2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]
Bachelor of Science in Geology-Chemistry
- REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN GEOLOGY-CHEMISTRY
- SUGGESTED ORDER OF COURSEWORK FOR A MAJOR IN GEOLOGY-CHEMISTRY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN GEOLOGY-CHEMISTRY
The Bachelor of Science in Geology-Chemistry is an interdisciplinary program that integrates fundamental principles of geology and chemistry to prepare students for careers in geochemistry, environmental science, resource management, and related fields. This major emphasizes the chemical processes that shape Earth's systems and equips students with skills in analytical techniques, fieldwork, and laboratory research. Coursework includes geology core courses such as structural geology, sedimentation-stratigraphy, and geochemistry as well as chemistry courses in analytical and physical chemistry. With a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, graduates are well-prepared for graduate studies or careers in environmental consulting, energy and mineral exploration, water quality assessment, and geochemical analysis in industry and government agencies.
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN GEOLOGY-CHEMISTRY
The geology-chemistry major requires fulfillment of general university degree requirements, geology core requirements (33-34 credits), chemistry courses (21 credits), cognates (including MTH 201 - Calculus I (4 credits) and PHY 230 - Principles of Physics I (5 credits)). All majors must complete at least 33 credits in geology and 21 credits in chemistry with a minimum overall GPA of C (2.0).
CORE COURSES
Geology Courses (33-34 credits):
Geology Issues courses cannot count toward the geology-chemistry major.
- GEO 111 - Exploring the Earth (preferred; 4 credits) OR GEO 100 - Environmental Geology (3 credits) OR GEO 103 - Oceans (3 credits) OR GEO 105 - Living with the Great Lakes (3 credits) OR GEO 107 - Climate Change: A Hot Science (3 credits) OR GEO 109 - Natural Hazards and Disasters (3 credits)
- GEO 112 - Earth History (4 credits)
- GEO 175 - Research Tools for Geosciences (1 credit)
- GEO 214 - Solid Earth Materials and Systems (4 credits)
- GEO 220 - Earth Surface Materials and Systems (4 credits)
- GEO 311 - Structural Geology (4 credits)
- GEO 312 - Sedimentation-Stratigraphy (4 credits)
- GEO 445 - Introduction to Geochemistry (3 credits)
- GEO 484 - Geology Reading Seminar (1 credit) (recommended to take before GEO 485)
- GEO 485 - Geology Research and Writing Seminar (1 credit)
- GEO electives: At least one course at the 300- or 400-level. GEO 360 cannot count as a GEO elective.
Chemistry Courses (21 credits):
- CHM 125 - Principles of Chemistry I Lecture (3 credits) AND CHM 126 - Principles of Chemistry I Lab (1 credit)
- CHM 127 - Principles of Chemistry II Lecture (4 credits) AND CHM 128 - Principles of Chemistry II Lab (1 credit)
- CHM 221 - Survey of Analytical Chemistry (4 credits)
- CHM 325 - Instrumental Analysis (4 credits)
- CHM 351 - Introduction to Physical Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHM 352 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
Mathematics Courses (4 credits):
Requires four semester credit hours.
Physics Course (5 credits):
Requires five semester credit hours.
- *PHY 230 - Principles of Physics I (5 credits)
- *MSL 202 - Army Doctrine and Team Development (2 credits)
SUGGESTED ORDER OF COURSEWORK FOR A MAJOR IN GEOLOGY-CHEMISTRY
The CLAS Academic Advising Center has geology-chemistry curriculum guides for the major.
Year One
Fall Semester (14 to 15 credits):
- CHM 125 - Principles of Chemistry I Lecture (3 credits) AND CHM 126 - Principles of Chemistry I Lab (1 credit)
- GEO 111 - Exploring the Earth (4 credits)
- MTH 122 - College Algebra (3 credits)
- Foundation - Writing
Winter Semester (12 to 15 credits):
- General education courses (3 to 6 credits) OR MTH 123 - Trigonometry (3 credits)
- CHM 127 - Principles of Chemistry II Lecture (4 credits) AND CHM 128 - Principles of Chemistry II Lab (1 credit)
- GEO 112 - Earth History (4 credits)
Year Two
Fall Semester (12 to 15 credits):
- CHM 221 - Survey of Analytical Chemistry (4 credits)
- General education courses (3 to 6 credits)
- GEO 214 - Solid Earth Materials and Systems (4 credits) OR GEO 220 - Earth Surface Materials and Systems (4 credits)
- GEO 175 - Research Tools for Geosciences (1 credit)
Winter Semester (15 credits):
- CHM 325 - Instrumental Analysis (4 credits)
- MTH 201 - Calculus I (4 credits)
- GEO 214 - Solid Earth Materials and Systems (4 credits) OR GEO 220 - Earth Surface Materials and Systems (4 credits)
- General education courses (3 credits)
Year Three
Fall Semester (16 credits):
- CHM 351 - Introduction to Physical Chemistry (3 credits)
- GEO 311 - Structural Geology (4 credits)
- MTH 202 - Calculus II (4 credits)
- PHY 230 - Principles of Physics I (5 credits)
Winter Semester (14 credits):
- CHM 352 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory (1 credit)
- GEO 312 - Sedimentation-Stratigraphy (4 credits)
- GEO 445 - Introduction to Geochemistry (3 credits)
- General education course (3 credits)
- Issues (3 credits)
Year Four
Fall Semester (13 to 18 credits):
- Geology elective (3 to 4 credits)
- General education course/Issues (3 credits)
- GEO 484 - Geology Reading Seminar (1 credit)
- Geology elective (3 to 4 credits)
- Elective (3 to 6 credits)
Winter Semester (13 to 16 credits):
- General education course/Issues (3 to 6 credits)
- Geology elective (3 credits)
- Electives (6 credits)
- GEO 485 - Geology Research and Writing Seminar (1 credit)