Department of Geology

The Department of Geology

In Geology, you get to apply techniques and knowledge from chemistry, physics, biology, and math to answer important questions about Earth processes, history, and future. Geologists are in demand to evaluate geologic hazards, evaluate natural resources, and develop solutions to environmental challenges confronting our society.

Financial Aid

Undergraduate Scholarships

The department awards scholarships from its endowment to meritorious incoming or continuing students in geology. Scholarships also are awarded to students enrolled in Field Courses. For information, contact the chair.

KU Financial Aid

All undergraduates who wish to be considered for KU financial aid must complete applications with Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships, and Fellowships

All prospective graduate students are considered for employment and financial aid. Employment may be in the form of teaching assistantships or research assistantships. Research assistantships may be supported with funds from external grants, KUEA funds, or appointments in other units on campus, such as the Kansas Geologic Survey or the Biodiversity Institute. 

Graduate students are eligible for scholarships from the Geology Associates Program, as well as fellowship funds to support living expenses, field/laboratory research, and tuition and fees. Endowed scholarships include the Angino, Hall, Henbest, Holden, Ireland, McGee, Moore, Patterson, Peoples, and Walters scholarship funds. Other scholarships are awarded from donations from individuals and corporations. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence; some funds are designated for protected minorities or women.

Through the Selig Fund and other donations, the department supports graduate student field work. Through the McCollum Fund and other donations, the department underwrites partially some other research expenses, such as purchase of time on analytical equipment. Funding requires an acceptable thesis or dissertation proposal. Students who have no other sources of research support are given preference. Degree-seeking students may apply for loans from the Fritz, Horner, and Johns loan funds.

Visit the Graduate Studies website for information about funding opportunities for graduate students at KU.

Financial Aid and Scholarships administers grants, loans, and need-based financial aid.

Specialties

The Department of Geology strives in offering a variety of specialties to match student's professional goals and attributes. We have trained faculty in the following specialties: tectonics, geophysics, sedimentary, stratigraphy, carbonates, stable-isotopes, siliciclastic/sequence stratigraphy, geomicrobiology, hydrogeology, paleontology, glaciology, and petroleum geology. Check out our faculty today!

Careers

Career Opportunities

We train students for academic, government, and industry careers across the geosciences. On-campus interviews for industry internship opportunities occur annually. 

Practice as a professional geologist often requires course work and training beyond the baccalaureate level.

Licensure

Formal study of geology at an accredited college or university is a principal requirement for becoming licensed to practice geology. During the senior year, students who plan to become licensed geologists should take the Fundamentals of Geology examination, offered twice a year. Information on registration is available from the department office or from the Kansas Board of Technical Professions. After passing the examination and after further practice, candidates can sit for the Practice of Geology examination to become licensed. Regulations for licensure may vary from state to state.