Geology department offers three degree-award programs: The Geology major, the Earth Science major, and the Geoscience track of Environmental Science major:

Geology Major (30 hours)

Requirements: 101/110, 104, 301, 302, 311, 313, 322, 495, 496. Chemistry 111, 112. Plus one course in field geology at a field camp approved by the department.


Recommended for graduate school: Calculus and 2 courses in each of physics, biology, foreign language.

Earth Science Major (9 courses)

Requirements: Geology 101/110, 104, 200/220, 301, 302, 311. Geography 321, Physics 150, Geology 345 or Geography 111.


The education department should be consulted for specific requirements for teacher certification for the various states.

Geoscience track of Environmental Science major (7 courses from Geology Department)

Requirements: Geology 101/110, 104, 200, 220, 301, 302, Geography 321.

Please examine other core course requirement in the Environment Science program

Those planning to teach at the secondary level should consider certification in an additional teaching area such as general science.

Geology 101 : Introduction to geology

This is a four credit hour course with no prerequisite. It is a study of the forces, processes and events which have shaped out physical environment. It includes 90 minutes laboratory exercise each week.

Geology 102: Selected topics in the geosciences

This is an one to four credit hour course with no prerequisite. It introduces the student to the concepts and techniques of data collection and interpretation in an important area of the geosciences. The student may elect courses from the following areas: Past life and environments, Oceanography, Landform evolution. It includes laboratory exercise and field trips.

Geology 104: Earth history

This is a four credit hour course with Geol 101 as prerequisite. It is a study of the methods and principles employed in deciphering the geologic history of the earth and the development of life. Emphasis is upon the geological evolution of the North American continent and the main features of the fossil record. It includes laboratory exercise and field trips.

Geology 110: Environmental Geology

A study of the interaction between humans and the geologic environment. Geologic phenomena such as flooding, volcanoes, earthquakes, and shoreline and soil erosion are examined. Discussions of groundwater flow, geologic constraints on sewage and solid waste disposal, resource utilization, acid rain, and the greenhouse effect.

Geology 200: Oceanography

A broad study of the marine environment which emphasizes the interrelationships of living and non-living systems. Current concepts of ocean evolution are analyzed with respect to their physical, chemical, and biological importance. Two hours laboratory exercise per week included.

Geology 220: Landscape evolution

Comprehensive analysis of geological processes operating at or near the earth’s surface. Topics include weathering, soil development, mass wasting, and fluvial, glacial, eolian, and coastal erosion and deposition. Geomorphic systems are viewed primarily from a process-response perspective. Two hours laboratory exercise per week included. Pre-requisite: Geology 101 or Geology 110

Geology 295: Research Experience

This course is an elective course with 1 to 3 hour credit. The goal of this course is to give proper credit to first-year or sophomore student who is interested in geology/earth science/geoscience program and is taking time to obtain some research experience. Student should contact an instructor to choose a research topic and to arrange research activity.

Geology 301: Mineralogy

This is a four credit hour course with Geol 101 or Geol 110 as prerequisite or with the permission of instructor. This course deals with the physical, chemical and geological properties of minerals. The course includes exercises on mineral identification and mineral description. It includes laboratory exercises and/or field trips.

Geology 302: Petrology

This is a four credit hour course with Geol 101 or Geol 110 as prerequisite. This course studies the classification and genesis of rocks. It also include the discussion on the origin and evolution of earth's crust. It includes laboratory exercises and/or field trips.

Geology 311: Paleontology

This is a three credit hour courses with the permission of instructor as prerequisite. It studies the texonomy, morphology and recognition of stratigraphically-significant invertebrate fossils. Biostratigraphy, paleoecology and the evolutionary history of orgranisms as viewed from the standpoint of the fossil record are also included. Micropaleontology, vertebrate paleontology and paleobotany are introduced. It includes laboratory exercises and field trip.

Geology 313: Structural geology

This is a three credit hour course with Geol 101 or Geol 110 or permission of instructor as a prerequisite. It deals with the mechanical principles of rock deformation and the resulting development of folds, faults, joints and other tectonic features. Geologic mapping, problem solving and field techniques are emphasized. It includes laboratory exercises and/or field trip.

Geology 322: Sedimentology and physical stratigraphy

This is a three credit hour course with Geol 101 or Geol 110, and Geol 104 as prerequisite. It is a study of the principles that govern the distribution and variability of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Emphasis is upon interpretation of source, mode of transport and environment of deposition of sedimentary sequences by analysis of vertical and lateral variations in texture, composition, sedimentary structures and geometry of sedimentary rock bodies. It includes laboratory exercise and field trips.

Geology 495, 496: Geological research

These are courses of intensive studies of selected problem in geology. Geol 495 gives two credit hours and Geol496 gives three credit hours. They should be taken in two successive semesters. Sufficient field and laboratory time to complete the project are required.