult the Environmental Science Program Administrator, Chloe Wallace (chloewallace@ksu.edu) or the Geology Department head.
We also cooperate with the College of Education to offer an Earth Science (EDESC [Inactive]) option for high school teachers. In addition to the general requirements for the BA or BS degree, the teacher licensure requirements must be completed. See the College of Education for more information about teacher licensure requirements and details about earth and space science as a Second Teaching Field in Secondary Education.
Minors in both geology (18-20 credit hours) and geophysics (16 credit hours) are also possible.
Students in geology must have an overall average grade of C (not a C grade in each course) in their geology, other natural science, mathematics, and computer science courses.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Minor
Other Program Choices
Geology
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