Some Questions about the Geology Undergraduate Program:

What undergraduate degrees does the Geology Department offer?

We offer a B.A., B.A./Ed, and B.S. degree.

What is the difference between the B.A. and B.S. degrees?

The Bachelor of Arts degree provides you with a very general education in geology, and should be combined with a minor in another field such as math, physics, biology, or journalism. The Bachelor of Science degree gives you more in-depth knowledge of geology and prepares you as either a professional geologist, or for graduate studies in any of the Earth sciences.

How do I declare as a Geology major?

First, you must have completed Geology 211 with a grade of C- or better. Then, drop by the department office in ES 240 to get the declaration of major card to be filled out.

What are the requirements for the Geology B.S. degree?

Listed below are the requirements for the B.S. in Geology. A graphical flow-chart version of these requirements, including prerequisites is also available.

The core program requirements are:

Geol 211, 212, 306, 310, 318, 352, 406, 410a and b, 415, and one of Geol 442, 447, 448
Chem 121, 122, 123
Math 128 or Math 124 and 125
Physics 121, 122, 131, 132
In addition, you must complete either the Geology Concentration, Environmental Geology Concentration, or the Geophysics Concentration.

Here are the requirements for each concentration:

Geology Concentration:

The core courses
Geol 316, 407
One of Math 204, 224, 341
Two of the following: Geol 411, 423, 424, 425, 428, 430, 450, 451, 454, 456

Environmental Geology:

The core courses
Geol 314, 473
One of Math 204, 224, 341
9 additional credits from Geol 413, 430, 440, 449, 450, 451, 452, 461, 462, 470, 472, 474

Geophysics:

The core courses plus Geol 452
At least one from Geol 453, 456, 457
At least one from Geol 432, 449, 450, 451, 454, 472, 473, or 4 additional credits from the Math or Physics courses below
8 credits from Math 204, 224, 225, 331; Physics 123, 133, 325, 368, 369

The B.S. degree has concentrations in General Geology, Environmental Geology, and Quantitative Geology and Geophysics. Which one should I choose, especially if I want a job after I graduate?

Graduates who have chosen any of the three concentrations have been successful at finding careers as geologists. The concentration you choose should ultimately reflect the fields of geology you are most interested in.

Can I do a Senior Thesis?

Yes! Although they are not required, a senior thesis can be a valuable learning experience. If you are interested in doing a senior thesis, you should discuss this possibility with the faculty member you would like to do a project with.

I want to graduate with my B.S. degree within four years. How can I make sure this is possible?

We recommend having these classes completed by the start of your Junior year if you are planning on finishing within four years: Geol 211, 212; Math 124 and 125; Chem 121, 122, 123; and Physics 121, 122, 131 and 132. For more details, see How to Graduate in Four Years.

Before I was a geology major, I took Geology 101. Now I want to take additional geology classes. Do I need to take all of Geology 211, or can I just take the labs?

As of Fall 2006, you can "upgrade" Geology 101 by taking Geology 211a, a special lab section of Geology 211.

What is required for the B.A. in Education?

There are four types of B.A./Ed. degrees; each requires a combination of coursework in geology along with completion of the appropriate education program. Please see the Geology Education FAQs for more info.

go back to the FAQs