Geology Degree

The geology degree program at Western Michigan University will help students gain knowledge in the earth sciences, including the behavior of solids, liquids, and gases that compromise the earth, as well as the forces that act upon it. Students who graduate the geology degree program may follow a career path in paleontology, stratigraphy, geological mapping, and more. Courses include instruction in historical geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology, the chemistry of rocks and soils, mineralogy, petrology, geostatistics, volcanology, glaciology, and geophysical principles. Get more details below including other Michigan colleges that offer geology degrees.

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Western Michigan University

2855 29th Street SE Suite B, Kentwood, MI

Western Michigan University (WMU), located in Kalamazoo, is Michigan's fourth largest institution of higher education and research. It is designated a high-research-activity university by the Carnegie Foundation, and is ranked in the top 100 American universities by U.S. News & World Report.

WMU offers more than 140 academic programs at the bachelor's degree level, and more than 65 at the master's degree level. WMU also offers 29 doctoral programs and one specialist program. Many of these programs receive high ranks among similar programs nationwide.  The engineering, nuclear physics, specialized education, flight safety and clean energy programs are particularly notable.

In addition to its traditional campus-based programs, WMU offers online programs for distance learning, and continuing education courses. It has six regional learning sites located throughout Michigan, which offer graduate and professional education.

The campuses of WMU boast excellent amenities in more than 150 buildings, including a student recreation center, and state-of-the-art facilities for science research, health and human services, visual and performing arts.

WMU offers a strong international education, with a majority of its faculty engaged in collaborative work or projects on six continents. International students represent nearly 95 countries around the globe, and study abroad programs are offered in 24 countries. WMU has many majors or minors that offer interdisciplinary study programs in global studies, comparative politics, international business, foreign languages, and more.

History

Western Michigan University was founded in 1903 as a regional teachers college called Western Michigan College. It became Western Michigan University in 1957, when it was designated a public university in the Michigan system.

Academics

The academic calendar for Western Michigan University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and winter semesters.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Aviation
• Haworth College of Business
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• College of Fine Arts
• Graduate College
• College of Health and Human Services
• Lee Honors College

Student Life

Students at WMU have roughly 300 student organizations and clubs available on campus for participation. These groups represent interests ranging from academics to politics, cultures and the arts. Student services including computing facilities, laboratories, and a stellar library system that includes the Archives and Regional History Collections, Education, Music and Dance, and the main Waldo Library.

Traditions

The WMU school colors are brown and gold, with black as an accent color. The school mascot is the bronco, and "Buster Bronco" can be seen at sporting events promoting the WMU Bronco team spirit.

Athletics

The WMU "Broncos" compete in 16 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Tennis 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University has the Parkview Campus, which houses its Business Technology and Research Park and Engineering College. WMU's Aviation College is housed at the W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Michigan.

WMU offers Extended University programs online and at six satellite learning sites around the state of Michigan:

• Battle Creek
• Benton Harbor-St. Joseph
• Grand Rapids
• Lansing
• Muskegon
• Traverse City

Community Life

There are many opportunities for recreation and entertainment in Kalamazoo, including historic walking tours of old Kalamazoo, exhibits at the Gilmore Car Museum, and activities at Kalamazoo Valley museum. There is also the Psycho Ward & Nightmares Haunted House on the Kalamazoo Speedway, for those who enjoy haunted attractions.

The Chenery Auditorium offers many orchestral concerts, including the musical works of Mozart, Schubert and Ravel. Students and visitors can enjoy theatrical performances at The New Vic Theatre.

Students Enrolled in the Geology Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Michigan University has offered the following program levels for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, natural sciences managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
  • Total Employment: 70
  • Average Hourly Rate: $38.95
  • Average Annual Salary: $81020

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Description

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 10.5% from 2014 to 2024

Hydrologists

Description

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, hydrologists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.9% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).