Geology

A group of students stands in front of a rock field on a rugged and arid looking hillside.

Notice

Applications are no longer being accepted as of December 6, 2025.

Students in geology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln study the Earth’s minerals, rocks and landforms, and the processes that cause them to change over time. They explore the causes of geological hazards (e.g., earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides) and the occurrence of the elements and materials necessary for a clean energy future. Laboratory analysis and fieldwork provide practical experience.

Students sit at table talking with an advisor.

Program Features

Focus and Range

Students dive deep in geology while taking a wide variety of courses across all areas in the College of Arts and Sciences. Alumni are academically well-rounded, eager to keep learning, and use collaboration and communication skills to address complex problems and make a positive impact professionally and personally.

1-to-1 Academic Advising and Career Coaching

Faculty, academic advisors, and career coaches assist with making a one-of-a-kind degree plan. They are focused on each student's success, while at Nebraska and after graduation, whether the goal is employment or graduate/professional school.

Learn from the Experts

Geology faculty specialize in over 40 earth, air and water areas and are part of geological research projects worldwide.

Notable Courses

Dynamic Earth (GEOL 101)

Examination of minerals and rocks; investigation of geological processes and their products.

Mineralogy (GEOL 200)

Crystallography and mineral optics, mineral classes, crystal chemistry and mineral identification methods. Includes microscope techniques and field methods.

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (GEOL 300)

Sedimentary rocks and processes, their descriptive parameters, occurrence, origin and significance. Stratified rocks in time and space, and methods of correlating geologic units.

Structural Geology (GEOL 400)

Folding and faulting of rocks, texture and structure, cleavage, joints, dikes and unconformities. Structural interpretation of geologic maps; plate tectonics, mountain belts and regional structures.

Groundwater Geology (GEOL 488)

Occurrence, movement and development of water in the geologic environment.

Geophysics (GEOL 441)

Geophysical techniques to study the Earth including seismology, gravity, magnetics and heat flow.

Explore the 4-Year Plan

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

Geologist, Shell Inc.
Integrated water management specialist assistant, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
Student intern-hydrology, United States Geological Survey
Geology intern, Twin Rivers Testing & Environmental
Integrated water management intern, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources

Careers

Geologist, Marathon Oil Company
Hydrogeologist, United States Geologic Survey
Geologist, Mosaic
Mine Engineer, Martin-Marietta
Ecohydrologist, cbec eco engineering
Associate Professor, University of Otago

Graduate Schools

Master’s degree, Material Science, University of Dayton
Master’s degree, STEM Education, University of Iowa
Master’s degree, Geophysics, California Institute of Technology
Master’s degree, Hydrogeology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ph.D., Geology, University of Michigan

Outside the Classroom

Depending on their major, interests, and goals, students conduct research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader, or serve their community. The university’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures one of these transformative learning experiences; students in the College of Arts and Sciences typically complete at least two.

Students stand on and in front of three cars modified with special data collection equipment.

Research

Students work alongside a faculty member as a research assistant or design their own research project through the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) program.

Students mingling with prospective employers.

Internships

Students explore a variety of local, national and international internships, and career coaches can identify opportunities and document the skills and experience gained on the job.

Students pose around a stone plinth marking the camino de santiago.

Education Abroad

Students connect with the Global Experiences Office to find an affiliate program in almost any location.

Large group of student ambassadors pose on stairs.

Leadership and Service

Over 540 student organizations are available at Nebraska for students to meet others who share their interests, become a leader, or serve the community.

Featured Faculty

Cara Burberry, Associate Professor

Dr. Burberry’s research interests are the way strain is partitioned during deformation and the way pre-existing fabrics can affect deformation. She leads student researchers in the Deformation Research Group and has conducted fieldwork in a variety of locations in the U.S. and abroad. She teaches courses in topics ranging from structural geology to tectonics and leads the annual Walker Trip—9 days across the western U.S.

Learn More About Our Faculty

Academics & Experiential Learning

Our motto is Academics + Experience = Opportunities. Employers and graduate/professional schools are looking for students who have a strong academic background and hands-on experience.
Students engage in research or internships, and many study abroad or get involved in service or leadership on campus and beyond.

Career Preparedness

CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Students explore interests, abilities and values while identifying career options and preparing to apply for internships, jobs or graduate/professional school.
In the Summer Field Course, students build skills and knowledge alongside other Huskers and partner institutions during a 6-week experience in a geologically classic area.

Community

Students in Earth and Atmospheric Science (SEAS) aims to build connections with peers and faculty as well as guest speakers and alumni.
Field tours study the geology of the Western United States while earning credit.