Geology

Main Content

Unlock the mysteries of physical and chemical earth processes, natural disasters, the reconstruction of our planet’s history and the use of its resources.

You’ll learn to see the world differently and in deep time, uncovering answers some of society’s biggest questions.

Our geology degree programs employ a learner-centered, teacher-scholar model — which means you’ll be participating in research opportunities in the lab and/or field as part of your undergraduate experience.

You’ll get a rock solid foundation in the fundamentals of subdisciplines of geology, including sedimentology and stratigraphy, spatial sciences (GIS/Remote Sensing), geochemistry and petrology. The critical-thinking skills you develop at TCU will empower you to search for solutions to current and future issues on energy, water, food and climate.

Programs Offered

Sample Courses

• Understanding the Earth
• Mineralogy
• Sedimentology
• Stratigraphy
• Invertebrate Paleontology 
• Structural Geology
• Contemporary Environmental Issues

View Courses & Degree Requirements

Special Admission Requirements

There are no special admissions requirements for this program.

Our Faculty

TCU’s geology faculty have researched countless corners of the planet and published scores of books, papers and patents. Their backgrounds include degrees from University of Chicago and University of Southern California, careers in the oil and gas industry, and contributions to programming for TLC. Meet our faculty.

What Sets Us Apart

Teacher-Scholars — TCU’s teacher-scholar model means professors are both teachers and researchers — often with involvement of both undergraduate and graduate students. When your teachers are involved scholars themselves, everyone benefits.

Interdisciplinary Focus — At TCU, there’s a shared willingness by faculty to collaborate across disciplines in teaching and research. Our goal is for students to build on their new knowledge, making valuable connections between concepts and ideas from different areas of study. This motivates our students to be more creative in their lifelong learning and enhances the critical thinking skills needed for problem solving in today’s world.

Global Emphasis — International awareness and cross-cultural understanding are critical to TCU’s mission. Our faculty members are committed to empowering students to broaden their perspectives while addressing the world’s problems. TCU’s international programs inspire, enlighten and prepare Horned Frogs to make positive change for the greater good.

Career Prospects

Many of our graduates go on to work in environmental firms, oil and gas companies, consulting firms, schools and government agencies. Others have earned advanced degrees in geology at universities such as Duke, MIT and Colorado School of Mines.

Employment of geoscientists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The need for energy, environmental protection and responsible land and resource management is projected to spur demand for geoscientists in the future.

Related Academic Programs

• Earth Systems Science