COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Geology at Wichita State University requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of Earth sciences while offering greater flexibility than the Bachelor of Science degree. In addition to completing university General Education requirements and the requirements of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students must complete at least 30 credit hours in geology. The core geology curriculum includes courses such as Earth Science and the Environment or General Geology, Earth and Space Sciences, Historical Geology, Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, and Structural Geology. These courses provide a solid foundation in Earth materials, geological processes, environmental systems, Earth history, and the structure of the planet. Students must also complete a capstone experience by selecting one advanced course such as Geochemical Cycling, Field Geology, Geohydrology, or Geologic Perspectives on Climatic Change. This capstone requirement allows students to apply their knowledge to specialized topics and gain deeper expertise in areas aligned with their interests and career goals. In addition, students choose six credit hours of geology electives in consultation with a faculty advisor, enabling them to tailor the program to specific professional or academic objectives. Supporting science requirements include Elementary Statistics, Precalculus Mathematics or College Trigonometry, Introductory General, Organic and Biochemistry or General Chemistry I, and Introductory Physics for students without prior high school physics experience. Compared with the BS degree, the BA program requires fewer advanced science and mathematics courses, making it an excellent option for students who wish to combine geology with other disciplines such as education, environmental studies, business, public policy, or geography. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, education, natural resource management, conservation, and related fields, while also gaining a strong foundation for graduate study. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory experience, field investigations, and applied learning opportunities to produce well-rounded graduates with scientific knowledge and practical skills applicable to a wide range of professions.