COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geology at Wichita State University requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and provides students with a rigorous scientific education that prepares them for careers in geology, environmental science, natural resources, engineering, and related fields. In addition to completing university General Education requirements and the standards of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students must complete at least 43 credit hours of geology coursework along with substantial training in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and statistics. The geology core curriculum begins with General Geology and Historical Geology and progresses into specialized courses such as Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy, Petrology and Petrography, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Structural Geology, Biogeology, and Environmental and Engineering Field Methods. These courses provide students with a deep understanding of Earth materials, geologic processes, fossil records, rock formation, environmental systems, and geological structures. A key component of the program is the six-credit-hour Field Geology capstone course, which provides extensive hands-on field experience and allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real geological settings. Students also complete nine credit hours of upper-division geology electives tailored to their career interests, with options such as Geohydrology and other advanced geology subjects selected in consultation with faculty advisors. The program emphasizes a strong scientific foundation through supporting coursework in Calculus I and II, Elementary Statistics, General Chemistry I and II, and either the General College Physics sequence or the more advanced Physics for Scientists sequence with laboratory components. This combination of geology and supporting sciences equips students with analytical, quantitative, and field-based skills essential for professional practice. Graduates are well prepared for employment in environmental consulting, hydrogeology, natural resource exploration, energy industries, government geological agencies, engineering firms, and research organizations. The degree also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in geosciences and environmental sciences and helps students meet educational requirements for professional geologist licensure. Overall, the program combines extensive fieldwork, laboratory training, and scientific coursework to prepare students for successful careers in the Earth sciences.