COURSE CURRICULUM

Students earning the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major in geology must complete all University, College, and departmental requirements, including general education, major coursework, an approved minor, and additional credits to reach a minimum of 120 semester hours. The geology BA program begins with core introductory courses that build a foundation in Earth science, including The Dynamic Earth, a choice among introductory topics such as Earth through time, oceanography, hazardous Earth systems, or sustainable Earth, and Foundations of Earth Science, which together introduce students to geological materials, processes, and systems. Beyond these core requirements, students complete a combination of geology electives at both lower and upper levels, with a focus on developing a broader understanding of Earth systems while allowing flexibility to explore specialized areas of interest. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in the major is required for graduation, and all GEO courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher. Students must also complete at least 12 hours of upper-level (300–400) geology courses on campus to satisfy residency requirements. Unlike some science majors, the BA in geology does not require ancillary courses, but it does require completion of a minor to ensure interdisciplinary academic breadth. Students are expected to meet regularly with departmental advisors for academic planning, course selection, and registration approval each semester to ensure they are progressing correctly toward degree completion. Overall, the program is structured to provide a flexible yet scientifically grounded education in geology, preparing students for careers in environmental consulting, education, natural resource management, and further study in geosciences or related fields.