Geology
MIN
Why study Geology?
The geosciences have undergone a revolution in the past decade, becoming an interdisciplinary science that emphasizes the study of major Earth systems — the geosphere (solid Earth), hydrosphere (water on the Earth's surface, underground, and in the air), atmosphere (the layer of gases that envelop the Earth), cryosphere (the frozen parts of Earth), and biosphere (the living things on Earth). Students in the Department of Geosciences learn how these systems work, how they are connected, and how they affect each other. Students integrate knowledge of Earth materials, Earth processes, and Earth history to understand global change through time.
Students in the Department of Geosciences experience learning through small, hands-on classes and field and laboratory work. Examples of topics taught and researched in the department include geormophology (the study of the Earth’s surface and how landforms change over time), hydrogeology (the study of how water moves and is stored in soil and rocks), paleontology (the study of life throughout geologic time), natural hazards (natural events that may threaten lives and property), economic geology (the study of the exploration of ore deposits for economical purposes), Quaternary geology (the study of Earth processes over the past 2.58 million years as they relate to glacial-interglacial cycles), and exobiology (the study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe).
A minor in geology (GEOL-MIN) serves to enhance related science majors, such as Environmental Studies, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics and seemingly non-related majors as well, such as Political Science and Business. For example, a student majoring in political science can learn about natural hazards and how they relate to public policy and a student majoring in business may benefit from a minor in geology to prepare for a career in economic geology. The geosciences program also offers a minor in environmental geology (EVGEO-MIN).
Admission Requirements
Students already pursuing a degree in any college at UC can add the minor to their program. Be sure to submit a declaration of the minor using our online form.
Students interested in prusuring a minor in geology or environmental geology or who have delared the minor should contact the Academic Director, Krista Smilek (krista.smilek@uc.edu) to schedule an advising meeting. Do this in a timely manor to avoid delay in obtaining the minor.
Contact Krista Smilek, the Academic Director in the Department of Geosciences (krista.smilek@uc.edu) for information on the geology minor and environmental geology minor programs.
Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.
If you have declared the minor, then it will appear on your application for graduation. Apply for graduation as you normally would for your bachelor’s degree.
Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Department of Geosciences
Contact Information
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Program Code: 15MIN-GEOL-MIN