We are really proud of our students because they have many of the best qualities you could want in a student. Here are some of these traits, and you’ll likely notice them when you start interacting and getting to know some of the geology majors in our program.
We have three very active student groups in our program - RUGS (Radford University Geological Society), AEG (Association of Engineering Geologists), and SGE (Sigma Gamma Epsilon - the National Earth Science Honor Society) - these groups are run by our majors, with guidance from a faculty adviser. You can learn more about joining any of these clubs by visiting the clubs web pages and/or by contacting one of the Club Members - stop by in the Geology Work-Study Room in Curie Hall and ask for the names and e-mails of club officers.
Considering a career in geology? Geology is an ever-growing field with a demand for well-trained geologists who work for helping our modern society meet its needs for energy and mineral resources, protect life and property from environmental hazards, and educate about how to manage a sustainable relationship with the Earth.
Geology is a broad field and allows for combining different disciplines - such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology with geology. In fact one of the main reasons students are drawn to geology is because they can easily merge their interests in most scientific fields with geology - an approach that is well-suited for solving environmental problems as the study of the Earth also involves understanding its physics, chemistry and biology!
The demand for Geologists has remained strong and is growing each year due to a renewed interest for becoming self-sufficient in the energy and mineral resources that we need in the United States. About 75% of our graduates take up jobs after completing their undergraduate degree, and typically about 25% go on to pursue graduate training in the geological sciences.
Most graduates in geology typically take entry-level positions as Geologists working in the following areas:
A number of job opportunities also exist in public school teaching as presently there is a acute shortage of qualified geology teachers in our school systems both in Virginia and in other states across our nation.
In all kinds of exciting places! Imagine yourself sampling the deep ocean floor, or perhaps examining rock specimens from the Moon or Mars! Geologists work as explorers for new mineral and hydrocarbon (oil) resources, consult on engineering and environmental problems, and conduct research for unraveling Earth's history through clues left behind in rocks. It is quite common for a geologist to have traveled to a variety of environments during the course of his/her career such as glaciers, river valleys, deserts, mountains and coastal areas to name just a few!
Geologists often divide their time among work in the field, the laboratory, and the office. Geologists do typically like working outdoors and appreciate the different faces of our environment.
Field work usually consists of making observations, exploring the earth's interior by drilling or via geophysical tools, collecting samples and making a variety of measurements. For example a rock sample may be analyzed by using X-rays, examined under a electron microscope, and analyzed for its chemical and physical properties. Geologists also use computers for testing theories and creating more accurate models concerning Earth processes and products.
In the office, geologists interpret and combine field and laboratory data and create reports and presentations that may include maps, photographs, and diagrams to illustrate the results of their research. Such reports may allow for location of new occurrences of ore deposits, coal, natural gas and water, or reveal hazards associated with unstable ground conditions at construction sites etc.
The employment outlook for geologists, as in any profession, depends on the economy at any given time. The long-range outlook is good at this time because of a decreasing energy, mineral, and water resources, and increasing awareness and concerns about environmental hazards.
According to the National Science Foundation, about 125,000 geoscientists are employed in the United States alone. Salaries for college graduates with Bachelor's degrees start at about $30,000. Salaries for geologists with Master's degrees are about $38,000 and about $42,000 for Ph.Ds.
Over the past several years, studies conducted by the RU Office of Institutional Research indicate that Geology graduates from Radford have had a placement rate in excess of 90% following graduation. Although some of these graduates may not immediately find the job they dreamed of, most are working in geology-related jobs and in jobs with career potential.
The Geology faculty believes that a strong, broad-based program in geology, mathematics, and the physical sciences is essential in preparing students to pursue successful careers in geology; therefore a Bachelor of Science degree in geology is offered. For more information on individual degree requirements, please see our Academic Programs listing.
We offer two scholarships for students studying Geology at Radford University.
Robert C. & Brenda Lark Whisonant Scholarship
Dr. and Mrs. Whisonant have been active members of the Radford community for many
years. Dr. Whisonant taught in the RU Geology Department for over 31 years and Mrs.
Whisonant served as the Director of the Speech and Hearing Clinic for six years after
receiving her Master’s Degree from the RU Communication Sciences and Disorders Department.
This endowment provides a scholarship for students in the Geology Department. The
scholarship donors are Dr. and Mrs. Robert Whisonant and the award varies.
The ideal candidate must be a full-time Geology major enrolled at Radford University,
have completed at least four (4) semester hours of 200-level or higher Geology courses
at Radford University, must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in major and overall, and submit
two letters of recommendation from the Geology faculty.
Love’s Geology Scholarship
The scholarship candidates must be a full-time Geology major enrolled at Radford University
and must submit a resume and letter stating the reasons they feel qualified to receive
this award. Canidatates must have completed at least four (4) semester hours of 200-
level or higher Geology courses at Radford University. Priority consideration given,
but not restricted, to students active in the Geology Department. Students must also
have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in major and overall and include two letters of recommendation
from Geology faculty. Financial aid is a consideration, but not required. Previous
recipients ineligible. FAFSA required.
If you are interested in joining our alumni database, please contact us with the following information:
Please note that by sending us the above information you are giving us your explicit consent to post your information in the alumni database section of our website.