Welcome to Geology

Our geology program is located in one of the best geologic locations on the planet. Our students get a chance to work on research and class projects in a world-class setting. Experiencing these amazing geologic features up close puts our graduates at an advantage over most in the world.

Our small class sizes allow us to build personal relationships with geology majors. We design learning environments tailored for the individuals in our program through project-based experiences in the field and in the lab. Students use those experiences to connect classroom concepts to the real world.

Join one of the friendliest programs on campus and work in a world-class geology lab right outside our doors. You can have it all with an SUU degree in geology: options, lifestyle, and financial reward!

The best things about our program are that we play together, work hard together, and support each other. The faculty will know you not only by name but also by your research interests. Together, we make the challenging enjoyable and the successes that much sweeter. By the end, we don’t want to say good-bye!

Four photos of people enjoying the outdoors.

You can’t imagine the geology available to us here until you get to experience it for yourself. Our desert setting provides massive expanses of exposed bedrock including numerous locations within driving distance for labs. Field trips take us further afield to Death Valley, Yosemite, San Rafael Swell, the Book Cliffs, and more. Many of our students are able to do research locally and publish their work.

Four photos of people hiking and beautiful landscapes.

A degree in geology provides the background needed to pursue many different careers including oil & gas, mining, environmental geology, academia, geochemistry, paleontology, structural geology, volcanology, hydrology, seismology, stratigraphy, alternative energies, paleoclimate, mineralogy, ecotourism, and so many more. There is something for everyone.

Four photos of people studying and being in the outdoors.

Salaries

Median Geologist Salaries - $90,890

Job Salary
Oil and Gas Extraction $137,750
Federal Government $94,830
Mining and Geological Engineers $84,320
Hydrologists $75,530
Technical Consulting Services $74,020

“The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is projected to spur demand for geoscientists in the future.” - The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012

Top 100 Careers

With big growth, great pay, and satisfying work.

Petroleum Geologist
Top Pay $247,000
Median Pay $149,000
Growth 21.2%

CNN Money & Payscale.com 2013

For those with a love of the outdoors and a deep scientific curiosity, you cannot beat the lifestyle of a geologist. Not only do you get to enjoy a rewarding career, but also the value of your knowledge can extend to your family and community. Utah needs geologists to help manage their wealth of resources. Do geology for Utah!

Four photos of people in the red rock landscapes of Southern Utah.