You enjoy exploring the interaction of water, life, the Earth, and climate from our solar system's beginnings to modern day challenges, extending to natural hazards, energy transition, and the global space economy.
About Geology Careers
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth like the composition, structure, and processes at work in its systems and the many ways in which living things, including humans, interact with it. Geoscientists apply their observations and understanding of the Earth to the exploration of our solar system - both to better understand the Earth and to expand our knowledge of the universe! Using the tools at their disposal, geoscientists investigate the past, measure the present, and model the future behavior of our planet to benefit our society. Whether you are studying the Mississippi delta and its ever-shifting land-water interface, investigating the deep crust to learn how mountains are built, exploring the surface of another planet, or exploring for the raw materials that our society is built and runs on, the work of a geoscientist has a direct impact on our society (search careers here). A degree in geology from LSU will prepare students for careers in government (including at NASA-Centers as the US accelerates its Moon to Mars program), industry, and research focusing on energy and environmental sciences.
Concentrations Available:
Geology
This concentration provides a solid foundation in mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, and sedimentology, as well as basic courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Environmental Geology
Uses geological principles to solve environmental problems. This concentration provides a solid foundation in mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, and sedimentology, as well as basic courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Geophysics
This concentration focuses on the physics of the Earth and its environment with added emphasis on mathematics and physics.
Geology and a Secondary Discipline
For this concentration, students undertake a thorough study of another academic field in addition to the core Geology & Geophysics curriculum.
Possible Careers
A successful geoscience career is more than just mastering technical fields of study - one must integrate their interests, passions, and competencies to build a professional portfolio that will bolster their career. What makes geoscientists so employable is the transferability of their core skills across different fields and disciplines.
- Earthquake specialist
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Seismologist
- Environmental Lawyer
- Sculptor
- Soil Scientist
- Congressman
- Lobbyist
Program Requirements
Once you're an LSU student, you'll need to meet the requirements below to continue pursuing a geology major.
- 24 credit hours in 1000-level courses or higher
- 2.0 LSU and cumulative GPA (2.5 GPA for transfer)
- grade of "C" or better in ENGL 1001
- grade of "C" or better in all math and science courses
Senior College
Degree
B.S.Geol., Bachelor of Science in Geology
Course Load by Subject Area
- Science: ⚫︎⚫︎⚫︎
- Math: ⚫︎⚫︎⚪︎
- Electives: ⚫︎⚪︎⚪︎
- Lab Hours or Field Work: ⚫︎⚪︎⚪︎
Learn more about course loads and subject areas