What is Geology?

When you major in geology, you'll explore how Earth and other planets work, change, and support life. Learn how to read rocks, analyze data, conduct field investigations, and model natural systems to understand climate, natural hazards, resources, and environmental change. Through hands-on labs and fieldwork — from Louisiana’s coastline to planetary surfaces — you'll apply your skills in real-world settings. Geology graduates solve environmental problems, support energy and space exploration, guide public policy, and build careers as scientists, geophysicists, and researchers. LSU offers concentrations in Geology, Environmental Geology, Geophysics, and Geology + Second Discipline.

Program Website
Degree Details
Admissions Info
Program Highlights
Science Residential College Live and learn with your peers in a smaller network within the larger campus, offering academic enhancement programs, classes in your residence hall, and corporate sponsored events introducing you to internships and cooperative education programs.
Industry Connections LSU’s geology program is closely connected to major industry companies and agencies, like NASA, U.S. Geological Survey, NOAA, opening doors to internships, research, and careers.
Living Laboratory Located in a region shaped by rivers, coastlines, energy systems, and climate change, LSU gives geology students direct access to real-world environments that reinforce classroom and field learning.
Undergraduate Research Students work directly with faculty on active research projects, including climate and Earth-systems studies funded by organizations like the National Science Foundation.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Geologist
Environmental Scientist
Geophysicist
Hydrogeologist
Planetary Scientist
Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist
Environmental Consultant
Natural Resource Analyst
Research Scientist
Science Educator/Professor

Workplace Settings

Environmental & Engineering Firms
Energy & Natural Resource Companies
Government Agencies
Research Institutions & Laboratories
Space & Planetary Science Organizations
Universities & Colleges
Environmental Consulting Firms
Geographic Information System (GIS) & Data Analysis Offices
Field Research Sites

Building Skills
Fieldwork & Observation Hands-on field and lab exploration of rocks, minerals, landforms, and Earth systems.
Data Collection & Analysis Collect and interpret geological data using tools such as GIS, GPS, and remote sensing.
Laboratory Techniques Analyze rock, soil, and water samples to understand Earth’s structure and history.
Communication & Collaboration Clearly present technical findings through reports, maps, and collaborative projects.
Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
Graduate Certificate in Applied Depositional GeosystemsMaster of ScienceDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Related Majors

Coastal Environmental Science
Environmental Engineering
Marine Biology
Petroleum Engineering
Apply Today!