BYU Geology Student Handbook
Geology Majors Offered at BYU
Geology
The Geology major explores Earth's structure, materials, and processes, applying physics, chemistry, and math to solve real-world problems in energy, environment, and natural hazards.
Environmental Geology
The Environmental Geology major focuses on understanding soil, rock, and groundwater systems to assess and remediate environmental contamination and protect public health.
Earth & Space Science Education
The Earth & Space Science Education major prepares students to teach Earth and space sciences in public schools while meeting Utah state licensure requirements.
Courses
See University Catalog for program and course requirements.
See MAP for a sample 4-year course plan for your chosen major.
Advising
While the college has advisors available to you, you are assigned a faculty advisor and they should be your primary source of academic advice. The faculty advisor we assign to you depends on your major and interests. Your faculty advisor is your primary guide and helps you complete your degree efficiently and effectively.
Please note: If you are an Earth and Space Science Education major, you should see a college advisor as your curriculum is more interconnected with other colleges. You should also see Professor Duane Merrell, professor of physical science teacher preparation.
A word of advice from current students- TALK TO YOUR PROFESSORS. The geology department has an outstanding culture of belonging, support, and mentorship. Your professors become like your family. They are eager to help you. Don’t hesitate to use the TAs as well!
Topics to discuss with your academic advisor
- Verify you’ve selected the correct specific geology major for your interests and career goals
- Outline a curriculum schedule for this year and upcoming years
- Discuss opportunities such as student employment (especially working as a research assistant), clubs (such as the geology club or AAPG), internships, etc.
Financial Aid
If you have any financial need or want to be rewarded for your accomplishments/academic performance, you are encouraged to apply for financial aid of various types!
The Federal Financial Aid application is at the university level.
Scholarships are available from the university, the college, and the department.
Important: Students must apply for university and college-level scholarships in order to be considered for Geology Department scholarships. Applications submitted only to the department will not be accepted.
There are some terrific FAQs to check out on the university’s financial aid website.
Other University Resources
Academic calendar
The academic calendar is definitely something to be familiar with.
My Financial Center
My Financial Center is your central hub for managing tuition, financial aid, refunds, and tax forms. It’s also where you manage your cougar cash to make on-campus purchases. Be sure to check it regularly to avoid missing payments, deadlines, or important updates.
Workday
If you work as a student employee for BYU, Workday is where you clock in/out, edit your timecard, see your paystubs, and download your W-2.
BYU has so many resources for YOU! See the Academic Support website for more info.
FAQ
Q: Where will most of my classes be?
A: Eyring Science Center (ESC) 90% of the time. The other 10% is in the surrounding buildings (NICB, BNSN, KMBL). For a map of campus buildings and rooms, go to map.byu.edu. It’s also a tool in your BYU app.
Q: Where are the offices and laboratories of Geology faculty and staff?
A: Our main office is ESC S389. For a complete directory, see Faculty & Staff Directory.
Q: If I need access to a classroom/laboratory or after hours building access, who do I ask?
A: If card access is needed, have your professor or advisor email department manager Kate Peterson. If key access is needed, have your professor or advisor email the front desk at secretary@byu.edu to authorize the check out.
Once you become a major in the geology department, you are automatically given access to the Geology Computer Lab, ESC C398. You can use this as a quieter study area, as well as the Geology Conference Room, ESC C381.