The bachelor of science degree (B.S.) in geology is designed for students interested in Earth Science positions within either the private or public sector, as well as those interested in pursuing graduate work in Earth Science. Candidates for the B.S. are required to take a total of 40 hours of Geology courses. In addition, as a comprehensive Land Grant institution, WVU provides an array of relevant courses in engineering, soil science, and mining and petroleum engineering, biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and, of course, geography, which includes a nationally recognized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program.
A wide variety of resources are available in Morgantown to augment classroom learning, both in the field and through co-operative research programs and internships. Foremost among these opportunities are the presence in Morgantown of the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey and the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). Numerous private geoscience firms, both local and elsewhere within the state, have also provided internships for undergraduate geology students.