University of Wisconsin–Parkside

What you'll study

The Geological and Earth Sciences bachelor programme combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice and field work to develop students' understanding of Earth's materials, processes and history. Core topics include mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, structural geology, geophysics and geomorphology.

• Foundations: introductory Earth science, physical geology, historical geology and introductory geochemistry.
• Analytical and laboratory skills: mineral identification, thin section petrography, geochemical analysis, sediment description and quantitative lab methods.
• Field skills: mapping, stratigraphic logging, sample collection, use of GPS and field instrumentation, and multi‑day field camps.
• Quantitative and computing skills: statistics for geosciences, GIS and remote sensing, and data visualisation techniques.
• Advanced topics and electives: structural geology, hydrogeology, environmental geology, paleontology, geophysics and sustainability in Earth systems.
• Capstone and research: senior seminar, independent research project or internship with a faculty mentor or external partner.

The programme emphasises hands‑on learning through dedicated geology laboratories, access to field trips in the Great Lakes region and opportunities to participate in faculty research projects. Students can also take complementary coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and environmental studies to broaden career options.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have completed secondary education with a strong foundation in mathematics and science, typically including physics, chemistry and algebra or precalculus. Successful candidates show evidence of problem‑solving ability and an interest in field and laboratory work.

• Academic background: secondary school diploma or equivalent with recommended preparation in mathematics and science.
• GPA and testing: entry is based on academic record; standardised test requirements (if any) follow the university's current admissions policy.
• Additional materials: applicants may be asked for a personal statement outlining interest in Earth sciences and relevant extracurricular or work experience. Transfer students should submit college transcripts and a record of completed STEM courses.
• Preparatory pathways: students without full subject preparation can often make up missing prerequisites through university preparatory courses or by taking introductory science modules in their first year.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor degree in Geological and Earth Sciences are equipped for roles in environmental consulting, natural resource exploration, water‑resource management and land‑use planning. Many alumni begin work as geological technicians, field geologists, hydrogeology technicians, GIS analysts or environmental scientists.

• Environmental and engineering consulting firms (site assessment, remediation, permitting)
• Government agencies and water authorities (hydrogeology, environmental monitoring, regulatory roles)
• Natural resource and energy companies (mineral and aggregate exploration, environmental compliance)
• Geospatial and GIS services (mapping, remote sensing, spatial analysis)
• Education and outreach (secondary teaching with additional certification, museum and interpretive centres)
• Postgraduate study and research leading to careers in academia or specialised technical roles (geophysics, paleoclimatology, hazard assessment)

The programme's combination of field experience, laboratory competence and quantitative training supports both immediate entry into the workforce and preparation for graduate study.

Why study at University of Wisconsin–Parkside

University of Wisconsin–Parkside offers a focused Earth sciences programme with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring. The campus' location near the Lake Michigan basin and diverse glacial landscapes provides convenient fieldwork environments for learning regional geology and applied environmental topics.

• Hands‑on learning: regular field trips, well‑equipped labs and opportunities for independent research with faculty.
• Faculty expertise: teaching staff with active research and applied experience in hydrogeology, sedimentology, geochemistry and environmental geology.
• Community and industry links: connections to regional environmental and natural resources agencies, which support internships and applied projects.
• Flexible pathways: preparation for careers, professional certification pathways and progression to graduate programmes in geoscience and environmental fields.

Students benefit from a supportive learning environment that emphasises practical skills, field experience and preparation for a range of geoscience careers.