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Geological Sciences Minor

Faculty Contact: Katherine Fornash

Program Overview

The minor in geological sciences provides students the opportunity to develop a moderate level of specialization in geological sciences.

The program begins with an introductory geology course, most often GEOL 1010 - How the Earth Works. However, several other introductory-level courses can substitute with students entering the minor after taking such diverse classes as GEOL 1200 - The Mobile Earth, GEOL 1350 - Natural Disasters, and GEOL 2310 - Water and Pollution (2310). (A full list is available below.) Entering students who have not taken GEOL 1010 or GEOL 2830 - Geology for Engineers complete GEOL 2020 – Introductory Geology Lab, a 1-credit lab course.

Careers

The geological sciences minor can provide a degree of breadth to students majoring in fields that have needs for some geological training as part of a career in fields such as environmental science, governmental science positions, and a variety of environmental careers ranging from scientific investigation from a non-geological science field that requires some geological knowledge to a more politically based career that requires the same knowledge.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Minor Requirements

Minor code: OR3321

Minor Hours Requirement

The geological sciences minor requires a minimum of 19 hours.

Minor Core Requirements

This requirement may be satisfied by taking one of the three following options.

Option 1

Complete the following course:

  • GEOL 1010 - How the Earth Works Credit Hours: 4.0

Option 2

Complete the following course, plus an additional course as a prerequisite:

  • GEOL 2020 - Introductory Geology Lab Credit Hours: 1.0

Plus one of the following courses:

  • GEOL 1200 - The Mobile Earth Credit Hours: 3.0
  • GEOL 1300 - Geology of the National Parks Credit Hours: 3.0
  • GEOL 1350 - Natural Disasters Credit Hours: 3.0
  • GEOL 1400 - Dinosaurs and the Mesozoic Credit Hours: 3.0
  • GEOL 2080 - Geology of the Solar System Credit Hours: 3.0
  • GEOL 2150 - Environmental Geology Credit Hours: 3.0
  • GEOL 2170 - Water Resources and Sustainability Credit Hours 3.0
  • GEOL 2210 - Earth and Life History Credit Hours: 3.0
  • GEOL 2310 - Water and Pollution Credit Hours: 3.0

Option 3

Complete the following course:

  • GEOL 2830 - Geology for Engineers Credit Hours: 4.0

Geological Sciences Minor Required Course

Complete the following course:

  • GEOL 2550 - Historical Geology Credit Hours: 3.0

Upper Level Course Requirements

Complete a minimum of 12 additional hours of GEOL coursework including at least 9 hours at the 3000 or 4000 level.

Note: Students cannot receive credit for both GEOL 3120 and GEOL 3150

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