Geology | Physical geology option
Bachelor of Science
Overview
Advanced study of geology
Think geologists only study rocks? Think again. Today's geoscientists study the processes that shape our planet and tackle questions involving natural resources, climate, water, energy and environmental change.
Earth's landscapes are constantly changing, and understanding those changes is essential for protecting natural resources, preparing for natural hazards and addressing environmental challenges. University of Idaho’s Bachelor of Science in geology with the physical geology option explores Earth's dynamic systems through the study of rocks, minerals, landforms, groundwater, glaciers and the processes that shape our planet. You'll develop the scientific, analytical and field-based skills needed to investigate Earth's history while helping solve modern challenges involving energy, water, climate and environmental stewardship.
As Idaho's only Carnegie R1 research university, University of Idaho gives you opportunities to participate in faculty-led undergraduate research while exploring one of the nation's most geologically diverse regions through field experiences and laboratory investigations. Through faculty mentorship, hands-on research, modern analytical techniques and internship opportunities, you'll prepare for careers in environmental consulting, natural resource management, geoscience research and graduate study.
As a physical geology student, you’ll explore how Earth formed and continues to change through coursework in historical geology, mineralogy, structural geology, stratigraphy and sedimentation, and igneous and metamorphic petrology. You’ll learn to identify and interpret rocks and minerals, reconstruct geologic history and investigate the processes that create and reshape Earth’s surface.
Your geology education extends well beyond the classroom. Field Geology Methods and Geology Field Camp give you dedicated field experience, while laboratory courses and Foundations of GIS build skills in geologic analysis, mapping and spatial data. The physical geology option also gives you flexibility to select geology and hydrology coursework, including upper-division geology electives, to explore subjects that align with your interests and career goals.
This degree could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy exploring the outdoors and learning how landscapes, rocks and landforms developed
- Are curious about Earth’s history and the processes that continue to shape the planet
- Want to study geology through hands-on fieldwork, laboratory investigations and scientific research
- Enjoy solving problems using geology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and spatial data
- Enjoy studying math and are interested in natural resources, water, environmental change or other challenges involving Earth systems
- Want to build skills in geologic mapping, GIS and field-based analysis
Rock your world
Curriculum
The B.S. in geology, physical geology option is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field. Required coursework includes:
- Structural, physical and historical geology
- Foundational courses in GIS and mineralogy
- A multi-week summer field methods course that takes place outdoors
- Chemistry and physics
- Calculus
- Advanced geology courses like petrology and stratigraphy and sedimentation
- Elective courses in geology and hydrology that allow you to customize the degree to your interests and career goals
Explore program requirements in the University Catalog
Class format
Geology and geography courses often include field trips and hands-on experiences to help you integrate what you’re learning and quickly apply it to the world around you. In addition, your chemistry and geology classes include weekly lab sessions. These have a smaller class sizes so you get personalized support from your instructor to help you succeed.
Hands-on opportunities
- The Earth and Spatial Sciences department is known for project-based classes, internship opportunities, frequent field trips and regular career networking opportunities. This is where you go when you want to get your hands dirty and graduate with the practical skills needed to kickstart your career.
- The University of Idaho Natural History Museum allows you to engage directly with exceptional collections, including the Smiley Paleobotany Collection, one of the premier fossil leaf collections in North America, as well as the Williams Geological teaching collection and the Gunter Mineralogy Collection. These form one of the most comprehensive natural history collections in the region, offering an interactive learning environment that sets U of I apart.
- Our location near the famous Clarkia fossil beds allow you to study an ancient lake environment and find prehistoric fossils, leaves, insects and fish.
- The on-campus Stillinger Herbarium includes over 250,000 specimens of plants, algae, lichen and fungi. Collected over decades, they tell the story of environmental changes in the Pacific Northwest in response to the changing climate.
- Faculty specialties provide opportunities for learning and research experiences in diverse areas like volcanology, glaciology, dendrochronology, GIS and remote sensing, climatology and hydrology.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
914 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Soil and Plant Scientists
$82,430 - Geodetic Surveyors
$86,165 - Petroleum Engineers
$133,669 - Conservation Scientists
$76,794 - Atmospheric and Space Scientists
$106,437
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs
- Geo-Club – Join your fellow students in the field to observe, record and experience the geology and geography of Idaho.
- College of Science Ambassadors – Expand the world of science by supporting current and prospective College of Science students, representing the college at recruiting events, and planning fun on-campus events for current science majors.
Financial aid and scholarships
While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
- Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.
If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Idaho LAUNCH
This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.
Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Application instructions
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.
Overview
Have questions?
Not sure if this program is the right fit? Connect with your admissions counselor or request more information to get personalized guidance on program details, requirements and next steps.
Chipping away in Geology Field School
Travel to Hurricane, Utah with Bailee Zinzer and see what it’s like to be a geology student at U of I.
Studying the Jeffersonian mammoth
The megafauna of Idaho from times past
What can you do with a geology degree?
A degree in geology prepares you to explore the processes that have shaped our planet and tackle challenges involving Earth's natural resources, hazards and changing landscapes. Physical geology graduates help locate critical minerals and groundwater, assess geologic hazards, protect the environment and support infrastructure projects around the world. They build careers as geologists, hydrogeologists, environmental consultants, geotechnical specialists, natural resource managers and researchers. They work for government agencies, energy and mining companies, environmental consulting firms and research organizations.
If you're curious about how the Earth works and enjoy combining science with hands-on exploration, physical geology offers exciting opportunities both in the field and the laboratory. You'll develop skills in field mapping, data analysis, laboratory techniques and problem-solving while gaining experience with the tools geoscientists use every day. A geology degree prepares you to make a lasting impact, from helping communities prepare for natural hazards, to discovering the resources needed for tomorrow's technologies or protecting our planet's land and water.
Explore our 4+1 program for a head start on graduate school
The 4+1 master’s program allows University of Idaho undergraduates pursuing a B.S. in geology to earn an M.S. in groundwater hydrology in just one extra year, immediately after completing the bachelor’s degree. For Idaho residents, the extra year is even billed at the undergraduate tuition rate. Participating in the 4+1 program allows you to:
- Gain expedited admission into the graduate program
- Skip the graduate application fee
- Bypass the requirement for letters of recommendation when applying to the M.S. program
- Share six credits between your undergraduate and graduate programs
- Pay undergraduate tuition during your first year of graduate study (for Idaho residents)
- Follow an accelerated, customized curriculum to earn your M.S. in one year
Talk to your academic advisor before the end of your sophomore year of undergraduate study to prepare for a 4+1 program. Certain requirements apply, including a 3.0 GPA.
I enjoy doing science in nature. Geology is one of those fields that gets me outside and working in those places I enjoy most.
William K
Worley, ID
See geology in the field and lab
Explore undergraduate research, field experiences and industry connections that help you turn geology coursework into practical skills.