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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

Dr. Nilesh Dixit
Geology Program Director
(859) 572-6907
dixitn1@nku.edu

Students in the Spotlight

Derek Iles

Derek Iles

Graduating Year: 2017

Education: B.S. in Geology

“I entered NKU’s Geology program with only vague goals of wanting to work outdoors and to have an interesting career after college. The faculty and classes in the Geology program helped equip me with the skills necessary for obtaining meaningful employment after college—first with the U.S. Forest Service in Alaska and now with the U.S. Geological Survey in Florida. I encourage students to consider the Geology program, as it helps begin your journey to an exciting career in the natural sciences!”

Career: USGS Hydrologic Technician

Necessary job skills: Scientific thinking, teamwork, and a desire to work outside.

Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

Students looking at rock formation
  • 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.

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Experience NKU

Our campus is more than classrooms. It’s a hive of activity and connections that instantly feel familiar. Come walk it, take it in, check it out.

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Financial Aid

A variety of financial assistance is available, from grants to scholarships, loans to veteran benefits.