Geology
Department
The Faculty
Our faculty members hold graduate degrees from some of the nation’s distinguished geology programs. They have worked in many different parts of the country and the world, including Great Britain, South America, and the Middle East. Active research by department members includes studies of environmental recovery of old oil fields in the Ark-La-Tex, volcanic rocks of the Snake River Plain in Idaho, and the impact of human use on the Colorado River and its tributaries.
About the Major
Shreveport is the hub of the Ark-La-Tex, one of the country’s historic oil and gas regions. Centenary has long played a role in providing geologists for both the local petroleum industry and the large national and international corporations. In recent years, the reputation of our geology program has enabled students to enter emerging fields in environmental geology, computer mapping, and related areas of public policy and law.
Students interested in a career in geology generally pursue the bachelor of science degree with a geology major. This course of study includes the core study areas of general geology (both physical and historical), mineralogy-petrology, sedimentary geology, and structural geology. These students also complete a program of supportive work in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. In addition to taking the core courses, students have the opportunity to elect additional class work in environmental geology and hydrology, geochemistry and natural resources, and computer mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Most of our majors also participate in a research project with a faculty member.
Some students elect to pursue the bachelor of arts degree. This degree has fewer requirements in the sciences, thereby allowing students to augment their geology education with course work in the social sciences, business, or education. This degree program provides excellent preparation for students wishing to pursue careers in such diverse areas as law, environmental and energy policy, urban planning, and secondary education.
Career Opportunities
Many of our students continue their education in graduate and professional programs. Recent graduates have pursued graduate study in geology at the University of Texas, the University of Washington, and Rice University, and professional studies in related fields like urban planning (the University of Texas), GIS (the University of Missouri), and law (Boston University and the University of Texas). Some of our graduates work in the local petroleum industry, in environmental consulting, and in applied computer mapping.
