There are four items to consider when choosing the best geology university: graduate programs, admissions requirements, accreditation, and faculty. A geology university is usually organized within the faculty of arts and sciences at a large university. Geology is the study of Earth, focusing on the structure and composition of the planet itself. This area of study investigates the history of how the planet and surfaces were formed. In addition to a historical perspective, geology is critical to the extraction of materials from the Earth’s core and understanding the climate and various regions of the planet.
While most major universities will have a geology department, not all will be able to offer a graduate level program. It is the graduate program that determines if a school can be considered a geology university. It is this limitation that makes deciding on the best geology university a difficult process, as this is a specialized program, available only through a limited number of schools.
In order to qualify for admission to a geology program, a combination of high marks in high school courses in physics, English and geography are required. For a graduate program, many students complete a bachelor of arts degree, with either a major or minor in geology. Schools that offer a geology program have invested significant resources and funds into creating and supporting this discipline. The expectation is that the graduate studies candidates have already indicated some talent or skill in this area.
If you are looking at the best geology university in the country or state, only students with the very best combination of marks and letters of recommendation are offered admissions. If you don't have the very best marks in your class, think about what is required to achieve your goals. All universities offer student services centers that teach study skills, how to focus, and other techniques for academic success. Invest the time and effort required to learn the material presented in your courses.
When looking for a geology university, check the accreditation status of the school. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent third party. Courses from an accredited school can be transferred to other post-secondary institutions, which is very important as many students change programs, especially at the undergraduate level. Accredited schools are able to offer students access to government student aid programs.
Most geology universities provide the biographies of their faculty or course instructors on their website. The information provided typically includes the academic credentials, research focus, publications, and any awards they have received. Take a close look at the recent publications from the different schools. Determine the primary area of research for the instructors and think about which school can provide the best fit for you.
