Geology Bachelor's Degree Program

Unearth Your Future With Geology

Dive into the Earth's secrets and shape tomorrow's world with Fredonia's Geology Program. Immerse yourself in geology at Fredonia through hands-on field research in and around Lake Erie. Work alongside world-renowned faculty mentors on cutting-edge research projects that span local and global scales. Our program prepares you for diverse and exciting career paths in environmental science, resource management, and beyond, giving you the skills and experience to make a real impact on our planet's future.

What You’ll Gain

Interdisciplinary Knowledge: Build connections between geology, chemistry, biology, and physics to understand natural systems comprehensively.
Career Opportunities: Train to solve real-world geological and environmental challenges, paving the way for roles in consulting, resource management, and more.
Resource Management Skills: Learn to locate and manage essential resources like water and minerals sustainably.
Global Perspective: Study Earth’s processes from local to global scales, developing a holistic understanding of our interconnected planet.
Field Experience: Gain invaluable, hands-on skills in real-world geology through Fredonia’s field camp, an essential step toward a successful career in Earth sciences.

Career Opportunities for Geology

Engineering Geologist
Exploration Geologist
Geological Consultant
GIS Specialist
Mining Geologist

Environmental Consultant
Field Geologist
Geophysicist
Hydrogeologist
Geochemist

What does a 4-year degree look like?

View Example 4-Year Curriculum

What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

View Full Curriculum

GEO 165 Planet Earth

Explore the large and small scale processes that shape and reshape our dynamic planet Earth. This course introduces students to the many features and phenomena that help us understand Earth’s geologic history and its future. From the integral role that minerals and rocks play, to the wide range of internal and external processes operating on Earth, students gain a heightened awareness of natural resources, climate change and geologic hazards as society makes its way through the 21st century.

GEO 450 Hydrogeology

Hydrologic problems are analyzed by organizing information into a water budget and then quantifying the variables in the water budget equation. Common hydrologic variables include precipitation, evaporation, transpiration, stream flow, infiltration and groundwater. Groundwater is emphasized. Lectures supplemented by field work, lab measurements, and computer modeling.

It's Different Here

$78K+

Median Salaries

With excellent wages and above-average growth in the field, geology graduates are well-positioned for lucrative and fulfilling careers.

Students Per Class

Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction and encourage interaction with faculty.

Job Growth

Excellent job growth is expected between 2023 and 2033.

Fredonia students participate in a field study program near a waterfall while earning their geology degree.

Field Camp

A 3-credit summer program with the opportunity to travel, work with students and faculty from other universities, and investigate geologic landscapes across the country.

Geology Field Camp

Cut stone showing crystals. Students who major in geology can go on to rewarding careers in many industries.

Geoscientists

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.

Median Salary: $92,580 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 5% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Microscope. Students earning a Geology degree in New York State pursue amazing careers across the country.

Natural Science Managers

Natural science managers plan, supervise, or coordinate research across many scientific in fields.

Median Salary: $157,740 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 8% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

fields with wind turbines. A geology degree from Fredonia forms the foundation for a lifetime of learning.

Environmental Scientists

Environmental scientists and specialists conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health.

Median Salary: $78,980 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 7% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified. The Geology, (B.S.) program at SUNY-Fredonia is registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State. Through a good faith effort, and for the purpose of complying with the federal regulation, we have determined that Geology, (B.S.) program at SUNY-Fredonia meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the following U.S. States: New York State however, it is important to note that SUNY-Fredonia is not the licensure/certification authority in these U.S. States and cannot assess whether an individual candidate will be issued a license/certificate in these U.S. States and instead it is incumbent on each individual candidate to contact the licensure/certification authority in the applicable U.S. State for any further guidance on the requirements for licensure/certification requirements and application processes.