Geology
Geology
is the study of our earth and its history - it provides new understanding
of our physical environment, resources and our place in its evolution.
Of interest to those that would like to apply principles from other
sciences, mathematics and engineering to understand the world we live in.
Outdoor studies of rocks in the field are an integral part of geological
studies.
Requirements for the B.A. Degree. A minimum of 28 hours in Earth Sciences,
selected from the following:
1. One course chosen from GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, 1313 or 1315 – 3 hours
2. GEOL 3340 (Face of the Earth); 3451, 3452 (Earth Materials I and II) – 11 hours
3. Earth Science electives at the 3000 level or above – 12 hours minimum
4. Geology Field Studies (one course chosen from GEOL 3240, 3241, 3242, 3243
or 3343) – two to three hours
Required support courses – Nine hours minimum:
1. CHEM 1301 or 1303 – three hours
2. PHYS 1301, 1303 (recommended), or 1313 – three hours minimum
3. MATH 1337 – three hours
NOTE: Participation in a recognized geology summer field camp is strongly recommended
for all majors (B.A. and B.S.). Most Earth Science graduate programs in the United States
require that a field course be completed.
Requirements for the B.S. Degree. A minimum of 36 or 38 hours in Earth Sciences,
selected from the following:
1. One course chosen from GEOL 1301, 1305, 1307, 1308, 1313 or 1315 – 3 hours
2. GEOL 3340 (Face of the Earth); 3451, 3452 (Earth Materials I and II); 3454 (Structural
Geology) – 15 hours
3. Earth Science electives at the 3000 level or above – 12 hours minimum
4. Geology Field Studies (one course chosen from GEOL 3240, 3241, 3242, 3243 or 3343) –
two to three hours
5. GEOL 4296 and 4298 (Senior Thesis Research Project), or 4657 (Field Geology) – four
to six hours
Required support courses – 17 hours minimum:
1. CHEM 1303, 1113, 1304 and 1114 – eight hours
2. PHYS 1303 – three hours
3. MATH 1337, 1338 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry I and II) – six hours
NOTES:
- Participation in a recognized geology summer field camp is strongly recommended for all
majors (B.A. and B.S.). Most Earth Science graduate programs in the United States require
that a field course be completed.
- Experience with a modern scientific computing language is essential. This experience can
be gained in a course such as GEOL 3359 (Computer Methods in the Earth Sciences).
- The requirements for the major are considered minimal. Students planning careers in the
earth sciences should take additional course work according to the geoscience emphasis
that best fits their goals. Consult a faculty adviser for suggestions.
Minor in Geology
Requirements for the Minor. A minimum of 17 hours in Earth Sciences, selected
from the following:
1. One course chosen from GEOL 1301 (Earth Systems), 1305 (Oceanography), 1307
(Solar System), 1308 (Evolution and Life History), 1313 (Earthquakes and Volcanoes), or
1315 (Introduction to Environmental Sciences) – three hours
2. Earth Science electives at the 3000 level or above – 12 hours minimum
3. Geology Field Studies (one course chosen from GEOL 3240, 3241, 3242, 3243 or 3343)
or an Earth Sciences elective at the 3300 level or higher, if not used to meet the requirement
listed above – two to three hours