Geology B.A. (R, L)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Geology Department offers training for students interested in the Earth - its processes, materials, history, environment, and human interactions. The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students who wish to gain a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the earth sciences but wish to pursue a “hybrid” career that includes diverse fields such as science writing, business, marketing, and media. The Bachelor of Arts reflects the modern changes in the geology workforce that emphasize multiple skills in customer relations, communication, finance, GIS, international culture and language.

In addition to taking a core set of geology courses, students must choose a non-geology minor that reflects their career path. Advising will be coordinated between the student, the Geology Department, and an advisor in the minor.

REAL Curriculum

Students fulfill the R area through examination of samples, maps, and field experience while using scientific and quantitative reasoning to solve geological problems from both theoretical and practical points of view.

Students fulfill the L area through classes requiring students to develop professional skills and to critically reflect on how their skills, abilities, and experiences apply in a profession. Skills include data presentation, oral and written communication, and working in collaborative situations.

Students fulfill the A and E areas of REAL by selecting minors outside of the geology curriculum.

REAL Foundational Requirements

Foundational Writing (3 credits)

ENGL 111 - Principles of College Composition (GE)

Foundational Math (3 credits)

REAL Cornerstone Requirements

Writing Intensive (WI) Courses (6 credits)

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level.

General Education Requirements

General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Bachelor of Arts in Geology program includes 18 general education credits.

Major Requirements (69-73 credits)

B.A. Requirement (6-8 credits)

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of the B.A. language requirements described here.

Required Major Courses (35 credits)

Choose one of the following:

Related Requirements (10 credits)

Non-Geology Minor Requirement (18-20 credits)

Students are required to complete a minor in a discipline other than Geology. The choice of minor and program of study will be in consultation with the student’s academic advisors in Geology and the discipline of the minor.

Additional Degree Requirements

To graduate with a major in geology, students must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.0 in all courses in geology and in the required courses in chemistry, geospatial science, mathematics, statistics, and unmanned aerial systems.

Open Credit Hours (47-51 credits)

These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements, including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math.