Geology Major: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Program Type: Undergraduate

Degree Awarded: B.A. in Geology | B.S. in Geology _{Select a degree to view its requirements and four-year plans.}

Department: Physics, Geology, and Engineering Technology

Geologists provide essential information for answering questions such as what effects shrinking glaciers will have on the oceans and climate, where we can find new sources of useful earth materials or how we can develop energy resources with minimal environmental impact.

Geologists also study the causes of geologic hazards such as earthquakes, floods and landslides and plan how we can avoid or minimize their consequences.

The geology program at NKU offers B.S. and B.A. degrees, plus opportunities to conduct research and participate in internships.

Students pursuing a career in the field of geology or students planning to attend graduate school should complete the Bachelor of Science degree. Upon completion of the requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree, students are eligible to take the Geologist Registrants in Training Exam, which is the first requirement towards professional registration.

The Bachelor of Arts requires 30 hours in geology, of at which at least 15 hours must be at the 300 level or higher. This degree is most appropriate for students seeking a dual major who wish to have a background in geology to support another major or for students seeking a degree in secondary education.

Program Contacts

Julie Ann Reizner, MS
Geology Program Director
(859) 572-6683
reiznerj1@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Brynden Perkins

Graduating Year: 2024

Education: B.S. in Geology, Minor in Biological Sciences

“When I joined the geology program at NKU, I was largely interested in paleontology. I am thankful that I not only got to expand that interest, but grow several related interests and gain necessary skills to further my career. The faculty put students first, and the smaller class sizes allow students to learn material at a more individualized pace. Most importantly, I had a number of absolutely imperative experiences that really pushed my career forward, including numerous field trips, studying abroad in England and Scotland, and doing undergraduate research I could present at a large conference. I am grateful for NKU’s geology program giving me the experiences and skills necessary to enter a PhD program at Virginia Tech and pursue vertebrate paleobiology further!"

Career: Paleontology PhD Student

Necessary job skills: Strong reading and writing, critical thinking, oral communication, and computer literacy.

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Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Scholarships & Awards: There are several scholarships specifically available for Geology students at NKU to help cover the costs of tuition, books, and field trips.
Study in the Field: Geology is a field-oriented profession, thus many of our courses require field trips to locations of significant geologic importance, or are actually taught in the field.
Research Opportunities: There are many opportunities to do research with a faculty member, and the results of the research may be presented at a local or national meeting, such as the Kentucky Academy of Science or the Geological Society of America.

Keep Exploring. Visit the Department Website.