Explore and characterize ore/mineral systems for batteries, wind, and electronics.
What graduates do
Students contribute to the responsible sourcing of materials needed for the energy transition and modern electronics.
- Field and lab‑based entry roles
- Growth tied to domestic supply chains and permitting
- Graduate study opens advanced exploration/research
Degree expectation: BS for entry; MS preferred in exploration and for advancement.
Common entry-level jobs
- Field geologist
- Core/logging tech
- Geochem lab tech
- GIS tech
Careers (links to US Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook)
Training in the School of Earth Sciences
In the School of Earth Sciences you'll build core geoscience skills:
- Mineralogy – identify minerals and link their properties to Earth’s interior
- Petrology – classify igneous and metamorphic rocks and reconstruct their pressure–temperature histories
- Stratigraphy and tectonics – read rock layers, structures, and plate motions through time
- Geophysics – collect and interpret gravity, magnetic, seismic, and other data to image the subsurface
- Field methods – make high-quality observations, measurements, and geologic maps
- GIS – manage spatial data, analyze patterns, and create professional maps that communicate your results
Courses to consider
- EARTHSC 4421 – Earth Materials
- EARTHSC 4423 – Introductory Petrology
- EARTHSC 4502 – Stratigraphy and Sedimentation
- EARTHSC 5189.01 & 5189.02 – Field Geology 1 & 2 (Field Camp)
- EARTHSC 4560 – Applied Geophysics
Hands‑on experiences
- Orton collections projects
- Core lab experience
- Summer mapping internships
- Industry guest lectures
FAQs
Is travel required? Early-career roles may include field rotations; many lab/GIS roles are campus- or city-based.
What is the environmental impact? Students learn geochem and regulatory context to support responsible practices.