A Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Sciences provides students with the quantitative and conceptual skills they need to succeed in graduate work and a career as a professional geologist in industry, government or academia. The curriculum provides flexibility for students who seek to focus on a specific subdiscipline in the geosciences. Students interested in geophysics, for example, should use their electives to expand their background in math and to develop a broad knowledge of geology and geophysics. Other subdisciplines include geochemistry, paleobiology and hydrogeology. The capstone class is an award-winning 6-week summer Field Camp based in Lander, Wyoming. Many students participate in research projects with faculty members, usually involving fieldwork, and leading to a senior thesis. Their results are typically presented at a national meeting and in an oral defense in the department. Study abroad classes are typically offered every two to three years - recently to China, Chile, and Spain. Some BS graduates pursue careers in environmental consulting. Many others go into the oil and gas industry, which typically requires an MS degree.
Common Career Paths
You can do nearly anything with a Mizzou degree, but here are some common career paths taken by graduates of this major:
September 2025
College of Arts and Science
317 Lowry Hall,
COLUMBIA,
Missouri,
65211, United States
Students must complete High School Coursework with 13 units (one unit = one year in class) of the following core coursework: Mathematics - Four units (algebra or higher), Science - Three units, Social Studies - Three units, Languages - Two units, Fine Arts - One unit.
High School grades
Your core coursework grades must meet one of the following requirements:
If your high school does not use one of the scales listed above, your grades will be converted to a U.S. 4.0 scale. Scores are determined by the AACRAO International Education Services.
English Language Requirements:
Duolingo English Test (DET): minimum DET score of 110 on the test with 3 of the 4 section scores at or above a 100.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum TOEFL score of 79 on the online test with no section score below 17.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum IELTS score of 6.5 with no section score below a 6.
Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: a minimum overall Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency score of 180.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): a minimum overall PTE score of 59.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.