Why choose Geosciences at WSU?

• Diversified curriculum combining traditional geology, environmental and geospatial applications prepares graduates for a range of careers, from addressing environmental issues to teaching the Earth sciences in schools.
  
  
• WSU's own water well field and sampling equipment provide unique opportunities for hands-on experience in water resource applications.
  
  
• Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Laboratory, equipped with powerful computers, scanners, plotters and industry-standard software (ArcGIS, Arcview, ERDAS Imagine), provides experience in state-of-the-art geospatial applications.
  
  
• Field trips in most upper division classes and separate Field Methods and Field Camp classes provide many opportunities to explore the spectacular geology of Utah and surrounding areas.
  
  
• Internship opportunities (often leading to permanent employment) available with U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service, Utah Geological Survey, county and city governments and geotechnical firms.
  
  
• Undergraduate research opportunities available in a number of areas, such as management of surface and ground water resources, use of GIS to evaluate various geologic and societal topics, wetlands studies, landscape evolution, remote sensing applications, paleoecology and sedimentology, and structural studies of earthquake faults.

What degrees/certificates are available?

Bachelor of Science or Arts (BS or BA) Geology

Bachelor of Science or Arts (BS or BA)
Earth Science Teaching

Bachelor of Science (BS)
Applied Environmental Geoscience

Bachelor of Science (BS)
Physical Science Composite Teaching

Departmental Honors: Geosciences

Minor: Geology

Minor: Earth Science Teaching

Minor: Geospatial Analysis

Certificate: Geomatics (Applied Mapping Sciences)

Environmental Studies

What courses are offered through online/distance learning?

The geosciences department offers various classes online. For more information, contact the department at 801-626-7139 or click here.

What are the employment opportunities?

Many geoscientists are employed in environmental, engineering and resource management services that use Geographic Information Systems/mapping and remote sensing applications. About 20 percent of geoscientists work for oil and gas extraction companies or metal mining companies. One in seven is self-employed; most consult for industry and government. The federal government employs about 6,000 geoscientists, mostly with the U.S. Geological survey (U.S.G.S.). More than 3,000 geoscientists work for state agencies such as Utah Geological Survey or Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Many teach Earth science in public and private schools.

Starting Salaries
National Association of Colleges and Employers reports average salary offers of $30,900 to graduates with bachelor's degrees in geology and geosciences. For more information, go to Career Services.

What will I learn in the program?

When you study geosciences, you will learn about the Earth's origin, composition and evolution through time, as well as the processes that affect the Earth and the Earth's past life forms. Many geoscience applications use computer technology, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, numerical models of groundwater flow and contamination and surface water flow models for mapping the Earth and understanding the processes that affect the planet.

Where can I find out more about the programs?

College of Science
Weber State University
2508 University Circle
Ogden,  UT 84408-2505
phone 801-626-6159
email science@weber.edu

Department Contact Dr. Adolph Yonkee
ayonkee@weber.edu 

Department Phone 801-626-7139

Is there an application deadline?

Although there is no application deadline, we encourage you to apply early and register for classes. Contact the geosciences department for specific information or to schedule an advisement time.