Geological Sciences, Minor


Discover more about Earth's present, past and future and add genuine Earth-science depth to your own major. Apply novel analysis techniques to Earth materials and learn directly from faculty members who lead NASA- and NSF-funded research.

Program Description

Geological Sciences minor description

If you are interested in developing a basic understanding of earth science and analyzing issues from a scientific viewpoint, the geological sciences minor program is for you.

You gain an understanding of Earth's interior and surface processes and structures and be able to think critically about scientific problems using theoretical and observational methods from geology.




At a Glance: program details

Minor Map

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Program Requirements

Enrollment Requirements

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BA in earth and environmental sciences; BS in earth and environmental sciences; BS in Earth and space exploration (astrobiology and biogeosciences); BS in Earth and space exploration (geological and planetary sciences)

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.


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Career Outlook

Careers this geological sciences minor prepares you for

Graduates have a solid background in earth materials and processes that are fundamental to careers in environmental engineering and planning, science education, hydrogeology, water resources and scientific publishing, and in many government and nongovernmental agencies.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists


  • Growth: 7.4%
  • Median Salary*: 81390
  Bright Outlook

Environmental Restoration Planners


  • Growth: 6.1%
  • Median Salary*: 82220
  Bright Outlook

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2.7%
  • Median Salary*: 94980

Geographers


  • Growth: -2.1%
  • Median Salary*: 102040

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians


  • Growth: 5.1%
  • Median Salary*: 116580
  Bright Outlook

Geography Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2.7%
  • Median Salary*: 97590

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers


  • Growth: 5.1%
  • Median Salary*: 101920
  Bright Outlook

Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists


  • Growth: 2.1%
  • Median Salary*: 122570

Water Resource Specialists


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 167220
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Program Contact Information

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