The geological sciences major is designed for students seeking a foundation in the structure, composition and processes of the solid Earth, including such fields as natural hazards, high-temperature geochemistry, geophysics and paleontology. The degree is intended for students seeking a career in the petroleum industry, mining, academia or related fields or those continuing on for graduate work. It incorporates courses in cognate sciences, field experiences and a summer field camp.
Students may also complete this major through Lyman Briggs College.
Alumni Pursuits
Graduates in geological sciences pursue careers in a range of industries, excelling in jobs that demand deep knowledge of earth science, geochemistry and the environment.
Alumni work at:
Engineering firms
Environmental firms
Petroleum companies
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state agencies
U.S. Geological Survey and state surveys
Universities
Alumni work as:
Development geologists
Engineering geologists
Field geologists
Geophysicists
Hydrologists
Petroleum geologists
Seismologists
More information on Geological Sciences
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January 2025
College of Natural Science
Natural Science Building,
288 Farm Lane,
EAST LANSING,
Michigan,
48824, United States
MSU strongly encourages a college preparatory curriculum in secondary school.
Minimum English requirements
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Internet-based test: score of 79 with no sub score below 17; International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Regular admission: Score of 6.5 or higher; Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Minimum score of 53; minimum sub score requirement of 48.
Application submission deadline: Regular Admission: February 1.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
