Bachelor of Geology, BSG at The University of Alabama

    Bachelor of Geology, BSG at The University of Alabama

    Bachelor of Geology, BSG at The University of Alabama

    The Geology, BSG at The University of Alabama is a Full Time Bachelor program offered at the university's main campus in Tuscaloosa , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on July 5, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Geology, BSG

    Geology often draws students with interests in the outdoors, travel, concern for environmental and energy issues and those pursuing careers in geosciences-related industries. Geology applies chemistry, physics, mathematics and sometimes biology to understanding earth processes, so students take a broad array of ancillary science classes. Additionally, majors train in the specialized laboratory and field skills required by professional geologists.

    Admission into the Major

    Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students can declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab of myBama.

    Special Opportunities

    The Department supports two student chapters of professional organizations, the American Institute of Professional Geologists and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, both of which offer frequent career-development opportunities.  The Department also hosts the Geology Club and a chapter of Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the national honor society for Earth Sciences, in which students participate in educational, social, and community service activities, often including field trips.  All undergraduates are strongly encouraged to conduct laboratory and field research under the direction of faculty and earn course credit through internships working with professional geoscientists.

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Geology, BSG at The University of Alabama

    Entry Requirements

    • The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
    • GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
    • UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
      • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
      • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
      • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
    • For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
    • Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
      • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
      • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
    • Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
    • Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 54
    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 79

    English Program Requirements

    • The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
    • GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
    • UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
      • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
      • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
      • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
    • For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
    • Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
      • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
      • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
    • Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
    • Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

    Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Geology, BSG

    Geologists have broad career options. Common fields of employment include environmental assessment and remediation, water resources, geotechnical consulting, energy, earth materials, hazard assessments, academic research, and education. Some examples of employers would be environmental and geotechnical firms, energy and mining companies, public utilities, building material suppliers, and state and federal government.

    Types of Jobs Accepted

    Majors graduate to become geochemists, hydrogeologists, geophysicists, petroleum geologists, resource exploration geologists, hazard assessors, environmental regulators, geotechnical engineers, environmental lawyers, and consultants. Some graduates become Licensed Public Geologists.

    Jobs of Experienced Alumni

    Alumni hold an impressive array of jobs as leaders of national and international energy corporations, environmental and geotechnical firms, and mining and materials production companies. Several majors became entrepreneurs and founded companies focused on geotechnical consulting, energy exploration, environmental remediation, and other key industries. Others conduct research at universities, national laboratories, museums, state and U.S. Geological Survey offices, and other government agencies including NASA, the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency to name a few.

    Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Geology, BSG at The University of Alabama

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Geology, BSG at The University of Alabama

    • Copy of your passport
    • Relevant visa and immigration documents (This includes PR card, current visa, or F-1/ J-1 visa request and supporting documents)
    • Unofficial transcript copies from every secondary school you have attended. This includes academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work.
      • Include an English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.
      • Students graduating high school in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia or Sierra Leone must submit a copy of their WASSCE results and scratch card information (serial number and PIN) in order to complete their application.
    • Students that graduated 6 or more months ago should also provide a brief statement listing any academic activities since graduation (including any post-secondary coursework at institutions inside or outside of the US, English language programs, study abroad programs, etc.) List name(s) of the institutions and dates of attendance. If you have no additional academic activities, please write a short statement that speaks to your activities during the gap period. In the statement, please include the following and send to International Admissions at [email protected]:
      • Full Name
      • Address
      • High School/Secondary School
      • Graduation Date
    Bachelor of Geology, BSG at The University of Alabama
    The University of Alabama
    The University of Alabama
    United States of America

    United States of America, Tuscaloosa

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