Undergraduate Geology

BA or BS in Geology

The department has offered geology courses since 1934. The geology program of the Department of Geosciences includes both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Sciences degrees. Geology students receive a broad-based education that leads to a practical basis for professional careers.

Among the geology faculty are world class scholars and scientists in a wide range of specialty areas in the geosciences and all are fully engaged in mentoring undergraduate students through teaching and research. Students currently have opportunities to accompany faculty on all-expenses paid research expeditions to the Bahamas and Lake Chad Basin in Nigeria, Africa. These summer research opportunities are sponsored by the National Science Foundation. One more advantage of pursuing a degree in the geosciences is the excellent post-graduation career prospects.  Interest and enrollment in our programs are at the highest levels ever partly because many students see opportunities for solid and well paying careers in the Geosciences. Recent statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) list Geosciences related jobs as the top 3 careers in sciences, based on projected job growth through 2016:

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2009/01/26/top-10-jobs-in-science/

Additionally, several scholarships are available exclusively to students majoring in any of the degree programs in the department of geosciences. These include the Richard J. Gentile Scholarship, the Peck-Williams-Garstang Scholarship, the Truman Stauffer Scholarship, the Denis Ward Scholarship, the Greater Kansas City Gem and Mineral Show Association Scholarship, and the Association of Earth Science Club Scholarship. Minority students are also eligible for the Excellence in Geosciences Scholarship sponsored by the National Science Foundation. For degree requirements:

BA Geology: http://www.sfa.umkc.edu/majormaps/maps/2011-2012/AS/UMKC_Major_map-Geol_BA-2011-12.pdf

BS Geology: http://www.sfa.umkc.edu/majormaps/maps/2011-2012/AS/UMKC_Major_map-Geol_ BS-2011-12.pdf

Minor in Geology

 Note: GEOL 398, 417 and 499WI do not count as credit in a minor program in geology.

Advising Contact

Geology (BA & BS) Advisor: Dr. Tina Niemi