Undergraduate Programs
Welcome to the Geology Department!
Thank you for your interest in the Geology Department at Western!
Objectives of the department are varied, including preparation of undergraduate and graduate students for graduate school and careers as professional geoscientists and also preparation of earth science teachers at the primary and secondary levels.
A wide variety of geologic phenomena in the adjacent Cascade Range and the marine environment of Salish Sea provide a broad spectrum of geologic features for study.
The department offers BA, BAE, BS and MS degrees plus specialized courses in the following subjects: geochemistry, geomorphology, geophysics, glacial geology, hydrology, paleomagnetism, paleontology. petrology, planetary geology, sedimentation, seismology, stratigraphy, and structure and tectonics.
Declaring the Major or Minor
Are you ready to declare a Geology, Geophysics, Earth Science major or Geology minor?
Please visit the Declaring Your Major or Minor webpage for instructions on how to declare your degree of interest; the steps to declare will depend on the major or minor.
Questions?
Have any questions about the Geology degrees? Please contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator at parkh23@wwu.edu or call 360-650-3582.
Geology Careers
Looking for information about career paths in Geology? Check out our Geology Careers webpage!
Geological Licensing
Did you know that our BA and B.S. Geology degrees fulfill the educational requirements for the Washington State Geological Licensing Exam? Learn more about getting licensed on Professor Bob Mitchell's Geological Licensing website!
Getting licensed is a great way to expand your career path, especially since 32 states require licensure to practice geology. However, licensing is not required to work in the field as long as you are working for a licensed geologist, the federal government, or mining industry!