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The Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering has one of the strongest groups of geoscientists in the U.S., many professional labs for students to gain valuable experience, and a close working relationship with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and the Nevada Seismological Laboratory. All of these factors make for an exceptional undergraduate education in geology.
Our program gives students the opportunity to explore earth-science research areas such as geodynamics, volcanology, geochemistry and petrology, earth and planetary surface processes, and mineral and energy resources with expert faculty.
Graduates of the geology program will graduate with the skills and experience necessary to pursue a wide range of careers. As a student in the geology program, you will:
Students may also pursue a minor in geology, giving them an advantage when searching for jobs.
Students pursuing a degree in geology get plenty of in-the-field experience, including a six-week field camp course spent out in the heart of the Basin-and-Range province in Nevada. Students from all over the U.S. join the University of Nevada, Reno geology program for this exceptional hands-on experience. It is comprehensive, real-world experiences like the geology field camp that attract and graduate adventurous and driven students.
Faculty in our department work closely with undergraduate students to provide hands-on experience in a wide range of work environments, helping you to graduate with a set of skills that are in high demand in Nevada and around the world.
This degree is awarded by the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering. Find out what Mackay's rich history, strong connection to industry and dedication to student internship and career support can do for you.
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Earning your bachelor's degree in geology leads to a wide range of careers within the energy, environmental or engineering sectors. Earning your degree from the Mackay School can help to give you an edge when job hunting.
Career opportunities for geology graduates include jobs such as the following:
A degree in geology equates to high earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of a geoscientist with a bachelor's degree in geology is $83,680 in 2021. Additionally, the field is showing as fast as average growth.
76% of students receive financial aid
Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.
54% of all students graduate with no debt
That's right. More than half of our students leave the University of Nevada, Reno with no student debt.
At the University of Nevada, Reno Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.
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