Geology (BS)
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology is offered in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Geological science — or Earth science — is a broad and interdisciplinary field that encompasses other disciplines such as biology, chemistry, math, and physics. Knowledge of Earth processes provides a critical framework for the assessment of resources, geologic hazards, and environmental stewardship. Many geologists work in the petroleum or natural gas exploration industry or in the mineral industry. Many other geoscientists find work related to natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides), as geologists on some of the world’s largest engineering projects (dams, tunnels, bridges, tall buildings), in the geothermal and alternative energy sectors, in the remediation of hazardous waste and groundwater pollution control, and in the field of environmental rehabilitation (e.g., stream restoration). Geoscientists work across industries — from Fortune 100 companies to small environmental consulting and law firms, state agencies and nonprofit organizations. Many others are employed in the education sector including at universities, community colleges and high schools.
Contact
For more information about our geology program, visit our website.
Maggie Puryear
Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs
919.513.1093
mwpollar@ncsu.edu
Plan Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation/Computer Literacy | ||
| COS 100 | Science of Change 1 | 2 |
| Computer Science Option 4, 8 | 3 | |
| Writing and Speaking | ||
| COM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 2 | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Communication for Engineering and Technology | ||
| Communication for Business and Management | ||
| Communication for Science and Research | ||
| Mathematics and Natural Sciences | ||
| MA 131 | Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A 2 | 3-4 |
| or MA 141 | Calculus I | |
| MA 231 | Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B 2 | 3-4 |
| or MA 241 | Calculus II | |
| CH 101 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science 2 | 3 |
| CH 102 | General Chemistry Laboratory 4 | 1 |
| CH 201 | Chemistry - A Quantitative Science 4 | 3 |
| CH 202 | Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory 4 | 1 |
| PY 205 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I 2 | 4 |
| or PY 211 | College Physics I | |
| PY 208 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II 4 | 4 |
| or PY 212 | College Physics II | |
| Geology Core Courses 2 | ||
| MEA 100 | Earth System Science: Exploring the Connections 3 | 4 |
| MEA 101 | Geology I: Physical 3, 5 | 3-4 |
| or MEA 140 | Natural Hazards and Global Change | |
| or MEA 150 | Environmental Issues in Water Resources | |
| or MEA 200 | Introduction to Oceanography | |
| MEA 110 | Geology I Laboratory 3, 5 | 1 |
| MEA 202 | Geology II: Historical 3 | 3 |
| MEA 211 | Geology II Laboratory 3 | 1 |
| MEA 257 | Visualizing Geology in 3D & 4D 3 | 1 |
| MEA 410 | Introduction to Mineralogy 3 | 3 |
| MEA 440 | Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 3 | 3 |
| MEA 450 | Introductory Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 3 | 4 |
| MEA 451 | Structural Geology 3 | 4 |
| MEA 465 | Geologic Field Camp 3 | 4 |
| MEA 466 | Preparatory Course for Field Camp 3 | 1 |
| MEA 495 | Junior Seminar in the Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences | 1 |
| Restricted Electives | ||
| Restricted Electives: 2 | 15 | |
| Environmental Geology 3 | ||
| Geochemistry of Natural Waters 3 | ||
| Life on Earth: Principles of Paleontology 3 | ||
| Introduction to Geophysics 3 | ||
| Glaciology 3 | ||
| Volcanology 3 | ||
| Exploration and Engineering Geophysics 3 | ||
| Geomorphology: Earth's Dynamic Surface 3 | ||
| Introduction to Hydrogeology 3 | ||
| Math/Science Option 3 | 6 | |
| Advised Electives | ||
| Advised Electives 3, 6 | 9 | |
| GEP Courses | ||
| GEP Humanities | 6 | |
| GEP Social Sciences | 6 | |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 2 | |
| GEP Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement) | ||
| GEP Foundations of American Democracy (verify requirement) | ||
| World Language Proficiency (verify requirement) | ||
| Free Electives | ||
| Free Electives (12 Hr S/U Lmt) 7 | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
COS 100 is for new freshmen only. Transfer students will need to select a course from the GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives course list.
