Bachelor of Science in Geology
Rapid City, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 29,200 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
What is Geology?
Geology is the study of the structure, evolution, and history of Earth and its mineral and energy resources.
Geology students at South Dakota Mines take advantage of the rich geological and paleontological resources of the region. They also can access the extensive fossil and mineral collections of the Museum of Geology, which is located on campus. Students have an opportunity to work at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), model earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other geologic hazards, reconstruct the early history of the solar system through experimental petrology, study environmental issues from geothermal energy to water protection, and excavate and prepare fossils ranging from dinosaurs to saber-tooth cats.
What does a geologist do?
Geologists analyze the processes that have shaped the Earth, using rocks, minerals, and fossils to reconstruct that history. They study how the Earth was formed, how it has developed, and how life has evolved in reaction to tectonic and climatic changes.
The geology program at South Dakota Mines takes advantage of the proximity of the Black Hills through a rigorous field and laboratory-based education that provides students with a unique blend of hands-on experiences with strong theoretical foundations.
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
International students may seek scholarship opportunities but should be aware that many scholarships are limited to US citizens or permanent residents. South Dakota Mines does not offer scholarships specifically for international students. You must be ADMITTED by January 15 of the year you are planning to enroll in the fall semester if you wish to be considered for scholarships. Scholarships are only awarded for a start date of the fall semester. Please see the Scholarships website for information on Mines scholarships.
International students are NOT eligible for South Dakota Mines or federal loan programs and should not apply for such financial assistance.
Curriculum
Freshman Year
First Semester
- General Chemistry I
- General Chemistry I Lab
- Physical Geology
- Physical Geology Laboratory
- Introduction to Geology, Geological Engineering, and Mining Engineering Lab
- Calculus I
- General Education Goal 1 or 2 Elective
Second Semester
- General Chemistry II
- General Chemistry II Lab
- Calculus II
- General Education Goal 3 or 4 Elective
- GGE Program Elective
Sophomore Year
First Semester
- Mineralogy and Crystallography/Lab
- Search for Our Past
- University Physics I
- University Physics I Laboratory
- Search for Our Past Laboratory
- Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Second Semester
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology/Lab
- Introduction to GIS/Lab
- General Education Goal 1 or 2 Elective
- General Education Goal 3 or Goal 4 Elective
- Introduction to Computer Programming/Lab
- Computer Science I/Lab
- Programming for Engineers and Scientists
Junior Year
First Semester
- Stratigraphy and Sedimentation/Lab
- University Physics II
- University Physics II Laboratory
- GGE Program Elective
- General Education Goal 1 or 2 Elective
- General Education Goal 3 or Goal 4 Elective
Second Semester
- Applied Geomorphology/Lab
- Structural Geology/Lab
- General Education Goal 3 or Goal 4 Elective
- Resource or GGE Program Elective(s)
- Summer
- Field Geology
Senior Year
First Semester
- Aqueous Geochemistry
- Senior Research I
- Resource or GGE Program Elective
- Free Elective
- Geophysics requirement or GGE Program Elective
Second Semester
- Invertebrate Paleontology/Lab
- Senior Research II
- Geophysics requirement or GGE Program Elective
- Free elective(s)
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
With a geology degree from South Dakota Mines, you have your choice of a wide range of careers, including:
- Mineral exploration
- Petroleum exploration
- Water resource and environmental firms
- Paleontology resource management
- Museum management
- Research lab employees
- Geospatial technology
- Geochemist
- Geophysicist
- Graduate education in these areas
English Language Requirements
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