Environmental and Applied Geology, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Professional (B.S.)
Geology is the study of Earth; we study the processes, behavior and materials of Earth, its water and its atmosphere both in recent times and in the geologic past. Through understanding how Earth formed, how it changed over billions of years, and how it continues to function today, we can look forward in time to predict how natural processes and human actions will interact to impact Earth in the future. Knowledge of geological concepts and processes helps scientists, politicians, and business professionals make decisions about the use of Earth’s natural resources, protection of humans against natural disasters, and wise stewardship of our environment.
For students wishing to enter the professional world immediately upon graduation, the Professional Concentration prepares our students to become competent professionals with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to successfully pass the initial certification exam to eventually obtain their Professional Geologist designation. Students will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in each of the eight areas of professional geology and geotechniques, as well as develop critical research skills through a senior thesis or field camp experience.
Students in the Academic Concentration will gain the foundational knowledge and skills in geology, mathematics and natural sciences necessary to be successful in graduate school, as well as to explore potential areas of geologic specialization through independent research or a field camp experience and elective courses.
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 40.0601
Summary Checklist for General Education
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Element 1 | ||
| A: Written Communication | 3 | |
| B: Written Communication | 3 | |
| C: Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Element 2 | ||
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Element 3 | ||
| A: Arts | 3 | |
| B: Humanities | 3 | |
| Element 4 | ||
| Natural Sciences | 6 | |
| Element 5 | ||
| A: Historical Science | 3 | |
| B: Social Behavioral Science | 3 | |
| Element 6 | ||
| Diversity of Perspectives Experiences | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Students are expected to complete Elements 1 and 2 within their first 60 hours of college credit.
Major
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| University Graduation Requirements | ||
| General Education | 36 | |
| Student Success Seminar | ||
| SCO 100 | Student Success Seminar (waived for transfers with 30+ hrs.) | 1 |
| Upper division courses (42 hrs. distributed throughout Major/Supporting/Gen Ed/Free Electives categories) | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| GEO 353 | Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GLY 309 | Mineralogy | 4 |
| GLY 409 | Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology | 4 |
| GLY 410 | Structural Geology | 4 |
| GLY 415 | Sedimentary Geology | 4 |
| GLY 420 | Stratigraphy | 4 |
| GLY 450W | Evolution of the Earth | 3 |
| GLY 535 | Hydrogeology | 3 |
| Choose from one of the following: | 6 | |
| Capstone Project in Geology and Senior Thesis | ||
| Field Camp | ||
| Choose from six hours of the following: | 6 | |
| The Ocean World | ||
| Gold and Diamonds | ||
| Earthquakes and Volcanoes | ||
| Great Moments in Earth History | ||
| Introduction to Physical Geography | ||
| Concentrations | ||
| Students must select one of the following Concentrations: | 9-12 | |
Academic | ||
| Professional | 15-20 | |
| Supporting Course Requirements | ||
| Free Electives | ||
| Choose from 20-27 hours of free electives | 20-27 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Professional Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| GEO 456 | Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GLY 315 | Hydrology | 3 |
| Choose from six hours of the following: | 6 | |
GEO 302W | ||
| Meteorology | ||
| Environment Land Use Planning | ||
GEO 343 | ||
| Geoscience Data and Techniques | ||
| Advanced GIS | ||
| GIS Cartography | ||
| Advanced Geographic Imagery | ||
| Advanced Geography:___ | ||
| Introduction to Geochemistry | ||
| Environmental Geoscience | ||
| Field Methods | ||
| Process Geomorphology | ||
| Aqueous Geochemistry | ||
| Petroleum Geology | ||
| Paleoclimate | ||
| Selected Topics:___ | ||
| Supporting Course Requirements | ||
| General Chemistry and General Chemistry Lab I (Element 4) G | ||
| Precalculus Mathematics (or higher) (Element 2) G,1 | ||
| PHY 101 | Conceptual Physics | 3 |
| Choose from 0-5 hours of the following: | 0-5 | |
| College Physics I | ||
| University Physics I (Element 4) G | ||
| Total Hours | 15-20 | |