- 2
A grade of a C- or higher is required in ENG 101; CH 101; MA 131/141, 231/241; PY 205/211.
- 3
No more than one D will be allowed in Geology Core Courses, Restricted Electives, and Advised Electives.
- 4
No more than one D will be allowed in other math and natural science courses.
- 5
Transfer students who have completed MEA 140, MEA 150, or MEA 200 can use those credits in lieu of MEA 101. All students must complete MEA 110.
- 6
Advised Electives are in the geosciences and related fields and are to be selected with the advice and consent of the advisor to meet the student’s career objective.
- 7
Free electives may not be MA 100, MA 101, MA 103, MA 107, MA 108, or MA 111.
- 8
GIS 280 or MEA 217 is recommended.
Computer Science Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GIS 280 | Introduction to GIS 4, 8 | 3 |
| or MEA 217 | Introduction to Computing in the Geosciences | |
| or MA 116 | Introduction to Scientific Programming (Math) | |
| or CSC 111 | Introduction to Computing and Data Science with AI - Python | |
| or CSC 112 | Introduction to Computing-FORTRAN | |
| or CSC 113 | Introduction to Computing - MATLAB | |
| or CSC 116 | Introduction to Computing - Java | |
Restricted Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MEA 300 | Environmental Geology 3 | 4 |
| MEA 323 | Geochemistry of Natural Waters 3 | 3 |
| MEA 369 | Life on Earth: Principles of Paleontology 3 | 3 |
| MEA 470 | Introduction to Geophysics 3 | 3 |
| MEA 472 | Glaciology 3 | 3 |
| MEA 478 | Volcanology 3 | 3 |
| MEA 471 | Exploration and Engineering Geophysics 3 | 3 |
| MEA 481 | Geomorphology: Earth's Dynamic Surface 3 | 3 |
| MEA 485 | Introduction to Hydrogeology 3 | 3 |
Math/Science Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 181 | Introductory Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity 3 | 4 |
| BIO 183 | Introductory Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology 3 | 4 |
| BIO 310 | Quantitative Approaches to Biological Problems 3 | 3 |
| BIO 315 | General Parasitology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 325 | Paleontological Field Methods 3 | 4 |
| BIO 330 | Evolutionary Biology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 361 | Developmental Biology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 370 | Developmental Anatomy of the Vertebrates 3 | 3 |
| BIO 375 | Developmental Anatomy Laboratory 3 | 2 |
| BIO 405 | Functional Histology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 414 | Cell Biology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 416 | Cancer Cell Biology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 418 | Cell Biology Research Lab 3 | 2 |
| BIO 424 | Endocrinology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 432 | Evolutionary Medicine 3 | 3 |
| BIO 434 | Hormones and Behavior 3 | 3 |
| BIO 440 | The Human Animal: An Evolutionary Perspective 3 | 3 |
| BIO 444 | The Biology of Love and Sex 3 | 3 |
| BIO 481 | Senior Capstone Project 3 | 1 |
| BIO 482 | Capstone Course in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 483 | Capstone Course in Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 484 | Capstone Course in Human Biology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 485 | Capstone Course in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology 3 | 3 |
| BIO 488 | Neurobiology 3 | 3 |
| BSC 492 | Professional Experience 3 | 1-3 |
| BSC 493 | Research Experience 3 | 1-3 |
| BSC 495 | Special Topics in Biological Sciences 3 | 1-6 |
| CH 220 | Introductory Organic Chemistry 3 | 3 |
| CH 221 | Organic Chemistry I 3 | 3 |
| CH 222 | Organic Chemistry I Lab 3 | 1 |
| CH 315 | Quantitative Analysis 3 | 3 |
| CH 316 | Quantitative Analysis Laboratory 3 | 1 |
| CH 331 | Introductory Physical Chemistry 3 | 4 |
| CH/PSE 335 | Principles of Green Chemistry 3 | 4 |
| CH 345 | Chemistry and War 3 | 3 |
| CH 401 | Systematic Inorganic Chemistry I 3 | 3 |
