Geological Sciences Major Map
Use this major map to explore possibilities and plan for success in five overlapping areas of career and academics.
Choose your year below, then see what you can do when you:
- Learn. Develop the knowledge and skills to complete your major.
- Engage. Contribute to campus and the community.
- Network. Build a foundation of professional connections.
- Transform. Make a positive impact in a diverse world.
- Prepare. Plan for life after graduation.
The map just offers suggestions - you don’t have to do it all.
Learn: What foundational courses should I be taking?
- GEOL118 and GEOL218 (Introductory Physical and Historical Geology)
- BIOL130 (Introduction to Biology) and ASTR130 (Astronomy)
- Familiarize yourself with cognate courses that are required for the Geological Sciences major
- Sign up for supplemental instruction (SI) or visit the Science Learning Center (SLC)
Engage: What kinds of activities and organizations can I explore?
- Join Talent Gateway - UM-Dearborn’s online community where you can complete challenges, earn points, and connect experiences with courses and professional goals
- Select and participate in several Student Life opportunities
- Workout at the Wellness Center or join a fitness class
Network: What are important topics in my field?
- Join a professional Geological organization, such as the Geological Society of America (GSA), American Geophysical Union (AGU), or American Association of Geographers (AAG).
- Visit your Geology professors during office hours to introduce yourself
Transform: What are the challenges and the strengths in my community?
- Volunteer for a campus or community organization, such as the Friends of the Rouge
- Attend a local meeting of your community board
- Donate to the Student Food Pantry
Prepare: What are the career options for people with my major?
- Start building your CV - your academic resume
- Explore career options in Geology at the American Geosciences Institute (AGI)
- Visit the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to learn about different types of financial aid, including many scholarships
Learn: How do I build on foundational courses?
- GEOL305 (Geomorphology) or GEOL313 (Earth Materials)
- Begin sequence of Chemistry (CHEM134 or CHEM144) and Math courses (MATH113 or 115)
- Enroll in a 300 or 400 level Geology elective
- Consider a certificate in Geographic Information Systems or a related minor
Engage: What activities and organizations will help me develop professional skills?
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Explore the Environmental Interpretive Center and participate in one of their community or university activities
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Immerse in one or two campus organizations to leave a positive impact
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Visit or volunteer at the UM-Dearborn Observatory
Network: How do I connect with faculty and students with similar interests?
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Consider submitting one of your best papers to the Meeting of Minds
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Attend Department of Natural Sciences colloquium
Transform: What are the challenges and strengths of the Detroit Metro area?
- Explore the Environmental Interpretive Center and participate in one of their community or university activities
- Become a Diversity Ambassador or participate in a Conversation on Race
Prepare: What resources are available on campus to help me develop the professional skills I will need?
- Develop your “academic toolkit” through numerous Seeds of Success workshops through the Office of Student Life
- Meet with geology professors to discuss your skills and possible career options
- Find out about CASL internships and whether your job qualifies for credit
Learn: How do I gain expertise in my major?
- Complete Math, Biology, and Chemistry requirements
- PHYS125 (Intro Physics) or PHYS 150 (General Physics)
- Participate in field course (GEOL377 or GEOL478)
- Explore research possibilities with a Geological Sciences faculty member
Engage: How can I grow as a leader on campus?
- Consider running for Student Government or a leadership position in a campus organization
- Check out the options through the Office of Student Life’s Leadership Development webpage
- Participate in an Alternative Spring Break (ASB)
Network: How can I broaden my professional relationships?
- Establish a LinkedIn profile to connect with UM-Dearborn alumni or to join industry-related LinkedIn Groups that hire students
- Attend the GSA North-Central Section Annual Meeting or the AAG West Lakes Region Annual Meeting to
meet faculty and students with similar interests
Transform: How can I prepare to effectively solve local and global challenges?
- Register for a Study Abroad course and apply for study abroad scholarships
- Spend the summer volunteering for USGS or the National Park Service (e.g. http://www.volunteer.gov)
- Use Mardigian Library resources to read and explore the many applications of geology in the real world
Prepare: What practical things should I do to further my career options?
- Work an internship into your schedule to gain professional experience
- Schedule a visit to the Office of Career Services
- Assess what experiences you are lacking for current job postings and fill in those gaps before graduation
Learn: How do I finish strong?
- Complete remaining required Geology courses
- Complete Physics sequence (PHYS 126 or PHYS 151)
- Schedule a Senior Audit with a CASL Advisor
- Submit a research paper to Michigan Academician, a journal published by the Michigan Academy of Sciences, Arts, & Letters
Engage: How can I mentor others to be leaders on campus?
- Become a peer tutor in the CASL Writing Center or a Student Instructor (SI) for Geology courses
- Create a new student organization or help build an existing club
Network: How can I demonstrate my readiness for the next steps?
- Request letters of recommendation from faculty who know your work
- Do targeted networking with alumni working in careers of interest and ask questions about job opportunities and the interview process
- Submit one of your best papers for the Campus Writing Awards
Transform: How can I add to the strengths of my community, the region, and the world?
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Contribute to global learning initiatives on campus
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Make sure your applications for graduate or professional schools are complete with a writing sample and personal essay
Prepare: How do I make the best use of university resources to launch my professional next steps?
- Apply to jobs or future education, or make plans for other adventures
- Visit Career Services for advice with job searching and interviewing, resumes, and graduate school applications
- Explore graduate programs at UM-Dearborn
- Register for the GRE if you plan on graduate school
Geoscientists work for government agencies, academic institutions, and private and nonprofit organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the “employment of geoscientists is projected to grow 14 % from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations... because the need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is projected to spur demand for geoscientists.”
Because geology is interdisciplinary, areas of specialization include:
- Economic geology
- Environmental geology
- Engineering geology
- Geoarchaeology
- Geochemistry
- Geochronology
- Geomorphology
- Geospatial scientist
- Glaciology
- Hydrology and hydrogeology
- Palaeoclimatology
- Palaeontology
- Petroleum geology
- Planetary geology
- Sedimentology
- Structural geology
- Urban geology
- Volcanology
Our alumni do inspiring work all over the world, employed as geologists, engineers, technicians, consultants, and research and physical scientists. They work for the USGS, USDA, and ORNL, as well as national and regional environmental consulting and engineering firms.
Use the map on the interior portion of this brochure to review possibilities and plan for success in the five areas listed - Learn, Engage, Network, Transform, Prepare. The map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your UM-Dearborn career that will prepare you for success.
College is a time for discovering your passions–figuring out who you are and what drives you. UM-Dearborn offers more than 100 majors and minors, so you can find a program that is right for you. We are committed to cultivating a campus community that acknowledges our similarities and celebrates our differences. On campus you’ll find a range of support services and offices that provide the programs you need to be successful both academically and personally.