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Studies & Degrees in Applied Geology

Applied geology uses knowledge of the Earth to solve practical problems. Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure and processes; the applied branch turns that knowledge to finding and managing mineral, energy and water resources, judging whether ground is safe to build on, and dealing with pollution and natural hazards.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, geoscience programmes include courses in mineralogy, geology and other sciences, along with mathematics and engineering, and they usually involve fieldwork. The bachelor's programme in Applied Geosciences at Montanuniversität Leoben, in Austria, shows the range of topics: mineral raw material deposits, geothermal energy, the underground storage of heat, hydrogen, natural gas and CO2, hydrogeology and environmental geology, and the geotechnical assessment of construction projects.

Qualifications and levels

Applied geology is taught at bachelor's, master's and doctoral level, sometimes under the names geology, geosciences or earth sciences. Length and credits depend on the country.

  • Austria. At Montanuniversität Leoben the BSc in Applied Geosciences takes six semesters plus one semester of practice (210 ECTS credits) and is taught in German. The master's programme takes four semesters (120 ECTS credits), leads to the degree of Dipl.-Ing. and is taught in English. Its focus areas include geoenergies, applied geophysics, and economic, environmental and technical geology.
  • United States. Florida State University teaches geology as a bachelor's degree and offers advanced degrees at M.S. and Ph.D. level. The bachelor's curriculum includes chemistry, physics and calculus, and a six-week summer field course is required. The M.S. combines course work with a thesis project.
  • India. The Department of Applied Geology of the University of Madras was established in 1952 as the Department of Geology and Geophysics. It teaches postgraduate and research students in fields such as marine geology, mineralogy and petrology, oil and mineral exploration, and hydrogeology.
  • Spain. Official university degrees follow a fixed structure: a bachelor's degree (grado) of 240 ECTS credits and master's degrees of 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits.
  • United Kingdom. The Geological Society of London accredits geoscience degrees. Its scheme for first degrees was launched in 1997 and has been awarded to over 200 programmes; taught MSc programmes have been accredited since December 2006. Accreditation is granted for six years at a time, and an accredited degree counts towards a later award of Chartered Geologist status.

Fieldwork is part of almost every programme. Ask each school how many field days are included, where they take place and whether their cost is covered by the tuition fees.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists 6 active schools for applied geology, one each in Austria, India, the United States, Ethiopia, Bermuda and the United Kingdom. They include Montanuniversität Leoben, the University of Madras, Florida State University in Tallahassee and Mekelle University, a state university in northern Ethiopia. The ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) is a marine research and education centre rather than a degree-awarding university.

The language of instruction follows the country and the level. At Leoben the bachelor's programme is taught in German and the master's programme in English, so check the language of each programme before applying.

Careers

Graduates work in mineral and energy exploration, groundwater and environmental consultancy, geotechnical engineering for construction, geological surveys and research. Leoben names careers in mining as an exploration geologist, geotechnical engineer or operations manager. Florida State University lists mining companies, petroleum companies, environmental consulting firms and federal and state agencies among the employers of its graduates.

In the United States, geoscientists held about 25,400 jobs in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The largest employers were architectural, engineering and related services (27%), mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (17%), and management, scientific and technical consulting services (14%). The Bureau projects employment of geoscientists to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035. It also notes that geoscientists typically need a bachelor's degree, that some employers prefer a master's degree, and that most geoscientists in the United States need a state-issued licence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between geology and applied geology?

Geology studies the materials, processes and history of the Earth. Applied geology uses the same science for practical ends such as resource exploration, groundwater, construction and environmental protection, and programmes usually add engineering subjects and field or industry practice.

How long does a degree in applied geology take?

It depends on the country. At Montanuniversität Leoben the bachelor's programme takes six semesters plus one semester of practice (210 ECTS credits) and the master's programme four semesters (120 ECTS credits). In Spain an official bachelor's degree has 240 ECTS credits.

Is fieldwork compulsory?

Usually, yes. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that geoscience programmes usually involve fieldwork, and Florida State University requires a six-week summer field course for its geology degree.

Can I study applied geology in English?

Yes, in several countries. The master's programme in Applied Geosciences at Montanuniversität Leoben is taught in English, while its bachelor's programme is taught in German.