| CH 403 | Systematic Inorganic Chemistry II 3 | 3 |
| CH 415 | Analytical Chemistry II 3 | 3 |
| CH 431 | Physical Chemistry I 3 | 3 |
| CH 433 | Physical Chemistry II 3 | 3 |
| CH 435 | Introduction to Quantum Chemistry 3 | 3 |
| CH 437 | Physical Chemistry for Engineers 3 | 4 |
| CH 441 | Forensic Chemistry 3 | 3 |
| CH 442 | Advanced Synthetic Techniques 3 | 4 |
| CH 444 | Advanced Synthetic Techniques II 3 | 4 |
| CH 452 | Advanced Measurement Techniques I 3 | 4 |
| CH 454 | Advanced Measurement Techniques II 3 | 4 |
| CH 463/563 | Molecular Origins of Life 3 | 3 |
| CH 495 | Special Topics in Chemistry 3 | 1-4 |
| CH 499 | Undergraduate Research in Chemistry 3 | 1-3 |
| MA 242 | Calculus III 3 | 4 |
| MA 302 | Numerical Applications to Differential Equations 3 | 1 |
| MA 303 | Linear Analysis 3 | 3 |
| MA 305 | Introductory Linear Algebra and Matrices 3 | 3 |
| MA/MEA 315 | Mathematics Methods in Atmospheric Sciences 3 | 4 |
| MA 325 | Introduction to Applied Mathematics 3 | 3 |
| MA 331 | Differential Equations for the Life Sciences 3 | 3 |
| MA/LOG 335 | Symbolic Logic 3 | 3 |
| MA 341 | Applied Differential Equations I 3 | 3 |
| MA 351 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematical Models 3 | 3 |
| MA 401 | Applied Differential Equations II 3 | 3 |
| MA 402 | Mathematics of Scientific Computing 3 | 3 |
| MA 403 | Introduction to Modern Algebra 3 | 3 |
| MA 405 | Introduction to Linear Algebra 3 | 3 |
| MA 407 | Introduction to Modern Algebra for Mathematics Majors 3 | 3 |
| MA 408 | Foundations of Euclidean Geometry 3 | 3 |
| MA 410 | Theory of Numbers 3 | 3 |
| MA 412 | Long-Term Actuarial Models 3 | 3 |
| MA 413 | Short-Term Actuarial Models 3 | 3 |
| MA/CSC 416 | Introduction to Combinatorics 3 | 3 |
| MA 421 | Introduction to Probability 3 | 3 |
| MA 425 | Mathematical Analysis I 3 | 3 |
| MA 426 | Mathematical Analysis II 3 | 3 |
| MA/CSC 427 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis I 3 | 3 |
| MA/CSC 428 | Introduction to Numerical Analysis II 3 | 3 |
| MA 430 | Mathematical Models in the Physical Sciences 3 | 3 |
| MA 432 | Mathematical Models in Life Sciences 3 | 3 |
| MA 437 | Applications of Algebra 3 | 3 |
| MA 444 | Problem Solving Strategies for Competitions 3 | 1 |
| MA 450 | Methods of Applied Mathematics I 3 | 3 |
| MA 451 | Methods of Applied Mathematics II 3 | 3 |
| MA 491 | Reading in Honors Mathematics 3 | 1-6 |
| MA 493 | Special Topics in Mathematics 3 | 1-6 |
| MA 494 | Major Paper in Mathematics 3 | 1 |
| MA 499 | Independent Research in Mathematics 3 | 1-6 |
| PY 301 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics 3 | 3 |
| PY 328 | Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics 3 | 3 |
| PY 341 | Relativity, Gravitation and Cosmology 3 | 3 |
| PY 401 | Quantum Physics I 3 | 3 |
| PY 402 | Quantum Physics II 3 | 3 |
| PY 407 | Introduction to Modern Physics 3 | 3 |
| PY 411 | Mechanics I 3 | 3 |
| PY 412 | Mechanics II 3 | 3 |
| PY 413 | Thermal Physics 3 | 3 |
| PY 414 | Electromagnetism I 3 | 3 |
| PY 415 | Electromagnetism II 3 | 3 |
| PY 452 | Advanced Physics Laboratory 3 | 3 |
| PY/ECE/MSE 489 | Solid State Solar and Thermal Energy Harvesting 3 | 3 |
| PY 495 | Special Topics in Physics 3 | 1-4 |
| PY 499 | Independent Research in Physics 3 | 1-6 |
| ST 307 | Introduction to Statistical Programming- SAS 3 | 1 |
| ST 308 | Introduction to Statistical Programming - R 3 | 1 |
| ST 311 | Introduction to Statistics 3 | 3 |
| ST 312 | Introduction to Statistics II 3 | 3 |
| ST/BUS 350 | Economics and Business Statistics 3 | 3 |
| ST 370 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers 3 | 3 |
| ST 371 | Introduction to Probability and Distribution Theory 3 | 3 |
| ST 372 | Introduction to Statistical Inference and Regression 3 | 3 |
| ST 401 | Experiences in Data Analysis 3 | 4 |
| ST 405 | Applied Nonparametric Statistics 3 | 3 |
| ST/GPH 404 | Epidemiology and Statistics in Global Public Health 3 | 3 |
