Geology

Major and Minor Programs

The Geology Department has three major programs: Environmental Geology (B.S.) and Geology (B.A. or B.S.).

Both B.S. programs meet the requirements for certification/registration now mandated by most states for those employed in environmental fields such as groundwater contamination and exploration, geologic land use (e.g. coastal zones, landslides, flooding, earthquakes) and geologic resources (e.g. fossil fuels, mining and reclamation, geothermal energy).

Major in Environmental Geology (B.S.)

This program is designed to prepare students for graduate study involving Earth-surface processes or for employment as environmental geologists. It emphasizes those areas with most immediate societal relevance—hydrogeology, coastal processes, geomorphic processes, land use, energy resources, geochemistry of water and soils, etc.

Major in Geology (B.S.)

This program is designed to prepare students for graduate study in all aspects of geology or for employment as professional geologists.

Major in Geology (B.A.)

This flexible program can accommodate a variety of objectives, such as preparation for graduate programs in law or business or entry into a career field (e.g. K–12 teaching, public policy).

Minor

A minor in geology requires the successful completion of Environmental Geology or Physical Geology, Historical Geology, and three upper-level courses.