Geosciences Major, Bachelor of Science (BS)

51¸£ÀûÉç

Geoscientists study the Earth and our relationship to it by providing opportunities to observe natural processes in action. By applying knowledge of the forces that are constantly reshaping our planet, one can seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future. Students can benefit society by understanding our planet and the life it sustains.  Employed in a wide spectrum of academic, industrial, and government positions, geoscientists can be found collecting samples from the moon, the ocean floor, and active lava flows. They discover and manage resources, consult on engineering and environmental issues, conduct research, teach, write, and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to make positive change.

Career opportunities can include:  Geotechnical and environmental fields, Hydrology, economic geology, GIS, energy companies, Governmental regulation and natural resource departments, and public health. 

The following plan of study is for a student with zero credits.ÌýIndividual students may have different factors such as: credit through transfer work, Advanced Placement, Running Start, or any other type of college-level coursework that requires an individual plan.

Courses could be offered in different terms, checking the academic schedule is paramount in keeping an individual plan current.ÌýStudents should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

All Undergraduate students are required to meet theÌý.

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University Graduation Requirements (UGR) and Breadth Area Course Requirements (BACR) courses may be less than 5 credits and additional credits may be required to reach the required 180 total credits needed to graduate.Ìý Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

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Electives:ÌýIn consultation with a faculty advisor, take one of the listed minors or certificates, a GEOS capstone, and additional GEOS electives to total at least 45 credits. Note that 60 credits of 300- or 400-level courses are required for graduation.

• Earth Systems Minor
• Geographic Information Systems Certificate
• Professional Geology Certificate

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Required Science Core–choose two courses from the approved list (ÌýandÌýÌýare required for the Professional Geology certificate).

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(GER)

• Minimum Quarter Credits—180 cumulative credit hours
  • 60 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
  • 45 credits in residence (attendance) at 51¸£ÀûÉç, with at least 15 upper-division credits in major in residence at 51¸£ÀûÉç
• Minimum Semester Credits—120 cumulative credit hours
  • 40 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
  • 30 credits in residence (attendance) at 51¸£ÀûÉç, with at least 10 upper-division credits in major in residence at 51¸£ÀûÉç
• Minimum Cumulative GPA ≥2.0

University Competencies and Proficiencies

(BACR)

 (UGR)

 
 (for Bachelor of Arts)

Application for Graduation (use ) must be made at least two terms in advance of the term expected to graduate (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate).

Use the to determine .

1. The catalog in effect at the student's first term of current matriculation is used to determine BACR (Breadth Area Core Requirements) and UGR (Undergraduate Graduation Requirements).
2. The catalog in effect at the time the student declares a major or minor is used to determine the program requirements.

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Students who earn a BS in Geosciences from 51¸£ÀûÉç should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of human–environment interactions;
• apply geoscience techniques to a complex problem;
• produce a professionally formatted report that effectively communicates;
• demonstrate advanced analytical skills in the geosciences in preparation for the professional job market or graduate studies.