Bachelor of Science in Geology

What is Geology?

Geology is the study of the structure, evolution, and history of Earth and its mineral and energy resources.

Geology students at South Dakota Mines take advantage of the rich geological and paleontological resources of the region. They also can access the extensive fossil and mineral collections of the Museum of Geology, which is located on campus. Students have an opportunity to work at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), model earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other geologic hazards, reconstruct the early history of the solar system through experimental petrology, study environmental issues from geothermal energy to water protection, and excavate and prepare fossils ranging from dinosaurs to saber-tooth cats.

What does a geologist do?

Geologists analyze the processes that have shaped the Earth, using rocks, minerals, and fossils to reconstruct that history. They study how the Earth was formed, how it has developed, and how life has evolved in reaction to tectonic and climatic changes.

The geology program at South Dakota Mines takes advantage of the proximity of the Black Hills through a rigorous field and laboratory-based education that provides students with a unique blend of hands-on experiences with strong theoretical foundations.

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology was founded in 1885 to provide instruction in the region’s primary industry, which was mining. And now it includes so much more.

Over the years, South Dakota Mines evolved into a leading science and engineering university and is committed to excellence in science and engineering academics and research. We are working to develop the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers through STEM bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and all undergraduate engineering programs are also accredited through ABET.

We offer a rigorous academic experience at a reasonable cost, with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, cutting-edge research, and many student programs and organizations. By the time they graduate, 75-80% of our students have had hands-on, real-world experiences through internships, cooperative education, or research projects. Our graduate and undergraduate students have research opportunities in areas such as energy and environmental systems, underground science and engineering, and materials and manufacturing. A few research examples include energy storage, cold spray technology, biomedical applications, and even disrupting criminal networks.

You are always welcome to visit our beautiful campus, but in case you can’t make it in person, we offer a virtual tour on our website. We are nestled in the eastern slope of the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Whether you prefer exploring the city or pursuing outdoor adventures, Rapid City and the Black Hills offer many options for you.

South Dakota Mines has been named one of the best engineering schools in the country for return on investment by College Factual for several years. In addition to rankings, there are many reasons to attend South Dakota Mines – great location, maximum value, personal attention and so much more.