Geology

Earth rocks.

And while we do indeed rock, geology is not simply a study of rocks. It is a wider examination of the Earth’s history, chemistry and physics. From natural resource management to conservation and environmental protection efforts, geology majors will find numerous opportunities to impact the world and the communities in which they live. Other career paths include seismologists, oceanographers, engineers and mineralogists.

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Why study Geology at Millsaps?

In their own words

Thomas Devall, Class of 2025

“Millsaps geology has expanded my knowledge of the Earth, and has helped pave a path for my future endeavors. The classes are hands-on, and Dr. Harris and Dr. Galicki work hard to help their students succeed.”

Featured Courses

Here is a sampling of a few courses that might pique your interest.

GEOL 3300 Applied Geophysics (w/lab)

Application of near-surface geophysical methods to environmental and engineering problems. Geophysical methods explored include seismic, electrical, gravity/magnetic, ground-penetrating radar and borehole geophysics.

GEOL 3510 Yellowstone Field Study

This is a field-based introduction to the Yellowstone region. Learn the tectonic and volcanic history of the Yellowstone Plateau, and observe the modern expression of this in Yellowstone’s famed geysers and hot springs. Recent earthquakes will be investigated and mapped.

Degree Options

Discover your degrees, minors, concentrations and certification options available for this field of study.

Geology, B.A.

Geology, B.S.

2,200 Job Openings for Geoscientists

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports about 2,200 openings for geoscientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

5% Projected Job Growth

Employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.*

Geology Majors are the Stewards & Caretakers

Geology majors are the stewards and caretakers of the earth’s resources and the environment.

_{*Source: BLS website, 2024}

Our distinctive strengths

Students in the department of geosciences are given the opportunity to participate in significant scientific research. Various sponsored projects in geology, environmental geology and geophysics have given students the unique experience of hands-on contribution to real, often publishable, research during their undergraduate years. Field trips to diverse geological terrains help emphasize the hands-on approach.

High-quality undergraduate research opportunities
Field-based geoscience experiences
Numerous internship opportunities

Gain hands-on experience

All geology majors are required to complete a Senior Research Project (SRP). Work on the project typically begins during the student’s junior year and ends with successful presentation of the work, in both written and oral formats. The SRP is a significant component of the departmental comprehensive exam. Field-based geology courses include Field Geology I: The Greater Yellowstone Geoecosystem (GEOL 3510), Field Geology I: Earthquakes and Volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest (GEOL 3520), Field Geology I: Folded Rocks —Crossing the Appalachia (GEOL 3530), Field Geology II: SW Montana (GEOL 4500), and Field Geology II: Scotland (GEOL 4500).

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Pathways

Our curriculum emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking skills essential to any career (and therefore any Pathway), as well as scientific writing and experimentation skills that may be especially critical to students interested in any of our six Pathways tracks.

Learn More About Pathways

Study Abroad

All Millsaps students can take advantage of our study-abroad classes. Millsaps College is ranked as one of the best study-abroad programs in the country! Environmental Science majors can participate in domestic field courses such as The Greater Yellowstone Geoecosystem, Earthquakes and Volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest and Crossing Appalach. Check out all the opportunities.

Upcoming Study-Abroad Classes