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Geology Minor

Understand the Planet and Its Many Incredible Natural Systems
  • 107

    Among Public National Universities, U.S. News & World Report

  • 32nd

    UNCW Ranked 32nd Best Public College Value by Kiplinger’s

  • 5th

    UNCW Rises to 5th Among Peer Institutions in Number of Students Studying Abroad

Geology Minor Program Overview

Study the Earth and Its Evolution

The minor in geology focuses on scientific study of Earth; common rocks and minerals, processes that form and alter basic Earth materials, and key events in the geologic evolution of the planet.

Integrative Curriculum

Because geology continues to become more integrative, technical and global in its approach, the geology program encourages students to develop basic proficiencies in mathematics, chemistry, and physics in addition to effective oral and written communication skills including computer literacy.

Professor in room with rocks
“ I benefitted from the small class sizes and lots of one-on-one time with instructors. ”
Emma Fishel ‘22

Sample Courses in Geology

Table shows sample courses for this program
GLY 101 Earth Revealed
GLYL 101 Earth Revealed Lab
GLY 120 Environmental Geology
GLYL 120 Environmental Geology Lab
GLY 132 The Earth Through Time
GLY 205 Earth Materials
GLY 390 Field Methods in Geosciences
See The Full Curriculum
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program completion feature

Learn To

Understand and be able to apply the scientific method to geologic problems

Critically read, logically evaluate and effectively communicate geological data, problems and issues

Identify and describe common rocks and minerals, processes that form Earth Materials and key events in the evolution of the Earth

Analyze and interpret geological data in both laboratory and field settings

Apply practical methods and techniques and integrate knowledge of mathematics and other natural sciences to evaluate arguments and solve problems

Alumni Work In:

Combine scientific knowledge, familiarity with regulatory requirements and technical expertise to conduct environmental assessments, identify and minimize risks, ensure compliance with current law, and preserve health and safety.

Provide data to, and work with, engineers to evaluate the Earth materials using the principles of soil and rock mechanics for the solutions to engineering problems.

Join State Geological Surveys, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management conducting research, creating geologic maps and working with the public.

Collect groundwater information such as water level, water quality and contamination data, and develop groundwater models to trace groundwater contamination and determine sustainable water extraction amounts.

Study the physical aspects of Earth and other planets. Work with planners and architects in earthquake-prone areas, in the mining, oil and natural gas industries, for government agencies, or in higher education.

Conduct projects to identify possible oil deposits, gas caps or other targets of further exploration. Evaluate structural and sedimentary aspects of stratum/strata to identify the possible presence of recoverable petroleum.

Provide data and support in exploring, developing and extracting mineral resources. Combine economic geology and mining engineering principles to develop deposits of base and precious metals, and rare Earth elements.

Teach at the high school, community college and university levels to train future professionals in geological subdisciplines and educate the public about the role of geology in our lives.

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