Geological Sciences
The geological sciences major offers a comprehensive education of all elements of earth sciences.
What to Expect
As a geological sciences major, laboratory experience and field-based activities will enhance the vibrant and friendly academic environment. You will focus on the study of the Earth's dynamics and history, as well as its composition and the chemical, physical and biological changes that it undergoes. You can also choose to pursue a concentration in environmental geosciences.
The department offers a broad range of specialties within geosciences such as sedimentology, stratigraphy and basin evolution; tectonics and structural geology; environmental geology and hydrogeology; igneous and metamorphic petrology; geophysics and seismology; oceanography, coastal and estuarine processes; paleoecology; and paleoclimatology.
You will also have the unique opportunity to complete a four-week field course in Colorado to get valuable hands-on experience. This opportunity synergizes your education in geology to understanding the Earth's formation in an observational setting.
Undergraduate Degree
B B.S. with a major in geological sciences
Within the College of Arts and Science and the School of Earth, Ocean and Environment, geological sciences students can choose to pursue an intensive major in geological sciences by taking an additional 13 hours. You will also take additional courses depending on the concentration you choose to pursue.
The following courses fulfill some of the requirements for a major in geological sciences:
- Rocks and Minerals
- Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Basins
- Internal Earth
- Igneous and Metamorphic Processes Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Earth Systems Through Time
- Surface and Near Surface Processes
- Processes of Global Environmental Change
Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides the most current information on the application process so you can check the requirements based on your current status and find university scholarships.
Graduate Degrees
In addition to the undergraduate degree, there is also a Master of Science and Ph.D. offered in geological sciences.
Graduate Director: GradDir@seoe.sc.edu
Program Contact: seoegradcoord@seoe.sc.edu
Travel Grant Contact: Jackie McClary, 803-777-9823, MCCLARYJ@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Graduate Director: GradDir@seoe.sc.edu
Program Contact: seoegradcoord@seoe.sc.edu
Travel Grant Contact: Jackie McClary, 803-777-9823, MCCLARYJ@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Apply to Graduate School
Learn more about The Graduate School, degree options and how to apply for admission to doctoral, master’s, certificate and combination degree programs at South Carolina.