BS in Geology

Two students examine a sample in a classroom

The Bachelor of Science in Geology builds a strong foundation in geological sciences, relevant math and science concepts as well as research and fieldwork techniques. In addition to the same core courses required for the BA degree, the BS includes an interdisciplinary grounding in physics, math and chemistry. Graduates leave the program prepared for careers in Earth-based fields, and many go on to graduate programs or find employment in geology-related fields.


Course Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs.

Program-specific curriculum:

Prerequisite courses
Two courses selected from the following:
GEOL 1001Physical Geology
GEOL 1002Historical Geology
GEOL 1005Environmental Geology
Required courses in related areas
CHEM 1111
CHEM 1112
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
PHYS 1011
PHYS 1012
General Physics I
and General Physics II
or ASTR 1001
ASTR 1002
Stars, Planets, and Life in the Universe
and Origins of the Cosmos
One course selected from the following:
MATH 1220
MATH 1221
Calculus with Precalculus I
and Calculus with Precalculus II
MATH 1231Single-Variable Calculus I
STAT 1051Introduction to Business and Economic Statistics
STAT 1053Introduction to Statistics in Social Science
STAT 1111Business and Economic Statistics I
STAT 1127Statistics for the Biological Sciences
Required courses for the major
GEOL 2111Mineralogy
GEOL 2112Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
GEOL 2122Structural Geology
GEOL 3128Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
GEOL 3129Sedimentology and Stratigraphy Lab
GEOL 4195Geological Field Methods
Four courses selected from the following and approved by the program advisor:
GEOL 2106Oceanography
GEOL 2151Introduction to Paleontology
GEOL 2190Special Topics in Geology (3 credits only)
GEOL 2333Evolution and Extinction of Dinosaurs
GEOL 3118Volcanology
GEOL 3131Global Climate Change
GEOL 3138Hydrogeology
GEOL 3140Geochemistry
GEOL 3189Geophysics
GEOL 3191Geology of Energy Resources
GEOL 4199Undergraduate Research or Reading (3 credits only)