Geology & Geological Oceanography
College or University: University of Rhode Island
Type of degree: B.S.
Brief overview of program: Oceanography, the study of the oceans, relies on geology, the basic study of the Earth. In this unique program, which takes advantage of URI’s obvious strength in maritime studies, geology and oceanography are coupled.
For those interested in the oceans, oceanic physical and biological processes, climates, global nutrient and elemental cycling, and the interaction of the oceans with the atmosphere, this program provides a thorough grounding in basic sciences and the flexibility to enter virtually any field in geology and oceanography.
The Geology and Geological Oceanography major is offered jointly through the Geosciences Department and the Graduate School of Oceanography. It includes a comprehensive background in geology and a solid introduction to geological oceanography. Students are advised by faculty members from both the Geosciences Department and the Graduate School of Oceanography.
Website: Click here for program website
Tuition (2007):In State: $6440, Out of State: $21294
Number of students enrolled in 2007: 30 Where do most of the students go upon graduating or leaving the program?
Continue Education: 40% | Enter Workforce: 50% | Do not know: 10%
For the students that enter the workforce, what are the most common occupations that they pursue with this degree or certificate? Students graduating in this program are well prepared to pursue either conventional geology career options or careers in geological oceanography. Most of our graduates find employment in the environmental field with either state agencies or with priviate consulting companies.
Many opportunities currently exist in aspects of environmental protection and management. There is demand at present for both B.S. and M.S. graduates, and job prospects should remain good in the coming years. The energy industry continues to be a potentially important source of employment for geologists.
Although there are government jobs for B.S. graduates, federal, state, and local governments tend to hire more individuals with M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Some examples of the agencies that geologists work in are the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as the Departments of Interior, Energy, Agriculture and Commerce.
Academic institutions employ geologists at all three levels, although a Ph.D. degree is mandatory for professional positions. B.S. and M.S. graduates are employed in lab and field staff positions by all major research-oriented universities.
There is a shortage of qualified earth-science teachers at the secondary school level and some community colleges; prospects are good for qualified B.S. graduates and excellent for those with M.S. degrees.
Program of Study:
Description of Facilities: Environmental Laboratory
1. Shimadzu Gas Chromatograph (GC-17A with FID/ECD and Autosampler)
2. Shimadzu Gas Chromatograph (GC-17A) with mass spec MS-5050 Series
3. Teckmar Headspace Analyzer
4. OI-Analytical Eclipse Purge-and-Trap concentrator
5. Dionex 100 Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE)
6. Shimadzu Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOC)
7. Shimadzu UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
Shimadzu Fluorescence Spectrophotometer
Dionex DX 120 Ion chromatograph
Field and Other Equipment
1. Field parameter test kids (battery powered peristaltic pumps, pH, EC, DO, T, field ion selective electrodes, etc.)
2. Automated, programmable water sampler system
3. Complete aquifer testing equipment, including data loggers, pumps, generators etc.
4. Complete IEG Air Stripper Unit
5. Side Scan Sonar
6. 24-ft Research Vessel (GK Gilbert) Tech Info
7. GIS/ArcInfo lab, computer lab for modeling applications (incl. licenses for most major groundwater flow and transport models)
Program Faculty: Faculty: Jon Boothroyd and Cheryl Hapke (USGS)
Dr. Jon Boothroyd
- Geology of Essential Fish Habitat and aquaculture sites
- Coastal geologic hazards and management issues
- Long-term (years) beach changes
- Processes and development of barrier and headland shorefaces in glaciated terrain
- Holocene stratigraphy of microtidal lagoons
- Geoarchaeology of New England
Dr Cheryl Hapke
- Coastal Hazard Mapping
- Coastal Erosion Processes
- Application of GIS and Remote Sensing to Coastal Hazards
- Coastal Landslides and Coastal Cliff Erosion
- Sea-level rise impacts to coastal environments
URI Collaborative Faculty and Research Associates: M. Stolt and M. Bradley (Natural Resources Science), J. King (GSO)
Other Collaborators: J. Turenne (NRCS)
Student Support: Residents of MA and CT are eligible for the regional program tuition of $11,270.
Program Point of Contact: Dr. Anne I. Veeger
Email: veeger@uri.edu Department: Geosciences Institution address: 9 Alumni Avenue University of Rhode Island
Kingston,RI 02881 Phone: (401) 874-2187
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