Departmental Information

GEOSCIENCES (GEOS)

Geosciences, or those sciences dealing with the study of the Earth, incorporate the various fields of study that are applicable to an understanding of the formation and development of chemical, physical and biological aspects of the Earth. Academic and research pursuits in the geosciences lead toward a professional career in questions concerning many different Earth processes; in solving or helping to solve the current and projected issues dealing with land use and urban development; the search for energy sources, water, industrial and commercial minerals, and in environmental reconstruction at archaeological sites. The Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, in association with the department, offers undergraduate and graduate courses in dendrochrolology using tree-rings to study climatic, ecological, environmental and archaeological problems.

The department offers the following degree programs: Bachelor of Science with concentrations in geology, geophysics, or environmental geology; and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy with majors in geosciences. For graduate admissions and degree requirements, consult the Graduate Catalog. The degree of Bachelor of Science in Education with a teaching major in earth sciences is available through the College of Education.

Students also must satisfy university general education requirements, and science education students must take professional preparation courses in the College of Education. A variety of geosciences minor options are available to students in other departments: earth resources, environmental geoscience, geoarchaeology, geochemistry, geophysics, mineralogy, paleontology, petrology, stratigraphy, and tectonics. A thematic minor also is an option. An advisor in the student's field of interest will assist in selecting courses.

The department participates in the honors program.