Geology is the study of the origin, history, and structure of the Earth, including studies of mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, stratigraphy, sedimentation, and paleontology. This major is designed for students who are considering careers as geologists. Students may wish to major in geology for a variety of reasons including:

• a desire to work professionally in one of the earth sciences,
• a desire to obtain an earth science foundation preparatory for post-graduate work in environmental studies, resource management, environmental law, or similar fields where such a background would be useful,
• a desire to teach earth science in secondary schools, or
• a general interest in the earth sciences.

The department provides students with the skills and varied background needed to address these problems. Earth scientists are naturally interdisciplinary and use science to solve real-world problems. Today’s earth scientist can choose to work in the field in almost any area of the world, in ultra-modern laboratories equipped with the latest computing equipment, or commonly in some combination of these. Whether exploring for petroleum thousands of feet below the surface of the ocean, using geophysics to better understand earthquakes for improved city or emergency planning, or working with governmental agencies or industry to analyze pollution, the earth sciences provide exciting possibilities for a rewarding career. Geology majors should work out their programs closely with a departmental advisor to ensure both breadth and depth in their subject area, and to meet the student’s interests and objectives.

A. Three required courses (12 credits):

B. At least 11 credits from the following courses:

*Not Offered Every Year

C. At least 15 credits of elective courses, with the following requirements:

• Electives include all GE courses and approved interdisciplinary options (below).
• Up to three credits toward this requirement may be from a 100-level course
• At least seven credits must be from GE courses numbered 300 or above.
• Up to six credits from approved non-GE courses can count toward this requirement (approved courses: MT 305, PH 301, CH 231, CH 575, or others by permission of the Undergraduate Studies Committee).
• Up to six credits from independent study or senior thesis (GE 595-GE 599) can count toward this requirement.

D. Five co-requisite courses in Natural Sciences and Mathematics (20 credits)

• Calculus II (MT 103 or MT 105)
• Two semesters of Physics (PH 209-210 w/lab PH 203-204)
• Two semesters of Chemistry (CH 109-110 w/lab CH 111-112 or CH 117-118 w/lab CH 119-120)
• AP credits cannot substitute for the Physics and Chemistry co-requisite (D) above.

Information for First Year Geological Sciences Majors - Classes of 2014-2015

The following courses are recommended for first-year Geological Sciences majors, if their schedules permit:

• Exploring the Earth I (GE 132) with laboratory (GE 133)
• Earth Materials (GE 220) with laboratory (GE 221)
• Two semesters of Calculus (MT 102-103)
• Two semesters of Chemistry (CH 109-110) with laboratories (CH 111-112)

Geological Sciences Major: Learning Goals   

All Geological Sciences majors will be able to:

• Think critically about scientific problems in the geological sciences.
• Understand geological and geophysical maps and perform geological and/or geophysical field investigations.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative and quantitative scientific data in geological sciences.
• If this is their goal, enter graduate or professional school in geological sciences, environmental science, policy, law or other related fields.
• If this is their goal, obtain a job or internship in a geological science related field.