| ST 412 | Long-Term Actuarial Models 3 | 3 |
| ST 413 | Short-Term Actuarial Models 3 | 3 |
| ST 421 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics I 3 | 3 |
| ST 422 | Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II 3 | 3 |
| ST 430 | Introduction to Regression Analysis 3 | 3 |
| ST 431 | Introduction to Experimental Design 3 | 3 |
| ST 432 | Introduction to Survey Sampling 3 | 3 |
| ST 433 | Applied Spatial Statistics 3 | 3 |
| ST 434 | Applied Time Series 3 | 3 |
| ST 435 | Statistical Methods for Quality and Productivity Improvement 3 | 3 |
| ST 437 | Applied Multivariate and Longitudinal Data Analysis 3 | 3 |
| ST 440 | Applied Bayesian Analysis 3 | 3 |
| ST/CSC 442 | Introduction to Data Science 3 | 3 |
| ST 445 | Introduction to Statistical Computing and Data Management 3 | 3 |
| ST 446 | Intermediate SAS Programming with Applications 3 | 3 |
| ST 491 | Statistics in Practice 3 | 3 |
| ST 495 | Special Topics in Statistics 3 | 1-6 |
| ST 497 | Professional Experience in Statistics 3 | 1-3 |
| ST 498 | Independent Study In Statistics 3 | 1-6 |
| ST 499 | Research Experience in Statistics 3 | 1-3 |
Semester Sequence
This is a sample.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| MEA 100 | Earth System Science: Exploring the Connections 3 | 4 |
| MA 141 or MA 131 | Calculus I 2 or Calculus for Life and Management Sciences A | 3-4 |
| MEA 101 & MEA 110 | Geology I: Physical and Geology I Laboratory 3, 5 | 4 |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| COS 100 | Science of Change 1 | 2 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| CH 101 & CH 102 | Chemistry - A Molecular Science and General Chemistry Laboratory 2 | 4 |
| ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research 2 | 4 |
| MA 241 or MA 231 | Calculus II 2 or Calculus for Life and Management Sciences B | 3-4 |
| MEA 202 & MEA 211 | Geology II: Historical and Geology II Laboratory 3 | 4 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Math/Science Option 3 | 3 | |
| MEA 410 | Introduction to Mineralogy 3 | 3 |
| PY 205 or PY 211 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists I 2 or College Physics I | 4 |
| CH 201 & CH 202 | Chemistry - A Quantitative Science and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory 4 | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Computer Science Option 4, 8 | 3 | |
| COM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| MEA 257 | Visualizing Geology in 3D & 4D 3 | 1 |
| MEA 440 | Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 3 | 3 |
| PY 208 or PY 212 | Physics for Engineers and Scientists II 4 or College Physics II | 4 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Math/Science Option 3 | 3 | |
| MEA 451 | Structural Geology 3 | 4 |
| Restricted Elective 3 | 3 | |
| GEP Social Sciences | 3 | |
| GEP Health and Exercise Studies | 1 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Advanced Writing Elective | 3 | |
| Advised Elective 3, 6 | 3 | |
| MEA 450 | Introductory Sedimentology and Stratigraphy 3 | 4 |
| MEA 466 | Preparatory Course for Field Camp 3 | 1 |
| MEA 495 | Junior Seminar in the Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences | 1 |
| Restricted Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Summer | ||
| MEA 465 | Geologic Field Camp 3 | 4 |
| Hours | 4 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Restricted Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Advised Elective 3, 6 | 3 | |
| GEP Humanities | 3 | |
| GEP Elective | 3 | |
| GEP Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Advised Elective 3, 6 | 3 | |
| Restricted Elective 3 | 6 | |
| GEP Humanities | 3 | |
| Free Elective 7 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
COS 100 is for new freshmen only. Transfer students will need to select a course from the GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives course list.
