Department Programs

Bachelor of Science:

Geoscientists are stewards of Earth's resources and environment. They work to understand natural processes on Earth and other planets. Investigating the Earth, exploring other planets and the solar system; determining environmental impacts; and finding new sources of useful Earth materials are just a few of the ways geoscientists contribute to our understanding of Earth processes and history. The BS-Geology degree provides the foundation that geoscientists need solve problems and establish governmental policies for resource management; environmental protection; and public health, safety, and welfare. The Earth is an outdoor laboratory filled with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying their knowledge of forces and factors that shape the Earth, geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future.

There are three concentration areas within the BS-Geology degree. These are Geology, Environmental Geology, and Geophysics. The Geology concentration area allows you the most flexibility in tailoring the geology coursework to your career objectives. The Environmental Geology and the Geophysics concentrations have additional required course work within the major and within related departments (Math, Physics, and Petroleum Engineering) that automatically tailor your degree towards these sub-disciplines of geosciences.

You can find more information about the course work for the three concentrations by following these links: Geology, Environmental Geology, and Geophysics.

Graduate Certificate in Applied Depositional Geosystems:

The Department of Geology & Geophysics offers students a tailored graduate school program - Applied Depositional Geosystems (ADG). The ADG program is an essential component in the department’s continued effort to prepare graduate students for careers in the oil and gas industry. The ADG certificate has roots in departmental programs dating back to the early 1990s and was first formulated as a departmental certificate in 2000. The goal of the program has not changed – preparing students for careers in oil and gas. We encourage students who hold BS degrees in other science and engineering programs to consider the ADG program and we encourage BS Geology students who wish to enhance their knowledge level to consider the ADG program.

The ADG certificate requires that the admitted student complete 15 credit hours (five courses) distributed as follows: two from GEOL4044, GEOL4060, GEOL4062, GEOL4068, GEOL4131, GEOL4164 and three from GEOL7061, GEOL7062, GEOL7132, GEOL7195, GEOL7200, GEOL7900 (when topic is applicable to energy industry), or GEOL7972. Admission to the LSU Graduate School and to the Department of Geology & Geophysics is required. For specific information on graduate school admission, please see the Graduate Admission Procedure page.

Master of Science:

The Department of Geology & Geophysics offers an MS degree. This 30-credit hour program requires an independent research project (thesis). The thesis is driven by scientific curiosity and is completed with the guidance from the primary faculty member and from the members of the thesis committee. Course work is tailored to prepare the student to complete the thesis (narrowly focused courses), to enhance communication skills, and to broaden the student’s knowledge of the geosciences.

Ideally, students complete an MS degree in two academic years. Commonly students seek an internship during the intervening summer as the industries (environmental and oil & gas) consider the MS – Geology degree the “working degree”. The strength of the independent thesis, the development of communication skills, and the breadth of knowledge acquired as you progress through the MS degree prepare you for your chosen career. Admission to the LSU Graduate School and to the Department of Geology & Geophysics is required. For specific information on graduate school admission, please see the Graduate Admission Procedure page.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):

The Department of Geology & Geophysics offers a PhD degree. The PhD degree is a research-driven degree. The candidate is expected to propose and defend original research that contributes to the understanding of geosciences. PhD geoscientists are individuals who want to conduct research for industry or government research centers or who seek careers in the academic institutions. Currently PhD candidates at G&G at LSU are gaining employment in academic institution and in industry research laboratories. Your committee should help guide you through the PhD program helping you obtain your career goals. Admission to the LSU Graduate School and to the Department of Geology & Geophysics is required. For specific information on graduate school admission, please see the Graduate Admission Procedure page.