Undergraduate Majors

With more than 40 majors to choose from, our curriculum offers you unparalleled opportunity to pick your path and find the right fit for you, whether you’re interested in Natural Sciences and Mathematics or Social Sciences, or Humanities like History and English are more your style. 

Many of our majors also offer opportunities for internships and co-ops both locally and nationally, study abroad and service learning, where you make real-world impact on your community.

If you’re not sure which major is right for you, you’re not alone. Many incoming students aren’t sure with path is the right one—which may be why many of our first-year students choose our Exploratory Studies Program. Through Exploratory Studies, you’ll learn more about what each major has to offer, and whether it’s right for you. 

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Why study Geology?

Geology has undergone a revolution in the past decade, becoming an interdisciplinary science that emphasizes the study of major Earth systems — the solid Earth, the Earth’s surface, the hydrosphere, atmosphere and cryosphere (ice!), and the ancient and modern biosphere. Students in geology learn how these systems work and how they are connected. Students integrate knowledge of Earth materials, the processes that have shaped them and the deep chronology of Earth history to understand global change through time. For example, geology students learn how the collision of continents and the creation of mountains affect sea level, climate and the diversity of marine organisms. 

Students in geology work in the field and go on field trips as part of their regular course work. Geology majors become skilled in working in the field; making and working with maps; collecting, processing and presenting data and images with computers; and identifying and analyzing materials using up-to-date instrumentation. The Department of Geology is close-knit and personable.

Geology provides many opportunities for travel and fieldwork. Students who enjoy hiking and camping and can learn by examining samples of minerals, rocks, fossils, soils and other geologic materials will be ready to succeed in geology. Map reading and the ability to visualize in three dimensions helps enormously in “seeing” landscapes and the geometry of rock formations. Geology includes quantitative analysis of a variety of data, and ability in mathematics can be indispensable. Geology integrates aspects of chemistry, physics and biology, and students attracted to science in general will succeed.

Minoring in Geology

Important advances in our understanding of Earth materials, processes and history are being made by integrating different branches of geology. More than ever before, earth scientists from different subdisciplines are collaborating to establish links among different Earth systems (for example, erosion and the geomorphic evolution of the Himalayas has helped govern its tectonic and metamorphic evolution). To this end, the Geology Department welcomes students from all other disciplines to pursue a minor in geology.

In addition, even students with primary interest in such fields as political science would benefit from expertise in geology because of the public policy ramifications.

Advising

Contact the program director, whose name and information appear at the top of this screen.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

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.

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.

In addition, you must meet with the program director so that the department is aware that you are pursuing the minor and can advise you appropriately. Do this early enough to avoid delay in obtaining your minor.

Graduation Requirements

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.

Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Quick Facts

MIN in Geology

Full-Time Program Duration

1.5 Years

Location

West Campus

Interest Areas:

Computers & Technology

Natural Science & Math

Contact

500 Geology/Physics
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0013
Phone: (513) 556-3732
Carl Brett
geology.dept@uc.edu