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The bachelor’s degree in geology at the University of Nevada, Reno provides opportunities to explore earth science research areas such as geodynamics, volcanology, geochemistry and petrology, earth and planetary surface processes, and mineral and energy resources alongside expert faculty. You engage in field, laboratory, experimental and modeling studies that address geological and environmental questions, including research conducted throughout Nevada, California and the western United States. 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. The program also offers access to modern facilities, instrumentation and laboratories, and emphasizes close collaboration with research-active faculty. Graduates are prepared with the skills and experience to pursue a wide range of careers or advanced study in the geosciences.
The Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno prepares students to understand Earth systems through fieldwork, laboratory research and interdisciplinary coursework. Graduates are well positioned for careers in natural resources, environmental consulting and hazard mitigation, supported by strong industry connections and immersive field experiences. The department is also home to the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and the Nevada Seismological Laboratory.
The College of Science offers educational opportunities in pure and applied physical sciences, earth sciences, life sciences, and mathematics. Professors in the College frequently earn statewide teaching excellence awards and are pioneers in their respective fields, with access to high-powered scientific facilities and resources to perform research on all seven continents. The College also encompasses three public museums that offer research and community engagement opportunities: the iconic Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, the Museum of Natural History and the W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum.
The NevadaTeach program at the University of Nevada, Reno provides you with all of the coursework to pursue a teaching license at the middle or high school level, while earning a comprehensive and marketable degree in your STEM discipline. Open the door to a world of career options while helping to improve education in Nevada.
Earning your bachelor's degree in geology leads to a wide range of careers within the energy, environmental or engineering sectors. And, being an alum of the Mackay School can help to give you an edge when job hunting. Career opportunities for geology graduates include jobs such as the following:
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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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 College of Science, our accomplished faculty, inventive students, leading researchers and scientific pioneers take on complex challenges and unearth groundbreaking solutions for problems we all care about.
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