Geological Sciences
Major/Minor
Geology is the study of the earth's physical makeup and history. Geology can be divided into two basic areas: physical geology, which focuses on the earth's structure and composition; and historical geology, which focuses on the evolution of the earth and its life forms from its origins to the present. Career opportunities within the realm of geology are very diverse. The optimum level of preparation in many of these fields is the Master of Science degree; however, in some fields, employment opportunities are available with a Bachelor of Science degree.
- Students may pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts curriculum. The Bachelor of Science program is more structured and, through the various options offered, is intended to prepare students for rather specific professional or technical objectives. The Bachelor of Arts program is more flexible and permits interdisciplinary studies, such as a dual major.
- There are four different curriculum options designed to meet students' specific interests: geology, environmental geosciences, geophysics, and geological sciences education (earth and space sciences, earth sciences/chemistry, or life sciences/earth sciences).
- Field courses to the northern Rocky Mountains, the Southwestern United States, the Smoky Mountains, and the Bahamas provide the opportunity to visit sites of unique geological and paleontological interest.
| Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences - Suggested Curriculum |
Freshman
Comp I&II
College Algebra I&II
Physical Geology I&II
Calculus I
Submicroscopic Chemistry
Macroscopic Chemistry
Historical Geology
Quantitative Chemistry
Fine Arts |
Sophomore
General Physics I, II, III
Calculus II, III
Statistics I
Geology Electives
Regional Studies
Comparative Studies
Great Books
Psychology
General Elective |
Junior
Crystallography & Optics
Minerology
Structural Geology
Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology
Sedimentary Petrology
Computer Programming
History Course
Economics
Supporting Electives
General Elective |
Senior
Stratigraphy
Paleontology
Sedimentology
Field Geology
Geology Seminars
Political Science Sociology
Geology Electives
Supporting Electives |
Fast Facts:
Average starting salaries for professionals with bachelor's degree in a science- or mathematics-related field: biological sciences $28,066; chemistry $36,823; environmental studies $28,236; geology $35,687; mathematics $41,295; and physics $39,872. (Source: Salary Survey Summer 2000 The National Association of Colleges and Employers)
Geological Sciences Education:
Geological Sciences Education is designed for students who wish to teach Earth Sciences in Ohio public high schools. Students may complete a Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Space Sciences, Earth Sciences/Chemistry or Life Sciences/Earth Sciences. Upon completion of the bachelor's degree, students need to obtain master's degree through the College of Education and Human Services for licensure in the State of Ohio. |
