Undergraduate Programs
Geophysics
Geophysics Fundamentals
Geophysics incorporates principles of physics, chemistry and mathematics to understand the Earth’s internal composition and its magnetic, electrical and gravitational forces.
- Core courses provide the fundamentals in:
- physical, historical and structural geology
- petrography
- paleontology
- mineralogy
Degree program can be tailored to a major field of interest by taking additional courses in the supporting sciences, mathematics and engineering fields.
Our Faculty
- are innovative
- conduct traditional and cutting-edge research in:
- environmental and engineering geology
- structural geology
- economic geology
- geophysics
- petrology
- stratigraphy
- paleontology
Akron Advantage
Hands-on Research
The Department of Geology and Environmental Science uses modern instrumentation for field and lab studies. Experience geology firsthand through our research facilities and in various locales:
- microcomputer laboratory
- core laboratory
- Summer field camp is conducted in South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado each year
- Field trips to such places as Canada, the Bahamas, Kentucky, Colorado, Virginia and Missouri
Real-World Experience
Gain practical professional experience through UA's optional cooperative education program. Through co-op, you’ll alternate semesters of work and school while earning a competitive salary.
Geology Student Organization
Interact with other geology students and professionals in the field through organizations such as:
- Geology Club
Sample Curriculum
Bachelor of Science Degree in Geophysics
| First Year | Third Year | ||
| English Composition I, II | 7 | Social Science | 3 |
| Public Speaking or Oral Communications |
3 | Humanities | 3 |
| Intro Physical Geology | 4 | Foreign Language 101, 102 | 8 |
| Intro Historical Geology | 4 | Elective course | 4 |
| Chemistry I, II | 6 | Structural Geology | 4 |
| Chemistry Lab 1 | 1 | Fundamentals of Geophysics | 3 |
| Calculus I, II | 8 | Science electives | 6 |
| Total |
33 | Total | 31 |
| Second Year | Fourth Year |
||
| Social Science | 3 | Humanities | 3 |
| Humanities in Western Tradition I | 4 | Area Studies/Cultural Diversity | 4 |
| Physical Education/Wellness | 1 | Exploration Geophysics | 3 |
| Elective course | 3 | Geology Field Camp I, II | 6 |
| Calculus III | 4 | Science electives |
3 |
| Intro Differential Equations | 3 | Foreign Language 201, 202 | 6 |
| Physics I, II | 8 | Elective course | 7 |
| Geology electives (300/400 level) | 6 | Total |
32 |
| Total |
32 |
For More Information:
Department of Geology and Environmental Science
Request information from Undergraduate Admissions
Career Opportunities
Degrees and Preparation
A degree in geology offers many opportunities. Geoscientists work:
- in industries related to oil and gas, mining and water resources
- in private and government agencies specializing in environmental studies
- as independent consultants on such problems as water pollution and soil erosion
- in university settings, teaching and doing research
Career Outlook
Career opportunities continue to grow for geoscientists, especially as governments and industries establish policies to safeguard the environment. Graduates with work experience through academic laboratories, internships, fellowships or co-ops stand out among job seekers.
A&S Careers Program
Creates links among students, alumni and local professionals. You will have access to:
- lending library with up-to-date, career-related publications
- computer workroom for resume writing and employment research
- volunteer, paid and for-credit internship placement on and off campus
- department-specific mentoring arrangements
The University of Akron
302 Buchtel Common. Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330-972-7111
Contact us
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