Geosciences, B.A.

This program focuses on the scientific study of Earth; forces acting upon and within it; and the makeup and behavior of the solids, liquids, and gases comprising the planet. The B.A. in Geosciences is designed for students who desire a broad liberal arts education that prepares them for careers such as environmental consulting, energy and resource management, and Geoscience education.

The B.A. in Geosciences is a flexible option that allows students to concentrate their coursework in selected areas of geology, earth surface processes, weather and climate, geospatial science, or oceanography. Because of the flexible degree requirements, many students are able to pursue a second major or minor in addition to the B.A. Geosciences.

Oral Communication Requirement:

For the B.A. degree in Geosciences, a student must successfully complete GLY 395 or GGY 395 or OCN 395 .

Applied Learning Requirement:

For the B.A. degree in Geosciences, a student must successfully complete GLY 390 or GGY 390 or OCN 390 .

Core Requirements (20 hours)

Students must complete one of the following courses:
GLY 101 - Earth Revealed or
GLY 120 - Environmental Geology or
GLY 125 - Natural Disasters or
OCN 150 - Introduction to Oceanography or
EVS 195 - Introduction to Environmental Sciences or
GGY 130 - Geosystems
Students must also complete at least 1 laboratory course from GLYL 100, GLYL 101, GLYL 120, GGY 130* or OCNL 150. *GGY 130 lecture includes the GGY 130 lab, therefore, an additional laboratory is not required.
GLYL 101 - Earth Revealed Laboratory or
GLYL 120 - Environmental Geology Lab or
GLYL 100 - Earth Systems Laboratory or
OCNL 150 - Introduction to Oceanography Laboratory
In addition, students must complete the following courses:
GLY 132 - The Earth Through Time
GLY 201 - Mineralogy
GGY 230 - Introduction to Weather and Climate
GLY 365 - Written Communications in the Geosciences or
GGY 365 - Written Communications in the Geosciences or
OCN 365 - Written Communications in Oceanography
GLY 390 - Field Methods in Geosciences or
OCN 390 - Field Methods in Oceanography or
GGY 390 - Field Methods in Geography
GLY 395 - Oral Communication in Geology or
GGY 395 - Oral Communication in Geography or
OCN 395 - Topics in Oral Communications in Oceanography

Elective Courses (21 hours)

Students must complete 21 hours of electives, of which 12 hours must be above the 299-level. At least six hours above the 299-level must be in GLY, GGY, or OCN. Students may select electives from any GLY, GGY, or OCN courses above the 299-level, and from the following:

Total: 41 hours

Additional Information:

A “C” (2.00) or better average is required on all courses taken within the department, and “C” (2.00) or better average on all required courses above the 199 level in the department.