Geosciences, B.S.: Concentration in Geophysics

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.S. in Geosciences

The geosciences program leading to the B.S. degree provides graduates with an excellent foundation for acceptance to graduate programs in the geosciences and for many careers as a professional geoscientist. Students completing the B.S. degree will have the knowledge, tools, and technical skills necessary to understand and address global needs for society, while working to protect the environment of Earth. Students pursuing a B.S. in Geosciences are required to maintain a TTU GPA of 2.5 to remain in the program. Students earning a cumulative TTU GPA less than 2.5 will be given a one-semester probationary period allowing them to improve their GPA. Internal transfers are required to have a TTU GPA of 2.5 to declare into the B.S. in Geosciences 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 geoscience courses may be taken. Field work is a requirement for the B.S. degree. If this is a concern, the B.A. should be considered.

Geophysics Concentration

The geophysics concentration prepares students for a career as a geophysicist or for graduate study. Students pursuing the geophysics concentration are encouraged to select a minor in mathematics; however, minors in the physical sciences, engineering, or an approved composite of courses from these fields are acceptable. Adjunct requirements include: MATH 1451 , MATH 1452 , MATH 2450 , MATH 2360 , MATH 3350 , PHYS 1408 , PHYS 2401 , CHEM 1307  + CHEM 1107 .

Recommended Sample Curriculum