Degree Requirements
Geosciences
Students who matriculated prior to the Fall of 2021 may choose to graduate with a GEOS degree. Students who matriculated after 2021 please see the EESC degree requirements. Former GEOS courses now carry the EESC departmental designation. Any Geosciences major who matriculated prior to fall of 2021 must work closely with the department to ensure that they are meeting all requirements appropriately.
There are two possible paths to the bachelor's degree in Geoscience: a Bachelor of Science in anticipation of advanced study in the Geosciences, or a Bachelor of Arts for those who seek a less specialized course of study. Earning a B.A. degree does not preclude a professional career in the Geosciences, although admission to some graduate programs may require completion of additional science and mathematics courses.
A student may graduate with a B.S. degree by taking
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| One 100 level introductory geoscience course e.g.: | |
| GEOS 111 | Planet Earth |
| GEOS 112 | Special Topics in the Geosciences |
| GEOS 114 | Special Topics in the Geosciences |
| two foundation courses: | |
| GEOS 210 | Historical Geology |
| and | |
| GEOS 211 | Rocks & Minerals |
| six elective GEOS courses, at least three of which must be at the 300 level; | |
| GEOS 380 | Geoscience Senior Seminar |
| and a geoscience field course | |
| GEOS 400 | Field Course |
| Required additional science courses are four courses from: | |
| CHEM 131 | Atoms and Molecules: Structure and Dynamics |
| CHEM 132 | Organic Structure and Reactivity |
| CS 111 | Discovering Computer Science: Scientific Data and Dynamics |
| BIOL 210 | Molecular Biology and Unicellular Life |
| BIOL 220 | Multicellular Life |
| BIOL 230 | Ecology and Evolution |
| MATH 135 | Single Variable Calculus |
| MATH 145 | Multi-variable Calculus |
| MATH 220 | Applied Statistics |
| and | |
| PHYS 121 | General Physics I |
| PHYS 122 | General Physics II |
| or | |
| PHYS 125 | Physics I: Quarks to Cosmos |
| PHYS 126 | Physics II: Mechanics, Fluids, and Heat |
Students who want to pursue graduate study in the geosciences are strongly encouraged to take additional math and science courses beyond this minimum requirement.
Students seeking a B.A. degree must take one 100 level introductory geoscience course (see above); two foundation courses (see above); six elective GEOS courses, at least three of which must be at the 300 level; and GEOS 380 - Geoscience Senior Seminar. One cognate science course may be substituted for a 200 level elective GEOS course.
Both B.S. and B.A. students are required to pass a comprehensive exam, administered early in the second semester of the senior year.
Note that most upper level geoscience courses are offered in alternate years. Therefore careful schedule planning is important, especially if one pursues a semester of off-campus study.
Earth and Environmental Sciences Minor (formerly Geosciences)
To minor in the Geosciences, a student must take one 100 level introductory geoscience course, GEOS 210 - Historical Geology,GEOS 211 - Rocks & Minerals and three additional Geosciences courses at the 200 or 300 level.
Additional Points of Interest
Geosciences has a long tradition of field trips during the fall and spring semester. Recent trips include Hawaii, coastal Maine, Arizona & Utah, the Bahamas, Death Valley, the Great Smoky Mountains and the Adirondacks.
Abundant student research opportunities are available, including working with faculty in the field or laboratory. Student employment opportunities within the department include working as teaching and laboratory assistants, and assisting in developing and maintaining departmental collections.
The C.L. Herrick Geological Society is an active, student-run organization, which coordinates guest lectures and social events throughout the academic year.
