Why Geological Sciences?

Geological science majors learn about the wide range of external and internal geological processes that shape the world we live in. They study topics such as rocks and minerals, rivers, beaches, volcanoes, glaciers, earthquakes, plate tectonics, groundwater, global climate change, soils and sediments to name just a few.

Using a wide variety of tools and techniques, students learn how geologists investigate environmental hazards (such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, hurricanes, beach erosion, volcanic eruptions, water pollution, and toxic chemical spills); the impact of changes in climate and sea level change on the environment and on human populations; the availability of mineral, energy, and water resources; the history of the earth and its inhabitants; and many other exciting topics.

Geological science is an ideal choice for students who don’t want to spend their careers sitting in a cubicle, but would rather be “out and about” performing a wide variety of interesting tasks. In addition, it is a discipline in which students have a good chance of earning a living by doing professionally what they were trained to do.

The ECU Department of Geological Sciences offers several degree programs that lead toward the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Geological Science, as well as the Minor in Geology. The department also participates in the Coastal Resources Management Ph.D. program.