Geology B.A.
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Program description
Geology offers courses that satisfy a variety of requirements, as well as a curriculum leading to a bachelor of arts degree in geology.
The mission of the geology discipline is provide a firm foundation in the geological and cognate sciences for students interested in the investigation and solution of geologic problems; to prepare students for graduate study in the geosciences; to provide the necessary background in earth science for those who plan to teach in this field at the secondary level; and to serve those in other professional or interdisciplinary programs who need a basic understanding of the geosciences.
The geology curriculum serves the liberal arts by offering courses that allow students to gain a better appreciation of the natural environment; increase their awareness of the impact of dynamic geological events and processes on society; help them recognize the importance of Earth resources, and introduce them to the methodologies and reasoning used in the sciences.
The geology curriculum is designed to provide students with a understanding of the evolution of the Earth as a planetary body and the fundamental geologic principles used to reconstruct Earth history; how to recognize geologic features and Earth materials, and to infer the processes responsible for their formation; and provide the requisite skill set to solve geologic problems. The curriculum seeks to help students hone their observation skills in order to interpret geology in a natural setting, emphasizing the integration of knowledge acquired in the classroom. The curriculum stresses familiarization with current geologic literature, and encourages critical thinking in both approaching research problems and evaluating the literature. The geology program encourages students to pursue independent research projects and has an outstanding track record of student involvement in research. The curriculum is also designed to help students develop and enhance their oral and written communication skills. The curriculum prepares students to enter graduate school and/or find careers as professional geologists.
The mission of the geology discipline is provide a firm foundation in the geological and cognate sciences for students interested in the investigation and solution of geologic problems; to prepare students for graduate study in the geosciences; to provide the necessary background in earth science for those who plan to teach in this field at the secondary level; and to serve those in other professional or interdisciplinary programs who need a basic understanding of the geosciences.
The geology curriculum serves the liberal arts by offering courses that allow students to gain a better appreciation of the natural environment; increase their awareness of the impact of dynamic geological events and processes on society; help them recognize the importance of Earth resources, and introduce them to the methodologies and reasoning used in the sciences.
The geology curriculum is designed to provide students with a understanding of the evolution of the Earth as a planetary body and the fundamental geologic principles used to reconstruct Earth history; how to recognize geologic features and Earth materials, and to infer the processes responsible for their formation; and provide the requisite skill set to solve geologic problems. The curriculum seeks to help students hone their observation skills in order to interpret geology in a natural setting, emphasizing the integration of knowledge acquired in the classroom. The curriculum stresses familiarization with current geologic literature, and encourages critical thinking in both approaching research problems and evaluating the literature. The geology program encourages students to pursue independent research projects and has an outstanding track record of student involvement in research. The curriculum is also designed to help students develop and enhance their oral and written communication skills. The curriculum prepares students to enter graduate school and/or find careers as professional geologists.
Program last updated
Spring 2024