Geology Minor

The Biology and Earth Systems Science (BESS) department offers a minor in geology for students who wish to focus their studies in solid earth geoscience. The geology minor integrates classroom, laboratory and field studies to teach students how geologists, in their quest for greater understanding of earth processes and resources, gather and interpret data about the earth. From geologic hazards assessment (volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides) to minerals and energy resource evaluation (metals, fossil fuels, geothermal sources) to environmental problem solving (global climate change, radioactive waste disposal, groundwater pollution), scientists and engineers with expertise in geology work in a variety of capacities to improve the quality of human life. The geology minor provides students with a core experience in geology and a gateway into the diverse career paths of geoscientists or graduate programs in geology.

Requirements

1. A minimum of 18 total credits of GEO courses or other courses towards the minor approved by the Earth Systems Sciences (ESS) program coordinator.
2. GEO 101 - Intro to Geology (3 credits) and GEO 103 - Intro to Geology Lab (1 credit),
3. Remaining 14 credits must be 200-level or above.
4. Minimum grade of 2.0 in courses toward minor.
5. GEO 298/398, or other non-GEO topics courses may count towards the minor pending approval of the ESS program coordinator.

Civil and Environmental Engineering majors can use ENV 321 - Hydrology (3 credits) toward the geology minor.