Majors:
- Bachelor of Science, Environmental Geosciences
- Bachelor of Science, Geology
Minor:
- Geology
Geology is the study of the Earth, both past and present. It incorporates many aspects of our complex planet including its composition, structure, environment, internal and surficial processes, and the development of life, continents, and oceans through time. Geology plays a critical role in interpreting the Earth's long history of physical and biological changes, finding and managing natural resources, and understanding natural hazards and future environmental change.
The geology department offers two programs leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in geology and environmental geosciences. The geology (GEO) major provides basic courses in the geological sciences as well as a range of advanced level classes that allow students to develop courses of study that complement particular interests within the field such as energy and mineral resources, plate tectonics or paleontology.
The environmental geosciences (EVG) program is broad in scope, providing a broad foundation in the fundamentals of earth and environmental science as well as an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes geology, biology, chemistry, and other allied science courses. The EVG curriculum stresses the interdisciplinary nature of modern environmental issues such as climate change and the development of alternative energy resources.
The geology department also offers a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program. GIS is used in a wide range of disciplines, and the certificate program is a great option for professionals, graduate students, and undergraduate students who are interested in becoming proficient at managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.
The geology department aims to prepare students for both careers in the geological sciences, and for further academic studies. Hence, graduates of the department are also highly competitive for entry to graduate programs. Geology department majors pursue careers in a wide range of settings including:
- State and Federal Geological Agencies
- Geological Consulting Companies
- Natural Resource Exploration, Development and Management
- Museums
- Research Laboratories
- Education
Environmental geologists address critical needs of our society including global climate change, groundwater protection, energy resources, and the identification and assessment of natural hazards.
A minor in geology consists of 12 semester hours.