Geochemistry
Overview
Geochemistry prepares people to use chemistry to understand the Earth and the chemical elements found in rocks, soils, and water.Geochemistry prepares people to use chemistry to understand the Earth and how it works. Students learn about chemical elements found in rocks, soils, and water. They learn about the distribution and movement of these elements. They also learn how human activities can change the chemistry of soils and water.
Geochemistry programs include topics such as:
- Chemical thermal dynamics
- Atomic bonding
- Geochemical modeling
- Crystal geochemistry
- Isotope fractionation
Schools
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in geochemistry. Some schools offer an interdisciplinary program. Interdisciplinary programs combine courses from several college departments. In geochemistry it may be geology and chemistry. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in geochemistry. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Chemistry
- Geological and Earth Sciences
- Geological and Geophysical Engineering
- Geophysics and Seismology
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Metallurgical Technology
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Mining Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Petroleum Engineering
- Physical Sciences, General
- Physics
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Chemistry courses
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- General Computer Applications
- Geology
- Physics
- Pre-Calculus
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, geology, or a related science, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
- Statement of research interest and personal goals
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Calculus
- Computer Applications
- English Composition
- General Chemistry
- Geochemistry
- Historical Geology
- Mineralogy
- Optical Mineralogy
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Geology
- Physics
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Structural Geology
- Technical Writing
Some programs may require a field camp or independent research project. No matter where you go to school, you're likely to take a set of "core" courses similar to the list above. Once you've completed those courses, you can take advanced courses that focus on a specific area of geochemistry.
Graduate Program Courses
Although geochemistry is a subdiscipline of geology, it is a broad field. Graduate students usually focus on one area of study. Typical courses vary by specialty. A list of common graduate requirements is below:
- Required courses
- Field or lab work
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
A bachelor's degree prepares students for an entry-level position as a geochemical technician.
Schools
East Side Area
Whitman College
- Chemistry--Geology