Techniques such as environmental assessment, geological hazard assessment, field-based techniques, and geographic information systems (GIS) are used to evaluate the impact of humans on the physical earth and hydrologic environment. The practical and flexible curriculum, small class sizes, computer-based learning, strong faculty and coursework in several areas of general education make this major appealing to students who want skills linked to employment or preparation for entry to professional schools (e.g., law, medicine, business).
Geology majors learn about the Earth's physical environment including climate, non-renewable geological resources, renewable geological resources, geological hazards and remediation as well as basic skills required by geologists. These skills and the geological perspective open doors to employment in government agencies and private firms that deal with water management, mining and petroleum exploration, climate change, the environment and education.
The Bachelor of Arts in geology is best suited for students interested in careers in education or environmental policy making. The degree also allows students flexibility to pursue advanced degrees in environmental law or environmental medicine.
Research
Students in geology who wish to graduate with high or highest honors will be required to conduct an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member. Students are also afforded the opportunity to conduct research within the department's laboratories regardless of their honors status.
Coursework for the Major
The geology B.A. requires a minimum of 32 credits of coursework in the major. At least 23 credits must be GLY-prefixed courses at the 3000 level or above, excluding GLY 3105C. Students must earn a minimum grade of C for coursework to count toward the major.
Required Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Coursework | ||
| Select one general introductory course: | 3-4 | |
GLY 2010C | Physical Geology | |
GLY 2030C | Environmental and Engineering Geology | |
Any 1000-2000-level GLY, OCE or ESC course | ||
| Select one historical geology course: | 4 | |
GLY 3105C | Evolution of Earth and Life | |
GLY 2100C | Historical Geology | |
| Core Coursework | ||
| GLY 3202C | Earth Materials | 3-4 |
| or GLY 3200C | Principles of Mineralogy | |
| Additional Geology courses at the 3000 level or higher 1 | 17 | |
| 1000-4000 level Geology course | 2-4 | |
| Capstone Course | ||
| GLY 4155C | Geology of Florida | 3 |
| Total Credits | 32-36 |
- 1
Excluding GLY 3105C; minimum 17 credits.

