Study the earth, the materials of which it is made, their structure and the processes acting upon them
Geology is the scientific study of the Earth, its history, processes, materials, and the various structures and phenomena that have shaped its evolution over millions of years. It is a branch of Earth science that explores the solid Earth, including its composition, structure, and dynamic processes.
Geologists study rocks, minerals, fossils, and the processes that have shaped the Earth’s surface and interior. They analyze the formation, distribution, and characteristics of various geological features, such as mountains, valleys, rivers, glaciers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and more.
What you’ll find at Ole Miss
There is a great atmosphere among our students, thanks to:
- Field trips – most geology classes incorporate local excursions, as well as summer field camps in Oklahoma and New Mexico.
- Student comradery – small classes and an active student-professional organization help create life-long relationships.
- Opportunities outside of class – you can participate in undergraduate research and even in projects abroad with Engineers without Borders.
- Internships / Co-ops – get hands-on experience before graduating
Admission
For direct admission into Geology or Geological Engineering, a student must meet one of the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum ACT math score of 24
- Earn a minimum SAT math score of 580
- Earn a minimum high school core GPA of 3.2
- Earn a minimum grade of C on the Cambridge O-Level Examination
If your meet the minimum math ACT/SAT requirement, you will be placed in the first suggested math class (MATH 125: Pre-Calculus, for Geology or MATH 261: Calculus I, for Geological Engineering). Please understand that starting from a lower level of math class can result in more than 8 semesters to graduate.
If you were admitted only on the basis of your core GPA or Cambridge score and did not meet the minimum ACT/SAT math requirement or if you have not submitted any ACT/SAT math scores, you MAY be required to take the ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment to place you in the proper math class. A score of 61 to 75 will allow to be placed in MATH 125 (Pre-Calculus), a score of 76 or above, will be sufficient to be placed in MATH 261 (Calculus I).
For information about the ALEKS placement test and to see if you qualify to take it, please go to: https://mathlab.olemiss.edu/aleks.
If you have applied to become a Geology or Geological Engineering major but do not meet any of the above admission standards, you will be placed into the “Freshman Studies” major and may seek transfer to Geology or Geological Engineering once the transfer requirements are met (see below).
Change of Major Applicants and Transfer Applicants
For a current UM student or a transfer student from another domestic institution to declare a major within the GGE department, the student must have a cumulative collegiate GPA of 2.25 or higher on a minimum of 12 hours on a quality grade scale AND meet one of the following:
- 24 or higher on the Math portion of the ACT (or SAT equivalent)
- 76 or higher on the ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment
- B or higher in MATH 125 (or in both MATH 121 and 123), or a higher mathematics course.
If you have any questions regarding your specific degree program, please contact the School of Engineering Dean’s Office at 662-915-5780 or
Helpful links
Download the suggested course sequence for Geology
Apply
Internships or co-ops