Geology

Overview

The Geology program from Portland State University combines advanced coursework, fieldwork, and laboratory work to equip you with a deep and broad foundation in the geological sciences that are required for work in the oil and gas industry, minerals and mining, state and federal agencies, private consulting firms, and education.

With specialized studies in hydrogeology, geomicrobiology, environmental geology, engineering geology, geomechanics, glaciology, and applied stratigraphy, you can branch out or deepen your knowledge in an area that best fits your interests and career goals.

You will also have opportunities to work closely with faculty in their research labs and on projects with local businesses, government, and regional universities.

Career

Now is a better time than any to be entering the field as the demand for geoscientists is expected to increase over the next 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The graduates go on to work for government agencies at federal, state, county, and city levels, by independent consulting firms working with engineers, architects, and planners, in the construction, mining, and petroleum industries, and as teachers in elementary and high schools and at the college level.

Recent graduates are working as researchers in the mitigation of environmental problems, assessment of ground and surface water resources, exploration, development, and management of mineral and fuel resources, urban planning, GIS, evaluation of the effects of forest roads and quarries on watershed health, management of their own companies, and teaching.