Geological Science Degrees

The study of earth’s dynamic systems is a field that has seen major advances over the last few decades. Geologists investigate diverse systems that play a large role in controlling the environment at the earth’s surface. Examples include earthquakes, volcanoes, glaciers, landslides, rivers, and shorelines. Earth processes play a critical role in making our planet habitable, and geologists are constantly in demand to guide communities and nations in their search for clean drinking water and extractable energy and minerals, for example, or in decisions regarding development in fragile coastal regions or in seismically active areas.

Geological Sciences at UNC–Chapel Hill provides students with a solid training in earth science so that they can advance in highly satisfying careers as professional geologists.

Geological Sciences offers two undergraduate degree programs: a B.A. in earth systems and a B.S. in geology with a concentration in traditional geology, environmental geology, geochemistry, geophysics, or paleobiology. Most students planning to do graduate work or to become professional geologists should follow the B.S. program. However, the flexibility of the B.A. program may be advantageous to students with interests in, for example, environmental studies, education, or law.

Degree Requirements

Requirements for each degree can be found in the UNC Catalog by clicking the links below.

Geological Sciences Major, B.A.- Earth Science Concentration

Geological Sciences Major, B.S.- Earth Science Concentration

Geological Sciences Major, B.S.- Environmental Geoscience Concentration

Geological Sciences Minor

Marine Science Minor

Marine Sciences has offered an exciting undergraduate minor since 1990. Once completed the marine science minor will leave an undergraduate with a basic knowledge in all areas of marine science and advanced knowledge in specific areas of their choice. Our students often write research based senior honors theses and publish their results in professional journals. Others have won undergraduate research fellowships that have allowed them to take time off from their regular studies to pursue individual projects, sometimes in exotic locations (e.g., the Great Barrier Reef off Australia). The minor gives a student the opportunity to work with faculty and/or staff scientists in the laboratory and field settings. 

Most undergraduate minors are science majors who go on to pursue advanced degrees. However, non-science majors can use the minor as a way to explore the relationship between marine sciences and their respective major fields. Journalists interested in covering the environment or working for scientific publications, political scientists wanting to study marine policy/law, or aspiring public school teachers who may one day teach oceanography are among the many of those who can benefit from the program.

All interested undergraduates, regardless of whether they plan to carry a minor, are encouraged to take introductory marine sciences courses and to participate in faculty-directed laboratory and field activities whenever possible. Opportunities may be found both on campus and at the coast. Summer internships at the Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City are especially popular.

UNDERGRADUATE MINOR COURSEWORK

Marine Sciences provides instruction and conducts research in biological, chemical, geological, and physical oceanography. Introductory courses are offered for all undergraduates, regardless of major, who are interested in marine sciences. These courses are available through the regular University, Continuing Studies, and the Summer School.

Advising for minors and approval of equivalent courses is provided through the Department’s Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Marc Alperin (962-5184). Other faculty in the department can provide additional advice to minors and help arrange and supervise practical experiences.

More Information in the UNC Catalog

Recommended Courses for Science Majors