Dedman College Majors

Follow one of three primary tracks on the way to a B.S. or B.A. degree: hard-rock geology and geochemistry, soft-rock geology and resource exploration, and paleontology and paleoenvironments.

Studies are tailored to your personal goals, allowing you to take advantage of active research programs and internship opportunities. Labs are cutting edge, from the Lajitas Seismic Research Station to the Stable Isotope Laboratory. Exciting course offerings include volcanoes, earthquakes, and geomorphology. Make a difference as a geology major, armed with superior analytical, abstract, and scientific conceptualization skills that can lead to a great career. It’s your passport to the world.

Degree Highlights

B.S. in Geology
Minimum 36 or 38 term hours in geology
Oriented to students who want an intense geology background and plan a career or graduate work in the earth sciences. Provides a strong quantitative foundation for field and laboratory experience.

B.A. in Geology
Minimum 28 term hours in geology
For students who want to pursue general geology training within a broad liberal arts program.

B.S. in Geophysics
Minimum 33 term hours in geology
For students who want a strong quantitative background in geophysics, including seismology, geothermics, and digital signal processing.

B.S. in Environmental Geology
Minimum 35 term hours in geology
For students who want a basis in the chemical and physical processes of the environment and environmental change.

Minor in Geology
Minimum 18 term hours (6 classes)

Related Majors and Minors

Combining majors is encouraged because geology integrates so well with other degrees such as economics, prelaw, computer science, finance, archaeology, journalism, and history.

Careers

With a degree in geology, you will be prepared for a successful career with such entities as the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, other agencies, and consulting firms.

Faculty

Most upper division classes have just 10 students or fewer, and faculty members have international reputations in research. Expect individualized attention and plenty of challenging opportunities to work alongside instructors and professors.

Internships & Study Abroad

Dedman College students get paid internships through the Hegi Family Career Development Center. Students majoring in geology, geophysics, or environmental geology may be eligible to earn up to three (3) graded credits toward their degrees by enrolling for unpaid, faculty-directed internships through the Dedman College Internship Program.

Geology majors can take advantage of SMU Study Abroad Program opportunities. Choose from yearlong, semester, or summer programs at locations around the globe. Geology majors will find the following programs of particular interest: Archeology-in-Italy and SMU-in-Taos.