Geosciences, B.A.: Concentration in Geology

About the Geosciences Program

Geoscience is a diverse field which focuses on the study of the Earth and other planets and how these systems evolve through time. Geoscientists apply principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics to understand the evolution of earth history. Geoscientists are employed in environmental engineering, energy, and mining companies; state and federal agencies; and in education, law, and business. The B.S. in Geosciences commonly leads to graduate studies in the physical sciences as well as the STEM MBA. The undergraduate program offers a B.A. in geosciences—geology concentration—and three concentrations in the B.S. degree: geology, geophysics, and environmental geology. Capacity in upper-division GEOL, GPH, and GCH courses may be capped due to limited departmental resources. The residency requirement for the major is 12 hours.

Communication Literacy Plan. Geoscience graduates are expected to be able to communicate with their peers and with the general public in a variety of ways. In particular, they should be capable of written communication in a scientific format, oral communication, both to peers and to informed laypersons, and illustration of data and concepts through various graphical formats. Courses in the Communication Literacy Plan for the B.S. and B.A. in Geosciences are GEOL 2101 , GEOL 3401 , GEOL 3402 . 

About the B.A. in Geosciences

The geology program leading to the B.A. degree provides a broad liberal arts background and basic training in the principles of geosciences. The program is designed for students with strong interests in earth processes and the history of nature’s initiation of and response to continuous change. Successful B.A. graduates have pursued careers in teaching, business, and government agencies, and others have pursued advanced degrees in law, business administration, and environmental sciences. Students interested in professional employment or graduate degrees in geology should complete the B.S. degree program. Students are required to earn at least a C in all major, minor, and adjunct courses. Successful completion of adjunct courses with a C or better is required before upper-division geosciences courses may be taken. Students may choose any minor approved by the university.

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