Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice and field experience to build a broad foundation in Earth sciences. Core subject areas include mineralogy and petrology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, structural geology, geophysics, and geochemistry. Students also study applied topics such as hydrogeology, environmental geology, coastal and marine geology, and natural hazard assessment.

Typical modules and learning activities include:

• Mineralogy and Petrology: identification and classification of minerals and rocks, hand-sample and thin-section microscopy.
• Sedimentology & Stratigraphy: processes of sediment transport, depositional environments and stratigraphic interpretation.
• Structural Geology: analysis of deformation, faulting, folding and tectonic settings.
• Geophysics and Remote Sensing: seismic methods, gravity and magnetic surveys, and use of remote sensing for geological mapping.
• Geochemistry: elemental and isotopic techniques for tracing Earth processes and environmental contamination.
• Hydrogeology: groundwater flow, aquifer characterisation and contaminant transport.
• Field Methods and Mapping: practical geological mapping, sample collection and field-based data interpretation—frequent short field trips and at least one extended field camp or project.
• Quantitative Skills: calculus, statistics and GIS for data analysis, modelling and spatial interpretation.
• Capstone/Senior Project or Internship: independent research project or supervised professional placement that integrates knowledge and develops practical skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with a strong background in mathematics and the sciences. Recommended preparatory subjects include physics, chemistry, biology and calculus. Admissions consider a combination of academic records, personal statements and any relevant extracurricular or work experience.

For international applicants, FIU requires proof of equivalent secondary qualifications and evidence of English proficiency. Transfer students should present university transcripts showing transferable credit in foundational science and mathematics; some programme courses may be required to complete the degree pathway. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme move into a wide range of roles across public, private and academic sectors. Common career paths include environmental consultant, hydrogeologist, exploration geologist in mining or energy, geotechnical engineer (with additional training), GIS and remote sensing analyst, coastal and marine scientist, and natural-hazard or risk-assessment specialist.

Alumni also pursue graduate study (master’s and PhD) in geology, environmental science, oceanography and related fields, which opens opportunities in research and university teaching. Graduates often find employment with environmental consultancies, government agencies, water utilities, engineering firms, NGOs, and resource companies, as well as in local and regional planning authorities.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University offers hands-on training in a region with unique geological and environmental contexts—coastal systems, karst and carbonate terrains, and proximity to the Caribbean—that provide diverse field-study opportunities. The programme emphasises applied skills: students gain experience in modern laboratory techniques, GIS and remote sensing, and field mapping. FIU’s location in Miami also facilitates internships and collaborations with local agencies, environmental organisations and industry partners active in South Florida and the wider Caribbean basin.

Students benefit from a departmental focus on interdisciplinary research and opportunities to work alongside faculty on projects spanning environmental geology, hydrogeology, coastal processes and geohazards. Small-group instruction in lab and field courses helps develop practical competencies valued by employers and by graduate programmes.