A GEO 103 class at the Hickory Run Boulder Field on the Pocono plateau.

Over the past few decades, climate change and other pressing environmental issues have brought to light the necessity of understanding Earth system processes. The study of the Earth is central to maintaining clean drinking water, mitigating environmental contamination, providing ores and rare elements necessary for industry, and locating new sources of energy.

What is Geoscience?

Predicting sea level change; discovering new geothermal, hydrocarbon, and mineralic stores of energy; removing buried toxins from the environment — these and other imperatives are the work of geoscientists. Understanding the 99.99% of our history that precedes the archaeological record, the humbling contingencies of natural history, and the vast swaths and depths of biodiversity over time — that is the work of geoscientists.

Graduates of Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Geoscience will be among the next generation of leading scientists tackling these critical issues. You’ll have countless opportunities to step off campus and into the field. Check out this first-year geoscience class in the Pocono Mountains:

Geoscience Courses & Curriculum

The degree's core requirements encompass foundational courses in science, writing and math, and traditional courses that form the backbone of the geosciences. Building upon these are innovative courses focused on Earth systems processes, key environmental issues, and practical field experiences. In addition to nourishing and honing the passions of our students for studying the Earth, the core curriculum is designed to:

• Instill key technical skills early-on, as a pathway to high-quality co-op opportunities.
• Lay the groundwork for our students to pursue advanced graduate study in the geosciences and other disciplines.
• Enable our graduates to translate marketable skills and knowledge into high-quality jobs in industry and government.

Learn More About the Geoscience Degree in the Course Catalog

Geoscience Program Highlights

The motto of the department is “Field Experience, Early and Often” and we mean it: geoscience majors begin their field experiences prior to the start of their freshmen courses. Nearly every required course in the Geoscience major includes a laboratory section or a hands-on recitation section (“dry lab”), plus at least three field trips to relevant regional geological sites. These courses, combined with the co-op experience and a mandatory summer geological field camp, provide students with unparalleled hands-on experience and professional training.

The Drexel Co-op

Geoscience students will possess the technical and professional skills sought after by employers. The greater Philadelphia region is home to over one hundred environmental, geophysical and geotechnical firms. Numerous job and research opportunities also exist with federal, state and municipal agencies, and at Drexel and the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Summer Geological Field Camp

Summer geological field camp is the quintessential undergraduate experience for geoscience majors. It is a long-held tradition in geology departments that students head out West during the summer before graduation to apply their knowledge to real-world situations and to acquire field skills that will serve them throughout their careers. Friends made at field camp often become colleagues for life.

Exceptional Collections and Facilities

Geoscience majors will take advantage of the amazing resources of Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences, including over 18-million fossil and mineral specimens, the Academy’s Dinosaur Hall, the Patrick Center for Environmental Research, a state-of-the-art fossil preparation lab, international field sites, notable research programs, and faculty with expertise in geology, paleontology and related disciplines.

Learn More About Drexel's Field Sites and Collections for Geoscience Majors

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN GEOSCIENCE

Drexel University emphasizes experiential learning for all students with global research partnerships, field sites and state-of-the-art facilities. There are numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience from day one: from the first-year STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholars Program to research co-ops and assistantships. Students benefit from the mentorship and instruction of top scientists from Drexel’s Academy of Natural Sciences and the Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science.

DISCOVER CAREERS IN GEOSCIENCE

Students with a Geoscience degree have many options for careers post-graduation. These careers include positions like:

• Geotechnical Consultant
• Fossil Resource Manager
• Biostratigrapher
• Environmental Consultant
• And Many More!

Learn More About Job Opportunities for Students with a Geoscience Degree

Three days prior to orientation, incoming freshmen are invited to participate in a Pre-Term Field Experience at the Barnegat Bay field station in Waretown, New Jersey. This unique opportunity provides a sneak peek ito academic life and a jumpstart on building lasting friendships with classmates and professors in the Environmental Science major.

Learn more about the Pre-term Field Experience

Professional Geologist (PG) Exam

An important consideration for students seeking employment in industry is their ability to pass the Professional Geologist (PG) exam, after four to six years of work experience. Twenty-eight states, including Pennsylvania, now require a Professional Geologist license to submit certain proposals and sign-off on reports and certifications submitted to environmental agencies. An important factor in obtaining employment in industry is the candidate’s perceived potential, based on their transcript, to pass the PG exam. Drexel’s Bachelor’s in Geoscience curriculum provides students with the background necessary to succeed on this exam.