BS Geology at Iowa State University

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Science major in Geology prepares students for a professional career and/or graduate study in the geological sciences. Graduates work to understand natural processes on Earth and other planets. They are able to apply their knowledge of physical and chemical processes that shape the Earth to reconstruct past environments and anticipate future problems. Graduates provide essential information for solving problems for resource management, environmental protection, and public health, safety, and welfare.

Faculty: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Duration: 120 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: Ames, IA, United States

What you will study

Curriculum totals 120 credits. Required and core courses listed in the curriculum include GEOL 1000 How the Earth Works; GEOL 1000L How the Earth Works: Laboratory; GEOL 3020 Summer Field Studies; GEOL 2020 History of the Earth; GEOL 2020L History of the Earth: Laboratory; GEOL 3150 Mineralogy and Earth Materials.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to Iowa State University and its college, not to the individual major (Iowa State does not make admission decisions by major). First-year applicants are admitted on the Regent Admission Index (RAI = ACT composite x 3 + cumulative GPA x 30 + years of high school core courses x 5); an RAI of at least 245 with the minimum high school course requirements (4 years English, 3 years mathematics including algebra, geometry and advanced algebra, 3 years science, 2 years social studies) receives automatic admission, and applicants below 245 may be considered through individual review. Iowa State is test-optional for first-year applicants. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences additionally requires a third year of social studies and two years of a single world language.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms for first-year applicants include Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027. International undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may be submitted up to one year before the intended start date; applying at least six to eight weeks in advance is strongly recommended.

International undergraduate applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee of $65 by credit card through the online application system; fee waivers are not offered. SAT/ACT are not required for applicants educated abroad or for transfer students. First-year applicants: Iowa State is test-optional for ACT, SAT or CLT scores; admission is based on the Regent Admission Index. Apply with the institutional application or the Common App.

Apply through the official page: https://apps.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/online/

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