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The degree of Bachelor of Science in Geology is offered in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Geological science — or Earth science — is a broad and interdisciplinary field that encompasses other disciplines such as biology, chemistry, math, and physics. Knowledge of Earth processes provides a critical framework for the assessment of resources, geologic hazards, and environmental stewardship. Many geologists work in the petroleum or natural gas exploration industry or in the mineral industry. Many other geoscientists find work related to natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides), as geologists on some of the world’s largest engineering projects (dams, tunnels, bridges, tall buildings), in the geothermal and alternative energy sectors, in the remediation of hazardous waste and groundwater pollution control, and in the field of environmental rehabilitation (e.g., stream restoration). Geoscientists work across industries — from Fortune 100 companies to small environmental consulting and law firms, state agencies and nonprofit organizations. Many others are employed in the education sector including at universities, community colleges and high schools.

For more information about our geology program, visit ourÌý.

Contact

Maggie Puryear
Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs
919.513.1093
mwpollar@ncsu.edu

Plan Requirements

¹

COS 100 is for new freshmen only.Ìý Transfer students will need to select a course from the GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives course list.

²

A grade of a C- or higher is required. No more than one D will be allowed in Geology Core Courses, Restricted Electives, and Advised Electives. No more than one D will be allowed in other math and natural science courses.

³

Transfer students who have completed MEA 140, MEA 150, or MEA 200 can use those credits in lieu of MEA 101.Ìý All students must complete MEA 110.

⁴

Advised Electives are in the geosciences and related fields and are to be selected with the advice and consent of the advisor to meet the student’s career objective.

⁵

Free electives may not be MA 100, MA 101, MA 103, MA 107, MA 108, or MA 111.

⁶

GIS 280 or MEA 217 is recommended.

Computer Science Option

Restricted Electives

ÌýMath/Science Option

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

¹

COS 100 is for new freshmen only.Ìý Transfer students will need to select a course from the GEP Interdisciplinary Perspectives course list.

²

A grade of a C- or higher is required. No more than one D will be allowed in Geology Core Courses, Restricted Electives, and Advised Electives. No more than one D will be allowed in other math and natural science courses.

³

Transfer students who have completed MEA 140, MEA 150, or MEA 200 can use those credits in lieu of MEA 101.Ìý All students must complete MEA 110.

⁴

Advised Electives are in the geosciences and related fields and are to be selected with the advice and consent of the advisor to meet the student’s career objective.

⁵

Free electives may not be MA 100, MA 101, MA 103, MA 107, MA 108, or MA 111.

⁶

GIS 280 or MEA 217 is recommended.

Career Opportunities

MEAS undergraduate degree programs provide talented students with the foundation of scientific knowledge required for careers in government, industry, or academia. Many students pursue graduate degrees and pursue careers in industry, at government agencies and in academia.

Marine Sciences graduates go on to become oceanographers, to manage our coastal resources, model air-sea interaction, and explore global climate change. They conduct basic and applied research, serving as environmental consultants for industry and governmental agencies, policy and management experts for governmental agencies, and environmental science educators. Graduates with a Natural Resources degree are versed in the fundamental processes and interdisciplinary nature of the coastal zone. As scientists, managers, administrators, and regulators, they make decisions regarding use and conservation of coastal and marine resources.

Geology graduates address society’s needs for dealing effectively with earth processes, such as water resources and the stability of land forms. They work for engineering firms, permit-issuing agencies, and industries that rely on geological resources. Historical geologists are familiar with the evolution of earth through time and provide a perspective on potential long-term reactions of the earth systems to change. Those who concentrate in Environmental Geology are trained to assess and monitor geological resources such as ground water. Marine geologists are experts in the complex issues facing industry, municipalities, and residents in the dynamic and ecologically vulnerable coastal zone.

Meteorology graduates enjoy careers in weather forecasting, air quality assessment, development of weather products and services, broadcast communications, and advanced research. Marine meteorologists study ocean-generated weather systems. Their research is yielding practical benefits such as refined prediction of storm surge, which has streamlined evacuation efforts during severe storms along the Carolina coast. Meteorology graduates with an air quality emphasis work for environmental firms, regulatory agencies, and in applied research. Study of air quality and how air pollution is transported and dispersed is a rapidly expanding field in the atmospheric sciences.

MEAS graduates play a key service role for the State of North Carolina, assisting in everything from forecasting severe storms and analyzing the impact of atmospheric pollutants on agriculture and our estuaries, to determining the effects of toxic waste disposal on quality of surface and ground water.