Skip to Main Content Skip to Footer Toggle Navigation Menu

Geology Majors & Minors

Geology Major | Geology Minor

General Distribution Requirement

All courses in the geology department count toward the general distributionrequirement in natural science and mathematics. Courses that meet the general education requirements in writing, quantitative thinking, internationalism and U.S. Identities and differences will be posted on the Registrar's web page in advance of registration for each semester.

General Education Requirements

Courses that meet the general education requirements in writing, quantitative thinking, internationalism and U.S identities and differences will be posted on the Registrar's web page in advance of registration for each semester.

Additional information general distribution requirement and the general education requirements can be found in the graduation requirements section of this catalog.

Honors Program

The geology department participates in the honors program. Eligibility requirements, application procedures and specific project expectations for the department are available from either the department office or the Academic Programs and Advising Office.

Further Preparation

A geological field course is sometimes a requirement for admission to graduate programs in geology. Consult with members of the department for recommended field courses. Students interested in continuing on to graduate school in Geology are strongly encouraged to take additional coursework in Chemistry, Physics, and Math.

Topics Courses

GEOL 194, GEOL 294, GEOL 394, GEOL 494 

One or more topics courses are normally offered. Depending upon student interest these may be courses designed for geology majors requiring some prerequisites, or they may be non-prerequisite courses on some topic in the earth sciences not covered in regular courses. Recent offerings include Vertebrate Paleobiology and Evolution, Global Tectonics, Paleoclimate, and Field Methods. To be announced at registration. (4 credits)

Independent Study

The department offers independent study options in the form of tutorials, independent projects, internships, preceptorships and Honors independent projects. For more information contact the department and review the Curriculum section of the catalog.

Geology Major

Major Requirements

All geology majors will take a common core of geology courses and additional supporting courses. Under supervision of one or more geology faculty, majors are also required to complete a capstone (or honors) project during their senior year. This includes giving a short talk on their work at the annual Geology Senior Night in April. Information and guidance around sub-disciplines (environmental geology, glaciology, mineralogy, petrology, structure, geophysics, paleobiology, sedimentology, stratigraphy), choosing electives, and planning for graduate work or employment in the field is available from the faculty in the geology department.

Credit Requirements:

Majors must take a minimum of 36 credits in geology, as well as 3 supporting science courses (12 credits).

36 Credits in Geology:

Required core geology courses (24 credits):

At least 2 of the following courses (8 credits minimum):

At least 1 additional geology elective course (4 credits)

12 Credits of Supporting Science:

At least one of the following courses (4 credits):

At least two additional relevant science courses (8 credits):

(Consult your advisor for additional options)

*Students interested in pursuing a graduate program in Geology are strongly encouraged to take CHEM 111, PHYS 226/PHYS 227, and Calculus or higher math.

A geologic field course is also a requirement for admission to some graduate programs in geology. Consult with members of the department for recommended field courses.

Geology Minor

Minor Requirements

A minor in geology consists of: