Program Overview
Introductory courses offered by the Geology Department are designed to broaden the student’s knowledge and understanding about the earth and to develop an appreciation for our environment. The materials that make up the earth and the processes that control their genesis and deformation form the basis of the first course in geology. In the other courses, these modern processes are used as models for understanding the history of the earth and various environmental issues.
Program Requirements
Major Requirements for the B.S. Degree
In addition to the courses meeting the requirements of the college, a candidate for the B.S. degree with a major in Geology must take:
- Major coursework in Geology:
Total of thirty-two credit hours (with supportive courses) in Geology including 101, 301, 302, 321, 332W, 357S, 358, 900.
- Supportive Courses:
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MATH 201 to complete the B.S. math requirement
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CHEM 121/123 as the Natural Science Foundation course requirement
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Additional cognate science courses as follows (12 hours):
a. PHYS 104/114
b. additional courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics including laboratory. Please note that most geology graduate programs will expect the student to present one year of chemistry and one year of physics. Programs in geophysics or paleontology may be more flexible.
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Major Requirements for the B.A. Degree
In addition to the courses meeting the requirements of the college, a candidate for the B.A. degree with a major in Geology must take:
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Major coursework in Geology:
Thirty credit hours (with supportive courses) in Geology including 101, 301, 317, 321, 332W, 357S, 358, 900 -
Supportive coursework in cognate fields:
a. CHEM 103/113 or CHEM 121/123 as the Natural Science Foundation course requirement
b. It is recommended that the student complete the Symbolic Reasoning Foundation requirement with MATH 107 or higher because of the use of trigonometry in some 300-level courses.
Students completing the B.A. degree in Geology are strongly encouraged to complete a minor in another discipline.
Departmental Honors in Geology
Candidates for departmental honors must apply to the department chairman by the beginning of the second semester of the junior year. Honors candidates must complete GLG 497 in addition to the above listed requirements; the results of the research will also be presented before a colloquium of Geology faculty and students.
Minor Requirements
Students electing to minor in geology must take twenty (20) hours in geology including GLG 101. At least six (6) hours must be at the 300-level or higher. The program for the minor must be approved by an advisor in the department.
GLG 101 or permission of the instructor is required to enroll in all geology courses numbered 300 and above except for 317 and 442.