A modified Piper Super Cub airplane near the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

Geoscience

Bachelor's Degree Program

Earn your bachelor’s degree in geoscience working in one of the most exciting natural laboratories on Earth. At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, you’ll have opportunities for field-based learning and undergraduate research that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Map and interpret the geology in the wilderness of Alaska at one of the most exciting field camps in the country. Access our world-renowned Geophysical Institute and other state-of-the-art research facilities. Work alongside some of the world’s leading researchers in permafrost, glaciology, seismology and volcanology.

You can specialize your geoscience degree in geology, paleontology, geospatial science or geophysics. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared to take on high-demand careers in a wide range of industries such as oil, mining and environmental consulting.

What Is Geoscience?

Geoscience is the study of the Earth and its people through geography, geology and geophysics. This includes a broad range of subjects like volcanism, plate tectonics, glaciology, remote sensing and mineralogy. Geoscience also involves the study of other planets, and solar systems, both to better understand the Earth and to expand our knowledge of the universe.

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Degree type:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Minors available in Geology, Paleontology, Geospatial Sciences and Geophysics

Availability:

UAF's main campus in Fairbanks, Alaska

Why Study Geoscience at UAF?

With its glaciers, volcanoes, mineral and oil deposits, Alaska offers some of the greatest natural resources in the world. For geoscience majors, it’s an opportunity for hands-on learning in a diverse landscape most people never get to experience. Here are more reasons to earn your bachelor’s degree in geoscience at UAF.

Study geoscience in the wilderness of Alaska

Conduct geological mapping projects in the Alaska Range and Talkeetna mountains. Take a week-long trip to the Kenai Peninsula to make observations related to coastal processes and changes. Beginning in your first semester, our geoscience program takes you beyond the classroom and into the field for hands-on learning opportunities in the natural laboratory of Alaska. Learn more about what Alaska has to offer.

Engage in diverse undergraduate research

UAF is America’s northernmost Land, Sea and Space Grant University, and one of the top schools in the world for Arctic research. The degree in geoscience at UAF gives you opportunities to research glaciers and permafrost, tectonics and sedimentation, paleontology, economic geology, seismology and geodesy, remote sensing and GIS, volcanology and much more. Learn more about research in the Department of Geosciences at UAF.

Work in state-of-the-art scientific research facilities

As a geoscience major at UAF, you’ll have access to all the special facilities located at the world-renowned Geophysical Institute, as well as those at the Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory, the UA Museum of the North, and the UAF International Arctic Research Center.

Specialize your geoscience degree

The bachelor’s in geoscience offers concentrations in geology, paleontology, geospatial science and geophysics. Learn more about specialization options for the geoscience degree at UAF.

Work closely with award-winning teachers and researchers

Our faculty include award-winning teachers and world experts in permafrost research, glaciology, seismology, volcanology and remote sensing, among others. Small classes allow you the opportunity to engage directly in classroom discussions and get to know your professors and peers. Learn more about the classroom experience as a geoscience major at UAF.

What Can You Do With a Geoscience Degree?

From jobs in mining to environmental planning, the degree in geoscience offers a wide range of career pathways. Our graduates are especially sought after by employers in the region for their specialized Arctic expertise and unique hands-on training.

Geoscience Degree Requirements

The bachelor’s degree in geoscience provides a broad background in the earth sciences as well as a solid foundation in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Depending on the concentration you choose (geology, paleontology, geospatial science or geophysics) you can also tailor your degree in geoscience to fit your personal and professional interests.

View all required classes for the degree in geoscience

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Geoscience

Chemistry
Earth Science
Geography
Natural Resources and Environment

Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Geoscience

Take the next step toward earning your degree in geoscience. We have the resources to help you get started.

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Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn your bachelor’s degree in geoscience at UAF. Submit your application online today.