- 2
A grade of a C- or higher is required in ENG 101; CH 101; MA 131/141, 231/241; PY 205/211.
- 3
No more than one D will be allowed in Geology Core Courses, Restricted Electives, and Advised Electives.
- 4
No more than one D will be allowed in other math and natural science courses.
- 5
Transfer students who have completed MEA 140, MEA 150, or MEA 200 can use those credits in lieu of MEA 101. All students must complete MEA 110.
- 6
Advised Electives are in the geosciences and related fields and are to be selected with the advice and consent of the advisor to meet the student’s career objective.
- 7
Free electives may not be MA 100, MA 101, MA 103, MA 107, MA 108, or MA 111.
- 8
GIS 280 or MEA 217 is recommended.
Career Opportunities
MEAS undergraduate degree programs provide talented students with the foundation of scientific knowledge required for careers in government, industry, or academia. Many students pursue graduate degrees after completion of an MEAS undergraduate degree.
Geology graduates address society’s needs for dealing effectively with earth processes, such as water resources and the stability of land forms. They work for engineering firms, permit-issuing agencies, and industries that rely on geological resources. Historical geologists are familiar with the evolution of earth through time and provide a perspective on potential long-term reactions of the earth systems to change. Those who concentrate in Environmental Geology are trained to assess and monitor geological resources such as ground water. Marine geologists are experts in the complex issues facing industry, municipalities, and residents in the dynamic and ecologically vulnerable coastal zone.
MEAS graduates play a key service role for the State of North Carolina, assisting in everything from forecasting severe storms and analyzing the impact of atmospheric pollutants on agriculture and our estuaries, to determining the effects of toxic waste disposal on quality of surface and ground water.
Career Titles
- Agricultural Engineer
- Architect
- Astronomer
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- Cartographer and Photogrammetrists
- Environmental Compliance Inspector
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Planner
- Environmental Research Analyst
- Geographer
- Geological Data Technicians
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Geothermal Production Manager
- Hazardous Waste Management Analyst
- Hydrographer
- Hydrologist
- Industrial Waste Inspector
- Irrigation Engineer
- Landscape Architect
- Materials Scientist
- Meteorologist
- Mining Engineer
- Oceanographer
- Paleontologist
- Park Naturalist
- Petroleum Engineer
- Petroleum Geologist
- Petroleum Laboratory Assistant
- Petroleum Technician
- Seismologist
- Soil Conservation Technician
- Soil Conservationist
- Soil Engineer
- Soil Scientist
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Water Pollution Control Inspector
- Water Resource Specialists
- Weather Forecaster
Learn More About Careers
NCcareers.org
Explore North Carolina’s central online resource for students, parents, educators, job seekers and career counselors looking for high quality job and career information.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Browse the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to view state and area employment and wage statistics. You can also identify and compare similar occupations based on your interests.
Career One Stop Videos
View videos that provide career details and information on wages, employment trends, skills needed, and more for any occupation. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Focus 2 Career Assessment (NC State student email address required)
This career, major and education planning system is available to current NC State students to learn about how your values, interests, competencies, and personality fit into the NC State majors and your future career. An NC State email address is required to create an account. Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss the results.
Focus 2 Apply Assessment (Available to prospective students)
A career assessment tool designed to support prospective students in exploring and choosing the right major and career path based on your unique personality, interests, skills and values. Get started with Focus 2 Apply and see how it can guide your journey at NC State.