Nov 23, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Geoscience - Geoscience (GSCE) - BA Major


geoscience students


47-52 credits

Minor (or additional major if non-dual degree seeking) required.

2.0 GPA required.

C grade or better required in GEOS 235 and above.

Letter grade required in all major courses unless otherwise noted.

Geoscience Major Map  

Overview

This program prepares students for graduate study or employment in geologic disciplines or in a variety of other disciplines, depending on the student’s chosen minor field. The goal is to prepare students for success in an increasingly interdisciplinary world. Students should speak with their academic advisor about their career goals so that this program can be tailored to best suit their goals.

Students choose a minor (or double major) field that they must relate to their work in geoscience by completing an internship or research project. Students must obtain approval from the Department of Geoscience before engaging in this work. The research project topic must integrate geoscience with the second discipline.

The flexibility of this program enables students to pursue careers in diverse areas such as geochemistry and geophysics or environmental law and environmental justice, scientific illustration, scientific writing, etc. Professionals in many disciplines, including science, law, medicine, and politics, hold undergraduate BA degrees in Geoscience.

This major has six parts:


  • Part I: Entrance to the Major
  • Part II: Geoscience Core Courses - provides students with an overview of the fundamentals of the geosciences
  • Part III: Geoscience Focus Areas - provides students an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in specific areas of study within the geosciences
  • Part IV: Geoscience Capstone - provides students with research experience and opportunities for professional development
  • Part V: Geoscience Electives - allows students to explore areas of interest in the geosciences
  • Part VI: Minor or Second Major

PART I: Entrance to Geoscience Major (4-5 credits)


 Choose one:

PART II: Geoscience Core Courses (19 credits)


PART III: Geoscience Focus Areas (11-12 credits)


PART IV: Geoscience Capstone (5-6 credits)


Choose 2-3 credits


PART V: Geoscience Electives (8-10 credits)


Choose 8-10 additional credits from the following Geoscience Focus Areas:

Part III:   Rocks & Tectonics
               Surface Processes
               Broader Perspectives

Part IV:  Geoscience Capstone

PART VI: Minor or Second Major


 An approved minor or second major is required.

Dual Degrees


Students wishing to complete two degrees concurrently, (example: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) must complete a minimum of an additional 30 credits above the required 120-128 credit hours. Students must complete all major requirements under both degrees, including separate minors if required.

Legend


◎ = Oral Intensive

◆ = Math/Critical Analysis Intensive

△ = Writing Intensive

✽ = Physical Development and Wellness Graduation Requirement