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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Bachelor of Science in Geology

A degree in Geology equips students with the knowledge and skills to study Earth's dynamic systems and address critical environmental and resource challenges. Through hands-on fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and research experiences, students gain expertise in areas such as environmental assessment, water resource management, mineral and energy exploration, and natural hazard mitigation. Students have multiple opportunities for mentorship, professional networking, and real-world application of geoscience principles. Graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to society, whether pursuing careers in environmental consulting, engineering geology, government agencies, or even environmental law and policy.

Requirement for a Major in Geology

The geology major requires fulfillment of general university degree requirements, geology core requirements (including a field requirement) (32-33 credits), cognates (including 2-course sequences in chemistry and physics, and a selection from calculus/statistics/computer science or GIS) (31-33 credits), and geology elective requirements for the B.S. in Geology or B.S. in Geology with an Environmental Emphasis (12-13 credits). All majors must complete at least 44 credits in geology with a minimum overall GPA of C (2.0).

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
Core Courses

Core Geology Courses (33 semester hours):

Emphases

Requires 12 to 14 credits from either the B.S. in geology or the B.S. in geology - environmental emphasis.

B.S. in Geology Degree Requirements

AND one of the following (three credits):

PLUS the following (at least nine credits):

  • GEO electives: Three Geology courses at the 300- or 400-level. Geology Issues courses cannot count toward the geology major.

B.S. in Geology with an Environmental Emphasis Degree Requirements

AND choose one from:

PLUS the following (at least two credits):

  • GEO elective: One geology course at the 300- or 400-level. Geology Issues courses cannot count toward the geology major.
Cognate Courses

Requires 31 to 33 credits of cognate science courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science, and/or geographic information systems as follows.

a. Chemistry Courses (two)

b. Physics Courses (choose one of the following pairs)

EITHER

OR

c. Basic Mathematics Courses (two)

d. Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Geographic Information Systems Courses (Choose two courses from one of the following options):

EITHER Calculus

OR Statistics

OR Computer Science (choose one course from each group)

Group One

Group Two

OR Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Plus One of the Following

Suggested order of coursework for a Major in Geology

Year One

Fall Semester (14 to 15 credits)

Winter Semester (15-16 credits)

Year Two

Fall Semester (14 to 15 credits)

Winter Semester (13 to 17 credits)

B.S. in GEOLOGY

Year Three

Fall Semester (15 credits)

Winter Semester (14 to 15 credits)

Summer Field Course (3 to 6 credits)

Year Four

Fall Semester (13 to 17 credits)

Winter Semester (13 to 17 credits)

B.S. in Geology - Environmental Emphasis

Year Three

Fall Semester (15 to 16 credits):

Winter Semester (14 to 16 credits):

Summer Field Course (3 to 6 credits)

Year Four

Fall Semester (12 to15 credits)

Winter Semester (12 to 17 credits)

Geology Program Description

Click here for the program description.


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